Honey mustard chicken is a classic recipe that is simple to make, yet bursting with sweet and tangy flavor. The combination of honey and mustard creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the juicy tender chicken. This versatile dish can be made with chicken breasts thighs, or a mix of both. It’s easy to customize based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Follow this guide to learn how to make irresistible honey mustard chicken every time.
Ingredients Needed
To make honey mustard chicken you will need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts and/or thighs
- Honey (1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup)
- Yellow mustard (1⁄4 to 1⁄2 cup)
- Dijon or whole-grain mustard (2 to 4 tablespoons)
- Olive oil or vegetable/canola oil (2 to 3 tablespoons)
- Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar (1 to 2 tablespoons)
- Garlic, minced (2 to 3 cloves)
- Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (optional – for sauce)
The precise measurements can vary based on how much chicken you are cooking and your personal tastes. More honey and mustard makes for a stronger glaze, while less creates a lighter coating.
Prep the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. If using breasts, pound them to an even 1⁄2 to 1 inch thickness so they cook evenly. Cut breasts or thighs into uniform pieces if desired.
Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. This helps flavor the chicken and creates a nice sear when cooking.
Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustards, olive oil or vegetable oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs. The acidity from the vinegars and mustards helps tenderize the chicken while infusing flavor.
You can play around with the specific mustards. Dijon provides a sharpness, while yellow mustard brings classic flavor. Grainy or whole-grain mustards add texture. Use about half yellow mustard and half Dijon or grainy mustard.
For the herbs, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary and sage all pair well. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, dill or basil would also be delicious. Add the herbs at the end to preserve their flavor.
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a sealable plastic bag or baking dish. Pour the honey mustard marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 4 hours, flipping occasionally. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be.
Cook the Chicken
You can cook honey mustard chicken baked or pan seared.
For baked chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken in a baking dish and pour remaining marinade over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and browned.
For pan seared chicken, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
An internal temperature of 165°F indicates the chicken is safe to eat. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Make a Sauce (Optional)
Drizzle more honey mustard over the cooked chicken or serve it on the side as a sauce. For a creamy sauce, whisk 1-2 tablespoons mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream into 1⁄4 cup of the extra marinade. The fat balances the acidity for a luscious dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Honey mustard chicken is extremely versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve over rice, quinoa, couscous or roasted potatoes
- Toss with greens, tomatoes, cheese and vinaigrette for a chicken salad
- Layer on sandwiches or wraps with lettuce, tomato and avocado
- Dice and add to pasta, grain bowls or pizza
- Enjoy with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli or carrots
The sweet and tangy chicken is the perfect topper for all kinds of meals. Get creative with your own flavor combinations!
Tips for the Best Honey Mustard Chicken
Follow these tips for foolproof, restaurant-quality honey mustard chicken every time:
- Pound chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly
- Generously season chicken with salt and pepper before and after marinating
- Let chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor
- Use both Dijon and yellow mustard for balanced flavor
- Add fresh or dried herbs at the end to maintain their flavor
- Cook over medium-high heat to get a nice sear while keeping chicken moist
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe 165°F
- Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat
- Mix leftover marinade with mayo or yogurt to make a creamy sauce
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
With this easy recipe and helpful tips, you can feel confident making restaurant-worthy honey mustard chicken. The sweet and tangy flavor is sure to be a hit at any meal. Get creative with different herbs, mustards and serving suggestions for a versatile, crowd-pleasing chicken dinner.
How to make Crispy Honey Mustard Chicken
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine honey mustard dressing, salt, and pepper; remove 1/3 cup and set aside.
- Place corn flake crumbs in another small mixing bowl.
- Dip each chicken breast into dressing mixture, then coat in corn flake crumbs and place in prepared pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
- Drizzle remaining dressing mixture (the 1/3 cup that was set aside) over chicken breasts and serve.
Storing and Other Tips
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat in the Air Fryer to crisp it back up.
There is a small secret to keeping your cornflakes from getting soggy on the bottom. Here is how you do it:
- Place a metal cookie cooling rack on your cookie sheet.
- Place your chicken tenders on the cookie cooling rack. This will allow the juices to fall, and your chicken won’t cook in them, making them more crisp and less soggy.
- Bake as directed. You can rotate them to evenly cook them. Broil for one minute at the end, to ensure extra crispiness.
Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
FAQ
How to make honey and mustard chicken?
- Place two chicken breasts in a deep fill dish suitable for oven cooking.
- In a bowl mix the honey, mustard, olive oil, mixed herbs and season.
- Pour over the chicken breasts, turn the breasts until mixture coats both sides.
- Oven roast at 180 degrees for 25-30 mins.
How to make chicken tonight honey and mustard?
- Heat oil in a large non stick frypan over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden. Add Chicken Tonight Honey & Mustard Simmer Sauce and stir well. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with spring onion. Serve with steamed rice and green beans.
What makes honey mustard sauce?
Honey mustard sauce is the most incredibly sweet, tangy, and creamy sauce made from simple ingredients like honey, mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, and a couple spices. It takes only a few minutes to make and can be used in several ways.
How long does honey mustard chicken take to cook?
This Honey Mustard Chicken is exactly what you need if you’re looking for a flavor-packed, one-pan dinner meal that can be made in just 30 minutes! And the creamy honey mustard cream sauce is amazing on rice, potatoes, and roasted veggies, too! For more cozy chicken recipes, try my Baked Mustard Chicken Meatballs and Chicken in Pumpkin Sauce.
Can honey mustard chicken be baked?
Baked chicken is such an easy yet satisfying way to do dinner, and this honey mustard chicken is no exception. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are smothered in a homemade honey mustard sauce and baked to juicy perfection in this amazingly delicious dish. How Do You Make Honey Mustard Chicken?
How do you cook chicken in honey mustard sauce?
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, and paprika. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each breast in the honey mustard sauce.
What is honey mustard chicken?
This honey mustard chicken uses two different kinds of mustard for depth of flavor, honey, and butter to create a simple yet delicious sauce. You’ll wonder why you hadn’t been making it from scratch all along. It’s a hassle-free stovetop recipe that’s ideal for busy weeknights.
How do you marinate chicken in honey mustard?
Here’s what you’ll need: Honey: for the delicious, sweet base of the honey mustard marinade. Dijon mustard: a little tangy whole grain mustard to pair with the honey. Olive oil: you’ll want a bit of olive oil to add moisture and coat the chicken completely. Garlic: fresh garlic brings out all of the flavors.
Can honey mustard chicken be refrigerated?
Refrigerate: Once baked, honey mustard chicken will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing: If you prefer, you can freeze the marinated chicken (either baked or unbaked) for up to 3 months.