Honey Mustard Chicken

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Dinner

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful chicken dish that’s both sweet and tangy, this Honey Mustard Chicken is exactly what you need. It’s a quick and easy recipe that brings together the rich taste of honey, the sharp tang of mustard, and the buttery goodness that makes every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s all baked to juicy perfection in under 30 minutes!

This dish is perfect for weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad. The best part? The honey mustard sauce is made with just a few pantry staples, making this meal both convenient and incredibly delicious.

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Quick and Easy – Simple steps and minimal prep make this a perfect weeknight dinner.
  • Incredible Flavor – The balance of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and rich butter creates a mouthwatering sauce.
  • Juicy and Tender – Searing the chicken before baking locks in the moisture for the perfect texture.
  • Versatile – Serve it with anything from rice and potatoes to vegetables or a fresh salad.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Baking:

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter (sliced into four 1-tablespoon pieces)
  • Parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

The first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and reach the perfect golden brown finish.

Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Step 2: Pound & Season the Chicken

To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet (or a rolling pin) to pound them to about ½ to ¾ inch thickness.

Thinner chicken breasts will cook more evenly and stay juicy. If some pieces are much thicker than others, they may take longer to cook, which could result in dry or overcooked chicken.

Once the chicken is even in thickness, season both sides with salt and pepper. This helps enhance the natural flavor and gives the dish a well-rounded taste.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

This is the step that takes your chicken from basic to restaurant-quality. Searing locks in the juices and adds a beautiful golden crust.

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 2 minutes per side until lightly golden brown.
  • You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage. The goal is just to develop flavor and color before baking.

After searing, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside while you prepare the honey mustard sauce.

Step 4: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

Now for the real star of the dish—the honey mustard sauce. This sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, and it comes together in just a few minutes.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:

  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (this helps the sauce coat the chicken evenly)

Make sure to whisk until the sauce is smooth and well combined. The Dijon mustard adds depth and richness, while the yellow mustard brings a more traditional tang. The honey balances everything out with its natural sweetness, and the garlic powder gives it a little extra savory flavor.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to put everything together.

  • Pour half of the honey mustard sauce into the bottom of your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
  • Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.

At this point, the dish already looks incredible, but there’s one final touch that takes it over the top—butter.

Place one tablespoon of butter on top of each chicken breast. As the chicken bakes, the butter melts into the sauce, adding a rich, velvety texture that makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Now it’s time to let the oven do the work.

  • Bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, they may need a few extra minutes, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

As the chicken bakes, the sauce thickens, and the flavors meld together beautifully. The honey caramelizes slightly, creating a rich, glossy coating on the chicken.

If you want an extra golden-brown finish, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

For a final touch, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top. While optional, it adds a pop of color and a subtle freshness that complements the richness of the sauce.

Now, it’s time to dig in! This honey mustard chicken pairs perfectly with:

  • Steamed rice – to soak up all that delicious sauce
  • Roasted vegetables – like carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts
  • A fresh green salad – for a lighter side option
  • Mashed potatoes – for a creamy, comforting addition

No matter how you serve it, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you head to the kitchen, here are some commonly asked questions to help you get the best results with this Honey Mustard Chicken.

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving than chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time—thighs may need a few extra minutes in the oven to reach 165°F (75°C).

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken in it for a few hours or even overnight for extra flavor. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the baking instructions.

3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second increments, but the oven helps maintain the texture better.

4. What can I serve with honey mustard chicken?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Some great options include:

  • Rice or quinoa
  • Roasted or steamed vegetables
  • Mashed or baked potatoes
  • A fresh green salad

5. Can I use only Dijon mustard or only yellow mustard?

Yes, but using a combination of both gives the best balance of flavor. Dijon mustard adds depth and a slightly sharp taste, while yellow mustard provides a classic tang. If you only have one type, you can still make the sauce—just know that the flavor profile might be slightly different.

6. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious.

7. Can I freeze this honey mustard chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Chicken is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful, satisfying meal. The combination of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and rich butter makes every bite absolutely delicious. Plus, with minimal prep and a quick bake time, it’s a great option for busy weeknights.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out! Leave a comment with any variations you tried, or share your favorite sides to serve with it. Happy cooking!

Print

Honey Mustard Chicken

This Honey Mustard Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, baked to perfection with a rich, buttery glaze. The golden-browned chicken is smothered in a smooth honey-mustard sauce and finished with a hint of garlic. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal!

  • Author: Mark's Recipe
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Baking:

  • 4 tablespoons salted butter (sliced into four 1-tablespoon pieces)
  • Parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

2️⃣ Pound & Season:
Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ to ¾ inch thick). This ensures even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

3️⃣ Sear the Chicken:
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4️⃣ Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and garlic powder until smooth.

5️⃣ Assemble & Bake:
Pour half of the honey mustard sauce into the prepared baking dish. Place the seared chicken breasts on top, then pour the remaining sauce over the chicken. Top each breast with one tablespoon of butter.

6️⃣ Bake to Perfection:
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts.

7️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad!

Notes

Searing first locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes.
Pair with: Mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4

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