Irresistibly Tangy Sweet & Savory Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

My recent experiments with honey mustard chicken have revolutionized weeknight dinner strategies.

Kitchen adventures often surprise us with unexpected flavor combinations.

Bold ingredients can transform simple protein into something extraordinary.

Smart home cooks understand that marinades unlock incredible taste potential.

Blending sweet and tangy notes creates magical meal moments.

A perfect balance of honey, mustard, and tender chicken promises delightful satisfaction.

Dive into this recipe and watch your dinner table come alive with excitement.

Ingredients for Sweet and Savory Honey Mustard Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in this delicious recipe.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking medium and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Salted Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps keep the chicken moist during baking.

• Dijon Mustard: Offers a tangy and sharp flavor to the honey mustard sauce.
• Yellow Mustard: Contributes additional tangy notes and depth to the sauce.
• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a balanced, glossy sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a mild, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, green color and mild herbal flavor.

How to Cook Honey Mustard Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm the oven to 375F. Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Tenderize Chicken

Gently pound chicken breasts to create uniform thickness. Sprinkle salt and pepper across the surface.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken breasts quickly, about 2 minutes per side, creating a golden exterior.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Honey Mustard Sauce

• Olive oil
• Dijon mustard
• Yellow mustard
• Honey
• Garlic powder

Step 5: Layer Sauce and Chicken

Pour half the honey mustard sauce into the prepared baking dish.

Arrange seared chicken breasts on top. Drizzle remaining sauce over the chicken.

Step 6: Add Butter Topping

Place a slice of salted butter on each chicken breast.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a fresh garnish.

Serve hot and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

Tips for Juicy Honey Mustard Chicken Every Time

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and retain moisture throughout the meat.
• Sear chicken in a hot skillet before baking to develop a rich, golden-brown exterior and lock in delicious flavors.
• Pour sauce on bottom and top of chicken to guarantee complete flavor penetration and juicy results.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring chicken reaches 165F for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley as a final touch to add color, freshness, and a professional restaurant-style appearance.

Creative Variations of Honey Mustard Chicken

• Spicy Honey Mustard Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the sauce for a fiery flavor boost.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the honey mustard sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Citrus Zinger: Mix in fresh lemon or orange zest to brighten the sauce and add a tangy dimension.
• Nutty Crunch Topper: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans over the chicken before baking for added texture and nutty flavor.

Pairings to Complement Honey Mustard Chicken

• Pair Perfectly with Tangy White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich honey mustard sauce, balancing the chicken's sweet and savory flavors with its bright, zesty notes.
• Create Complementary Side Dish: Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans provide a fresh, slightly bitter contrast that enhances the chicken's golden-brown exterior and complex mustard glaze.
• Match with Creamy Potato Gratin: Smooth, cheesy potato side absorbs the honey mustard sauce beautifully, creating a luxurious texture that elevates the entire meal's flavor profile.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Warm, rustic bread becomes the perfect vehicle for soaking up the remaining honey mustard sauce, ensuring not a drop of deliciousness goes to waste.

How to Store Honey Mustard Chicken Correctly

Store leftover honey mustard chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer chicken to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.

Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals until warmed through, checking temperature to reach 165F.

Preheat oven to 325F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

• What makes this honey mustard sauce different from store-bought versions?

This homemade sauce combines Dijon and yellow mustard with honey, creating a more complex, fresh flavor that’s less processed and more vibrant than bottled sauces.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly. Just adjust cooking time slightly and ensure they reach 165F internal temperature for food safety.

• Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing creates a golden-brown exterior and locks in moisture, adding depth of flavor and preventing dry chicken. However, you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165F at its thickest part. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

Sweet and Savory Honey Mustard Chicken Guide

• Savor Flavor-Packed Delight: This honey mustard chicken combines sweet and tangy flavors that dance on your taste buds, creating a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
• Master Quick Cooking: Requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish that looks impressive but takes minimal culinary skills.
• Customize with Ease: Perfect for adapting to different dietary preferences, you can swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's unique taste without compromising the delicious core recipe.
• Impress Without Stress: The one-pan method means less cleanup, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you want a delectable meal without complicated cooking techniques.

Sweet & Savory Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Honey mustard chicken brings together zesty mustard and golden honey in a mouthwatering dance of flavors that elevates weeknight dinners. Succulent chicken breasts glazed with a perfect balance of tangy and sweet will make you crave this simple yet irresistible meal again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 inch thick / 113.4 grams each)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauces and Liquids:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
• 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 tablespoons (56.7 grams) salted butter, sliced into individual one-tablespoon pieces
• Parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Calibrate oven temperature to 375°F and coat a rectangular baking vessel with nonstick spray for optimal cooking preparation.
2. Transform chicken breasts into uniform thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring even cooking potential. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
3. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high flame. Sear chicken breasts until exterior develops a rich golden-brown crust, approximately 2 minutes per surface. Transfer browned protein to a temporary holding plate.
4. Craft honey mustard sauce by whisking together olive oil, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and garlic powder until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Distribute half the prepared sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a flavor foundation. Strategically position seared chicken breasts atop the sauce layer.
6. Cascade remaining honey mustard sauce over chicken, ensuring complete coverage and moisture retention.
7. Crown each chicken breast with a precise slice of salted butter, which will melt and infuse additional richness during roasting.
8. Roast in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until chicken reaches a safe 165°F.
9. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish and aromatic finish before serving.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken without guesswork.
• Customize the honey mustard sauce by adjusting mustard and honey ratios to create a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste preferences.
• For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to maintain the dish’s signature sweet and tangy flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 414 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 657 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg