Honey Mustard Chicken

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Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly savory — that’s how I would describe this Honey Mustard Chicken. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress. The juicy chicken breast is seared to golden perfection and then coated with a sticky honey mustard glaze that caramelizes in the oven for a flavor-packed finish. It’s the kind of dish that looks fancy, but comes together with barely any effort.

I love how the honey and mustard balance each other — the honey brings warmth and sweetness while the mustard adds just enough sharpness to cut through the richness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether I serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or over a crisp salad, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken

This recipe is all about bold flavor without the fuss. You don’t need any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, and the entire dish is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The honey mustard glaze also works beautifully for meal prep — it stays juicy and flavorful even after reheating.

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What Kind of Mustard Should I Use?

I prefer using a mix of Dijon and whole grain mustard for this recipe. Dijon brings creaminess and a gentle kick, while the whole grain mustard adds texture and a burst of tangy flavor. If you only have one type of mustard on hand, don’t worry — you can stick to just Dijon or even try spicy brown mustard for an extra punch.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative — they’re even juicier and more forgiving when cooked. You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey if needed, though it will change the flavor slightly. For a dairy-free version, skip the butter and use olive oil. And if you’re looking to cut down on sugar, opt for a sugar-free mustard and reduce the honey a bit.

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Ingredients for this Honey Mustard Chicken

• Chicken Breasts – The lean protein star of this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb flavor well.
• Dijon Mustard – Creamy and tangy, this mustard adds a sharp depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey.
• Whole Grain Mustard – Brings texture and bursts of zesty flavor in every bite.
• Honey – The sweet counterpart to the mustard, helping to create a glaze that caramelizes perfectly when baked.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
• Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken and add richness to the sauce.
• Butter – Adds extra flavor and helps in browning the chicken beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper – Enhances and balances all the other ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to finish the dish.

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to help the seasoning stick and ensure the chicken sears properly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

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Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Set aside.

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Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken breasts. Sear for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them through yet—this just builds flavor and locks in juices.

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Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Use a spoon or brush to coat the chicken evenly. Let the sauce bubble for a minute to start thickening.

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Step 5: Bake Until Done

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The sauce will caramelize slightly and become sticky.

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Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the juices inside and makes every bite tender. Spoon extra sauce from the skillet over the chicken, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.

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How Long to Prepare the Honey Mustard Chicken

Prep Time: The preparation is quick and efficient — you’ll need about 10 minutes to gather and mix the sauce, season the chicken, and get everything into the skillet. There’s no long marinating or complicated prep work involved.

Cook Time: The chicken sears for about 6–8 minutes total on the stovetop, then finishes in the oven for 12–15 minutes. In total, you’re looking at just around 25 minutes of active cooking time. With resting time included, dinner is on the table in under 40 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Honey Mustard Chicken

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Pull the chicken out once it hits 165°F internally.
• Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy.
• Whisk the sauce thoroughly to ensure the honey and mustard are well blended.
• Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown — this creates extra flavor.
• Spoon sauce over the chicken halfway through baking for an extra glossy glaze.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the sear – You’ll miss out on that flavorful crust and texture.
• Using only one type of mustard – A mix gives better balance and complexity.
• Overbaking – Dry chicken ruins the dish. Always check the temperature.
• Not resting the meat – Juices need a few minutes to redistribute after cooking.
• Too much honey – It can burn in the oven. Stick to the ratio in the recipe.

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What to Serve With Honey Mustard Chicken?

1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and garlicky, these pair beautifully with the sweet tang of the chicken.

2. Steamed Green Beans with Lemon

A crisp and fresh contrast to the richness of the glaze.

3. Wild Rice Pilaf

Nutty and aromatic, wild rice adds texture and balances the flavors.

4. Garden Salad with Vinaigrette

Light and refreshing — perfect to brighten the meal.

5. Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Their natural sweetness enhances the honey in the chicken.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftover Honey Mustard Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (1 chicken breast with sauce):

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 0g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. Store everything in the fridge and bake just before serving.

Can I grill this chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely. Grill the chicken over medium heat and brush the sauce on during the last few minutes.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your mustards are gluten-free. Always double-check labels.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great and stay extra juicy.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can substitute spicy brown or even yellow mustard, but the flavor will be slightly different.

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Conclusion

Honey Mustard Chicken is the kind of recipe that hits all the right notes — sweet, savory, tangy, and deeply satisfying. It’s a perfect option for a quick dinner that still feels special, and the leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as amazing the next day. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers every time.

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