Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe: Juicy & Tangy
Weeknight Favorite Chicken.
A simple, comforting honey mustard chicken that’s perfectly juicy, sweet, and tangy. The ideal weeknight meal for the whole family.
I remember making a version of this when my kids were little. Their faces would just light up. It was one of the few meals everyone agreed on, no questions asked. The kitchen would fill with that warm, sweet smell as it baked, and we’d all gather around the table, hungry and happy. It's funny how a simple recipe can hold so many quiet, lovely memories. It’s still a favorite, a reminder that the best things are often the simplest.
Why You'll Adore This Recipe
- •It's incredibly simple to put together, perfect for a busy day.
- •The sauce has that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
- •The chicken comes out unbelievably juicy every single time.
- •It's a meal the whole family, even the picky eaters, will love.
- •The house smells absolutely divine while it's baking.
Wow, just wow. This is hands down the best honey mustard chicken I have ever made. My husband, who is usually so picky, had two helpings and asked me to make it again next week. The chicken was so juicy, and that sauce is just perfect. Thank you for this incredible recipe!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- The Mustards: Using both Dijon and whole grain mustard is my little secret. The Dijon brings that classic sharp tang, while the whole grain adds a lovely texture and a milder, rustic flavor. It really makes the sauce special.
- Honey: A good quality honey makes a difference here. It’s the sweet heart of the sauce. I love a simple clover honey, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
- Chicken Breasts: Look for breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If one is much thicker, you can gently pound it a bit to even it out. It helps keep everything perfectly moist.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a little splash, but it's so important. It cuts through the richness and sweetness, brightening everything up and adding a layer of complexity. Don't skip it!
Complete Cooking Process
- First, preheat your oven. It’s a simple step, but it ensures everything cooks perfectly from the moment it goes in.
- Pat your chicken dry. This helps the oil and seasonings stick, and honestly, it just feels like you're giving it a little care before cooking.
- Find a small bowl. Add all your sauce ingredients—the honeys, mustards, vinegar, and seasonings.
- Give it a good whisk until it's all one beautiful, glossy sauce. Take a moment to smell it; it's just wonderful.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken in your baking dish.
- Pour about half of that lovely sauce over the top. Save the rest for serving—it's so good to have extra.
- Bake until it’s golden and cooked through. Your kitchen will start to smell like heaven.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This is key for juicy chicken.
- Spoon over the remaining sauce, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bit of color and freshness, and then it's ready.
A Few Common Questions
→Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs would be delicious. They might need a few extra minutes of cooking time, so just be sure to check that they're cooked through.
→What should I serve with this?
Oh, so many things! I love it with simple roasted asparagus or green beans. Creamy mashed potatoes are also a dream for soaking up the extra sauce. A light salad works beautifully, too.
→Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can. You can mix the sauce and keep it in the fridge for a day or two. You can also season the chicken ahead of time. Then, just assemble and bake when you're ready.
→My sauce seems a little thin. Is that normal?
It will be a bit thin before baking, but it thickens up into a beautiful glaze in the oven's heat. If you want it even thicker, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes before pouring it over the chicken.
Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe: Juicy & Tangy
Honey mustard chicken recipe that's juicy, sweet, and tangy! Easy to follow for a delicious weeknight family dinner.
Timing
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 014 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 021 tablespoon olive oil
- 031/2 teaspoon salt
- 041/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 051/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Honey Mustard Sauce
- 011/3 cup honey
- 021/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 032 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 041 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 051 teaspoon garlic powder
- 06A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little warmth)
For Garnish
- 012 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Rub them all over with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth.
Pour about half of the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly. You can use a brush for this.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a nice glaze, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it so the sauce doesn't burn.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the remaining sauce over the top before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes & Tips
- 1This sauce is also wonderful on salmon or lamb chops.
- 2If you don't have apple cider vinegar, a little bit of lemon juice works as a great substitute.
Tools You'll Need
- •Don't overbake the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F for perfectly juicy results.
- •Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing is non-negotiable. It allows the juices to settle back into the meat.
- •Reserve half the sauce for serving. It’s so nice to have fresh, unbaked sauce to drizzle over the finished dish.
- •Feel free to adjust the honey-to-mustard ratio to your personal taste. Some like it sweeter, some tangier.