If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together effortlessly, you’re going to love this Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken cutlets get a golden sear and swim in a luscious, tangy honey mustard sauce that’s perfectly balanced between sweet and sharp. Every bite delivers comfort and a bit of excitement, making this recipe a reliable weeknight winner or a special treat when you want to impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward with ingredients you likely have on hand. Each element plays a vital role: the olive oil and butter add richness and help with browning, the mustards and honey create that signature tangy-sweet sauce, and the garlic powder and broth build depth. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise): Using thinner cutlets ensures quick, even cooking and tender results.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note without overpowering the sauce.
- Flour for dredging + 1 tablespoon flour: Helps create a silky, thickened sauce and crispy outer coating.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a healthy fat to sear the chicken beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds richness, flavor, and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the base of the flavorful sauce.
- 2 tablespoons grainy mustard: Adds texture and a gentle tang.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings sharpness and depth to balance the honey.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and rounds out the tangy flavors.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast lengthwise, so you end up with 4 thinner cutlets. This not only helps them cook faster but ensures tenderness. Sprinkle each piece with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to season thoroughly, then coat each with flour—this layer will crisp up in the pan and later help thicken your sauce. Shake off any excess flour for a perfect crust without clumps.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Sear the Chicken
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the pan get nicely heated—this is key to achieving that beautiful golden sear. Add the chicken cutlets and cook them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and almost cooked through. Then, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside, keeping those delicious juices for later.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Into the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt completely. Sprinkle in the extra tablespoon of flour and cook while stirring for 30 seconds to a minute. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and starts forming the roux, which will thicken your sauce into a silky, smooth consistency.
Step 4: Whisk in the Liquid Ingredients
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly, so the flour blends without lumps. Once smooth, stir in the grainy mustard, Dijon mustard, and honey. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and the sauce starts to thicken. This blend provides a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make this Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken and any collected juices back into the pan. Let it simmer gently for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens just right. Watch the heat carefully; a gentle bubble is what you want rather than a rolling boil. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as necessary before serving.
How to Serve Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving to add a lovely pop of green and a fresh herbal note that brightens up the plate. The parsley cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a little color contrast that makes every bite visually enticing.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttery noodles for a comforting meal. Steamed veggies like green beans or roasted asparagus add freshness and a satisfying crunch that complements the tender chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the honey mustard chicken over a bed of wilted spinach or alongside a colorful quinoa salad. Drizzle some of the sauce over roasted sweet potatoes to add a sweet-savory flair. Offering lemon wedges on the side adds a zesty brightness that guests can squeeze as desired, elevating the entire dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, they keep very well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken further—just gently reheat with a splash of broth or water to bring back its silky texture.
Freezing
This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe freezes reasonably well, though freshly cooked chicken is always best. Freeze individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat to prevent drying out the chicken. Add a little chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the texture and flavor of both chicken and sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy after cooking. Just remember they may take a minute or two longer to cook through, so keep an eye on their temperature.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Yes! The honey is the main sweet component. You can reduce it to 1.5 tablespoons while still keeping the delicious balance. If you do this, you might want to slightly increase the Dijon mustard to keep the sauce tangy and flavorful.
What type of mustard works best?
Using both grainy mustard and Dijon mustard is perfect for this recipe. The grainy mustard gives texture and a mild tang, while Dijon adds a sharp, creamy punch. If you only have one type, Dijon alone is a fine substitute.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can season and dredge the chicken ahead of time, then refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking. However, it’s best to make the sauce and cook the chicken fresh for the most vibrant flavors and textures.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F. The chicken should be opaque and juices run clear when cut. Cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe truly hits the sweet spot between simplicity and flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels a little special but doesn’t require a ton of fuss or fancy ingredients. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—there’s nothing quite like sharing a meal that’s both comforting and delightfully tasty with those you love.
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Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken recipe delivers tender, golden chicken cutlets smothered in a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet honey mustard sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple pantry staples like mustard, honey, and chicken broth to make a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the seared chicken. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour for dredging + 1 tablespoon flour
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so that you end up with 4 thinner cutlets. Season each piece generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece thoroughly in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.
- Heat Skillet and Add Fats: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the skillet to heat thoroughly for a few minutes so the fats are hot and shimmering before adding the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the prepared chicken cutlets to the hot skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are almost cooked through. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Roux: Lower the heat slightly, then add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of flour. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a smooth roux base for the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to the roux, stirring continuously until the flour dissolves and the mixture smooths out. Add both the grainy mustard and Dijon mustard, along with the honey, then whisk until all components are well incorporated and the sauce is even.
- Finish Cooking Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken cutlets along with any collected juices back into the skillet with the sauce. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, gently bubbling, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid boiling vigorously. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the honey mustard chicken and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For less sweetness, reduce honey to 1.5 tablespoons but be mindful this changes the sauce balance.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- Dredging chicken in flour gives the sauce a nice thickness and the chicken a crisp texture.
- A skillet with good heat retention ensures better searing and sauce consistency.
- Fresh parsley adds color and a subtle herbaceous note but is optional.
