This Honey Mustard Chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal! Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade, then grilled or baked to perfection. This recipe is simple to follow and delivers a delicious and satisfying main course that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Versatile: The honey mustard marinade adds a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors to the chicken. You can grill or bake the chicken, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, making this dish a healthy and satisfying choice.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time, making it even quicker to cook when you’re ready to eat.
Ingredients
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the marinade.
- Honey: Adds sweetness and helps to create a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the marinade.
- Minced garlic: Adds a fragrant and savory kick.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick (adjust to your preference).
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and used as a garnish for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for later use. Place the chicken breasts in a zip-top bag and pour the remaining marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
Step 2: Grill or Bake the Chicken
Grilling Method: Preheat your grill to 400°F. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the marinated chicken breasts on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill or oven and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook it just until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. It will continue to cook as it rests.
- Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the chicken.
- Make ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
How to Serve
This Honey Mustard Chicken is delicious with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful touch.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Honey Mustard Chicken is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts? Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts will take longer to cook.
2. Can I use a different type of mustard? Yes, you can! Stone-ground mustard or even yellow mustard would be delicious substitutes for Dijon mustard.
3. Can I make this recipe without honey? Yes, you can! You can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I add other seasonings to the marinade? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
This Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and versatile way to enjoy a classic dish. With its easy preparation, healthy ingredients, and delicious marinade, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintHoney Mustard Chicken Recipe (Grilled or Baked)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (baking) or 12 minutes (grilling)
- Total Time: : 1 hour 30 minutes (baking) or 1 hour 17 minutes (grilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill, Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Mustard Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that can be grilled or baked to perfection! Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, then cooked until juicy and delicious. It’s an easy and versatile recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual backyard barbecue.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- Juice of 1 lemon (approximately 3 tablespoons)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 – 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade. Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag, pour in the remaining marinade, and massage to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
-
Grill or Bake:
- Grilling: Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C). Grill chicken for 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from grill, tent with foil, and rest for 5 minutes.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
-
Serve: Drizzle chicken with reserved marinade and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts if you prefer. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with yellow mustard or another type of mustard.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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