Honey mustard chicken is a quick and easy recipe that’s full of flavor. With tender chicken and a sweet, tangy glaze, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you grill or bake it, this simple dish will become a family favorite in no time.
Why We Love This Honey Mustard Chicken
This honey mustard chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes: it’s simple, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend gathering, this dish will never disappoint. Here’s why we love it:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is ready in no time. It’s perfect for those days when you need a tasty meal without the fuss. No complicated techniques, just tender chicken with a mouthwatering glaze.
- Flavorful Glaze: The honey mustard sauce is the star of the show, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s the kind of glaze that sticks to the chicken beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of savory goodness.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer grilling or baking, this recipe adapts perfectly. Grilling adds a smoky touch, while baking keeps the chicken moist and juicy. Both methods work wonderfully, so you can choose the one that suits your mood or kitchen setup.
- Family-Friendly: The mild yet flavorful sauce makes this dish a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s a great option for a family meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein, this honey mustard chicken is both delicious and nutritious. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients for honey mustard chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Perfect for quick cooking and absorbing the glaze flavor.
Honey – Adds sweetness and smooth texture to the glaze.
Dijon mustard – Provides tangy and mild spice, balancing the honey.
Olive oil – This keeps the chicken moist and adds flavor to the glaze.
Garlic powder – This adds savory depth to the glaze.
Lemon juice – Brightens the glaze and helps tenderize the chicken.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
Instructions
Making honey mustard chicken is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time:
Prep the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
Whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, and lemon juice to make the glaze.
Cook the Chicken:
For Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high, brush the chicken with sauce, and grill for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F.
For Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, brush with sauce, and bake for 25-30 minutes until it reaches 165°F.
Glaze and Serve:
Brush with more glaze, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, and then serve.
Pro Tips
To make your honey mustard chicken even better, here are some helpful tips and tricks that will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:
Don’t Overcook the Chicken:
The key to juicy, tender chicken is to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken. This ensures the meat stays moist and tender.
Let the Chicken Rest:
After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more flavorful and tender.
Double the Glaze:
For an extra burst of flavor, make a little more of the honey mustard glaze and drizzle it over the chicken just before serving. You can also use the extra glaze as a dipping sauce!
Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor:
If you prefer, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs. The bone helps keep the meat juicy, and the skin adds an extra crispy texture when grilled or baked.
Make It Spicy:
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce. It’ll give your chicken a spicy kick without overpowering the sweetness.
Marinate for Extra Flavor:
For an even more flavorful dish, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking. This lets the flavors penetrate the meat, making each bite even more delicious.
Variations
This honey mustard chicken recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to fit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:
Add a Sweet Twist:
Want to make the glaze even sweeter? Try adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the honey mustard sauce. This will enhance the sweetness and create a slightly different depth of flavor.
Use Different Cuts of Chicken:
While chicken breasts are the go-to for this recipe, you can switch things up by using chicken thighs. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will give you a slightly richer flavor and a crispy, caramelized skin when baked or grilled.
Make It a One-Pan Meal:
For a no-fuss dinner, bake the chicken alongside your favorite vegetables. Roasted potatoes, carrots, and broccoli all pair wonderfully with honey mustard chicken. Simply toss the veggies in olive oil, season them with salt and pepper, and roast them in the same pan as the chicken.
Add Fresh Herbs:
Elevate the flavor by adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. You can either sprinkle them on top before serving or toss them into the honey mustard glaze for a fresh burst of flavor.
Try a Spicy Honey Mustard Sauce:
For those who like a bit of heat, stir some Sriracha or hot sauce into the honey mustard glaze. This spicy version pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy flavors and adds an extra kick to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Honey mustard chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes, creating a well-rounded meal for any occasion. Here are some great serving ideas to complement the flavorful chicken:
Roasted Vegetables:
Serve your honey mustard chicken with roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. The natural sweetness of the vegetables enhances the honey glaze and adds a wholesome touch to the meal.
Rice or Quinoa:
For a hearty base, pair the chicken with a side of fluffy rice or quinoa. The grains absorb the honey mustard sauce and provide a nice contrast in texture to the tender chicken.
Crispy Salad:
A fresh, crisp salad makes a light and refreshing complement to the richness of the chicken. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad.
Mashed Potatoes:
Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side dish that balances the sweet and tangy flavors of the honey mustard chicken. The creamy potatoes soak up the sauce, making every bite irresistible.
Crusty Bread:
A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up any extra honey mustard glaze left on your plate. It adds texture and makes the meal feel even more comforting.
More Chicken recipes you will love!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about honey mustard chicken to help you get the most out of this delicious recipe:
Is honey mustard chicken healthy?
Honey mustard chicken can be a healthy choice, especially when using lean cuts of chicken like boneless, skinless breasts. The honey mustard sauce adds flavor without being overly heavy. For a healthier option, you can reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a natural sweetener like maple syrup. Pairing it with vegetables or whole grains further enhances the nutritional value of the dish.
Can I make honey mustard chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! Honey mustard chicken is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to infuse the meat for even more delicious results. Cooked honey mustard chicken can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheated when ready to serve.
What are some good side dishes to serve with honey mustard chicken?
Honey mustard chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. You can also serve it with rice or grilled corn on the cob for a satisfying, balanced meal.
Can I use a different type of mustard in the glaze?
While Dijon mustard gives the sauce its signature tang, you can experiment with different types of mustard. Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can add a different flavor profile, giving the glaze a more mild or textured taste. Just adjust the sweetness to your preference.
How can I make honey mustard chicken spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or even finely chopped jalapeños to the honey mustard glaze. This will give the chicken a spicy kick without overpowering the sweetness of the honey.
honey mustard chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze stick better and ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, and lemon juice. This will create a smooth and flavorful glaze that coats the chicken perfectly.
Cook the Chicken:
- For Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken with a generous amount of the honey mustard sauce. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden and caramelized.
- For Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the chicken with the honey mustard sauce, then bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
Glaze and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, brush it with a little more honey mustard glaze for extra flavor. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.