Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet
Highlighted under: Fast & Simple Meals
I absolutely love preparing Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish brings together the wonderful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that are simply irresistible. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, I can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe which makes clean-up a breeze. I can serve this alongside rice or veggies, and every bite is bursting with deliciousness!
When I first discovered the combination of honey and mustard, I knew I had stumbled upon a winning flavor pairing. It was during a busy week when I wanted something quick yet delightful, and this Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet became my go-to recipe. The chicken comes out tender, and the sauce is rich without being overly complicated.
One of my favorite things about this dish is how versatile it is. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand, yet it always ends up tasting gourmet. I recommend using bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and serving it with a side of roasted vegetables to enhance the meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The perfect blend of sweet honey and zesty mustard
- Quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy evenings
- One-pan convenience for easy clean-up
Chicken Preparation Tips
For the best results, it’s important to flatten the chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. You can place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until they’re about 1 inch thick. This not only helps the chicken cook evenly but also increases the surface area for the flavorful sauce.
When seasoning the chicken, don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. This foundational seasoning elevates the flavor profile of the dish and balances the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the mustard. A good rule of thumb is about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a dash of pepper per breast.
Making the Sauce
The combination of Dijon mustard and honey creates a dynamic sauce with layers of flavor. Dijon adds a sharp bite that complements the sweetness of honey, creating that irresistible sweet and tangy experience. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
To achieve the right consistency for the sauce, allow it to simmer with the chicken for those last few minutes of cooking. This not only thickens the sauce slightly but also helps it coat the chicken beautifully. You want it to become glossy and rich, clinging to the chicken without being overly runny.
Serving Suggestions
While this Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet is delightful on its own, serving it with rice or quinoa helps to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots. Not only do these add color to your plate, but they also make the meal more nutritious.
If you’re looking to prep this dish ahead of time, you can marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for a couple of hours or even overnight. This not only intensifies the flavor but also tenderizes the chicken. Just remember to adjust your cooking time slightly, as marinated chicken can cook a bit faster due to the sugars in the honey.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cooking Directions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and honey until well combined.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Add the Sauce
Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken, coating it well. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Pro Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard mixture.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, aim for gentle heat either in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. This preserves the juiciness of the chicken and prevents it from becoming tough.
If you want to freeze the chicken, ensure it's stored in an airtight freezer-safe container, where it can last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently, adding a splash of water or broth to retain moisture.
Recipe Variations
Don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe! For a Mediterranean twist, you can replace Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard and add olives or sun-dried tomatoes as a garnish. This will introduce a new dimension of flavor that pairs beautifully with the honey.
If you're looking for a lighter version of the dish, consider substituting the chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighs. They stay moist and flavorful, especially under the honey mustard glaze. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking times, as thighs may require slightly longer to cook through.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your chicken isn’t browning as expected, make sure the skillet is adequately preheated before adding the chicken. A good sear creates a lovely crust and helps to seal in the juices. If the heat is too low, the chicken will steam rather than sear, resulting in pale, unappealing pieces.
In case your sauce doesn’t thicken as desired, you can quickly fix it by removing the chicken once it’s cooked and boiling the sauce alone for a few minutes until it reduces. Return the chicken to the skillet to coat it well before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great and add more flavor!
→ What sides go well with this dish?
I recommend serving it with steamed vegetables or rice.
→ Can I use honey mustard instead of Dijon mustard?
Absolutely! Just reduce the amount of honey in the recipe.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet
I absolutely love preparing Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish brings together the wonderful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that are simply irresistible. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, I can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe which makes clean-up a breeze. I can serve this alongside rice or veggies, and every bite is bursting with deliciousness!
Created by: Piper Andrews
Recipe Type: Fast & Simple Meals
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
How-To Steps
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and honey until well combined.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken, coating it well. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Extra Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey mustard mixture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 40g