The Best Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

This Honey Mustard Chicken is a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal! Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade, then baked to perfection in the oven. 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 Juicy: The combination of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and savory spices creates a delicious and well-balanced marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and keeps it moist and tender during baking.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for beginner cooks. It requires minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps.
• Versatile: You can bake, grill, or pan-fry the chicken, making it a versatile option for any cooking method. You can also customize the flavors by using different types of mustard or adding other spices to the marinade.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its delicious flavors and beautiful presentation.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are recommended for their juicier texture and richer flavor, but you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season the chicken to perfection.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
• Olive oil: Used to brown the chicken and prevent sticking.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Shallot: Finely chopped and adds a delicate onion flavor to the sauce.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and creates a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
• Whole grain mustard: Adds a textured and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce.
• Curry powder: Adds a warm and earthy flavor to the sauce.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds a spicy kick (adjust to your preference).
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a depth of umami flavor to the sauce.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the oven rack in the center position. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a large resealable plastic bag. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bag and massage the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated with the seasonings. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight, for optimal flavor.

Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the honey mustard sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the honey, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, curry powder, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil and butter are hot and sizzling, add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining chicken.

Step 4: Sauté the Shallot and Finish the Sauce

Add the finely chopped shallot to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Pour the honey mustard sauce into the skillet and stir continuously. Bring the sauce to a slight boil, then turn off the heat.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them, ensuring they are well coated. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the chicken thighs, baste them with the sauce, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, a side salad, or steamed broccoli.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality chicken: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality chicken thighs.
• Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken adds flavor and helps to keep it moist during cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Brown the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
• Use a meat thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Rest the chicken: Resting the chicken after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.

How to Serve

This Honey Mustard Chicken is delicious with a variety of sides:

• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a classic pairing for this dish.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Vegetables: Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or asparagus, complement the flavors of the chicken beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Honey Mustard Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce 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 boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can! Chicken breasts are a leaner option, but chicken thighs are recommended for their juicier texture and richer flavor. If using chicken breasts, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use a different type of mustard?
Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite mustard, such as Dijon mustard, stone-ground mustard, or even yellow mustard.

3. Can I make this recipe without the curry powder or cayenne pepper?
Yes, you can! The curry powder and cayenne pepper add a unique flavor to the sauce, but you can omit them if you prefer a more traditional honey mustard flavor.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the chicken or sauce?
Definitely! 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 delicious and satisfying meal. With its easy preparation, tender chicken, and rich honey mustard sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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