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Delicious Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare, this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is a must-try! With a perfect balance of sweetness from honey and a slight tang from mustard, this dish is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
This honey mustard chicken recipe is the ultimate combination of convenience and flavor. The creamy sauce is made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and the chicken comes out tender and juicy every time. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a wide variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables. If you’re a fan of sweet and savory flavors, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites!
What You’ll Need to Make This Honey Mustard Chicken
Here’s a quick list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this creamy honey mustard chicken:
Essential Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions to make the marinade for chicken:
- Whisk the Ingredients Together
In a bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. - Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated. Cover the dish with the lid or plastic wrap. - Marinate for Best Flavor
Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will take on. You can even marinate overnight for a more intense taste.
How to Cook Honey Mustard Marinated Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated in the sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade, it’s time to cook it! Here are a few cooking methods to help you get the best results:
1. Grilling
Grilling is a fantastic way to cook honey mustard marinated chicken because the heat will caramelize the marinade, creating a beautiful char and adding even more flavor.
- Instructions:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade (don’t discard the marinade just yet!). Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chicken. For extra flavor, baste the chicken with the leftover marinade halfway through grilling. Be sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Pro Tip: Keep the grill lid closed while cooking to maintain consistent heat and get those beautiful grill marks!
2. Baking
Baking is a simple and effective method for cooking honey mustard marinated chicken, especially when you’re looking for an easy, hands-off approach. The oven will cook the chicken evenly while the marinade creates a flavorful glaze.
- Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If you want a slightly caramelized crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. - Pro Tip: Cover the chicken with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to keep it moist, then uncover to allow the marinade to caramelize.
3. Pan-Searing
Pan-searing is perfect for achieving a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This method works especially well for boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Instructions:
Put the skillet over medium-high heat, than add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If the marinade starts to burn in the pan, reduce the heat slightly and add a small splash of water to help create a sauce. - Pro Tip: After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken juicy.
4. Air Fryer
For a crispy, yet healthier option, the air fryer can give you golden, perfectly cooked honey mustard chicken with less oil.
- Instructions:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer (make sure there’s space between each piece for air circulation). Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Pro Tip: Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil before air frying to enhance the crispiness of the exterior.
Once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes to lock in all the delicious juices. Serve your perfectly cooked honey mustard marinated chicken with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
Now you’ve got a meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to please anyone at the table!
Tips for Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
- Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are quick to cook, using bone-in chicken can enhance the flavor of the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Want a sweeter sauce? Add a little more honey. Prefer it tangier? A splash more mustard will do the trick.
- Double the Sauce: If you’re a fan of extra sauce to pour over your sides, feel free to double the honey mustard mixture.
Nutritional Breakdown of Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
Here’s a general nutritional estimate for one serving of creamy honey mustard chicken (based on using the ingredients listed above):
- Calories: 400-450 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 10g (mostly from honey)
- Fat: 28g
- Sugar: 7g
Keep in mind, this is an estimate and can vary depending on portion size and ingredient substitutions (like using low-fat cream or a sugar substitute).
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Honey Mustard Chicken
This creamy honey mustard chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few ideas to round out your dish:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce from the chicken will be perfect for spooning over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a healthy, flavorful side.
- Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf can help soak up the delicious sauce while adding texture to your meal.
- Sauteed Spinach: If you’re craving something green, sauteed spinach with garlic and olive oil makes a simple yet tasty accompaniment.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: A crunchy side like roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic will add a nice contrast to the creamy chicken.
No matter what side you choose, this honey mustard chicken will shine as the main event!
Why This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Will Become a Family Favorite
This creamy honey mustard chicken is not only easy to make but also packs a punch in terms of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The rich sauce, tender chicken, and sweet-tangy flavors come together in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying. Plus, the ingredients are simple and affordable, making it an excellent go-to recipe for any occasion.
If you’re looking for a meal that is quick, delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults, then this creamy honey mustard chicken is the perfect choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Mustard Chicken
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in the skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a bit of extra cream if necessary to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
While Dijon mustard is the most common choice for this recipe, you can easily swap it for yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or even whole-grain mustard for a slightly different flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you make sure the ingredients (like the Dijon mustard) are gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you’re concerned about hidden gluten in store-bought products.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce. This will give it a nice kick while still maintaining the sweet and tangy balance.
Final Thoughts
This creamy honey mustard chicken is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. With its balance of creamy richness and bold, tangy flavor, it’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to something special, this dish is bound to satisfy.