Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

This honey mustard chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a classic combination of sweet and tangy flavors. With just a few ingredients, this easy dish comes together in no time and can be baked in the oven or grilled. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep and pairs well with rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples like honey, mustard, and vinegar, so you likely already have everything you need at home.
• Bursting with Flavor: The balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a delicious marinade that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and a hands-off baking process, this chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or quick family meals.
• Versatile Cooking Options: You can bake the chicken in the oven, grill it for a smoky flavor, or even cook it in an air fryer for a quicker option.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This honey mustard chicken stores well and reheats easily, making it great for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Honey mustard chicken is so easy to make and tastes so good!  Just mix the mustard, honey and vinegar to make a delicious mustard sauce, then slather it on the chicken and bake!

This basic chicken recipe should be in every beginner cook kitchen repertoire.  Honey mustard chicken is a staple comfort food, and tastes great with any side dish – potatoes, rice, pasta or salad.

Ingredients:

2 lbs chicken parts (cut-up whole chicken, drumsticks or wings): Use your favorite cut—drumsticks, thighs, wings, or even a whole chicken.
4 tbsp honey: Adds a sweet flavor that balances the tanginess of the mustard.
4 tbsp white vinegar: Brings acidity to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor.
2 tbsp mustard: You can use yellow, Dijon, or even whole grain mustard depending on your preference.
1 tsp salt: Seasons the chicken and enhances the flavors of the marinade.
1/2 tsp pepper: Adds a slight kick and depth of flavor.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Honey Mustard Chicken

• Baking Sheet: To bake the chicken evenly in the oven.
• Aluminum Foil: For lining the baking sheet, making cleanup easier.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the honey, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the honey mustard marinade.
• Tongs or Fork: To handle the chicken while marinating and placing it on the baking sheet.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F.

Rub the chicken with salt and pepper.

In a cup, make the marinade – mix honey, vinegar and mustard.

Put the chicken parts in a dish and pour marinade over it, so all chicken is coated.  Marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes (or you can also marinate overnight in a refrigerator).

Line the baking sheet with foil.  Put the chicken on a baking sheet.  Put in the oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice: Serve the honey mustard chicken over steamed white or brown rice to soak up all the extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or potatoes for a hearty and balanced meal.
• Salad: Enjoy the chicken alongside a fresh green salad with cauliflower for a lighter meal.
• Pasta: Serve the chicken with your favorite cheesy taco pasta or hibachi noodles for a filling and delicious dinner.
• Crusty Bread: Mop up any leftover sauce with a slice of warm crusty garlic bread.

Tips For Success

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: While 30 minutes is enough to flavor the chicken, marinating it overnight will deepen the flavor and make the chicken even more tender.
• Use Foil for Easy Cleanup: Lining the baking sheet with aluminum foil will help prevent the marinade from sticking to the pan and make cleanup a breeze.
• Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, or when the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the chicken dry.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey. For more tang, increase the mustard by a tablespoon.
• Use Different Mustards: You can switch up the flavor by using Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, or even spicy brown mustard, depending on your taste preference.

Variations And Substitutions

• Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken: Instead of baking, grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade for a smoky, charred flavor.
• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs: For a juicier and richer flavor, substitute the chicken parts with skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs and bake as directed.
• Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a sweet and spicy twist.
• Lemon-Honey Mustard Chicken: Add the juice and zest of one lemon to the marinade for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with the honey and mustard.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure that the mustard you use is gluten-free, or substitute with a certified gluten-free mustard for a completely gluten-free dish.
• Vegan Honey Mustard Sauce: For a plant-based version, use vegan honey or maple syrup and marinate tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Place any leftover honey mustard chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave by covering it and microwaving on medium power for 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Reviving the Sauce: If the honey mustard sauce thickens in the fridge, add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating to loosen it up and keep the chicken moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes to prevent the chicken from drying out, as they cook faster than bone-in parts.

Can I prepare the honey mustard marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the honey mustard marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using it to coat the chicken.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, for deeper flavor, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re in a rush, even a 15-minute marinating time will add some flavor.

Can I grill the honey mustard chicken instead of baking it?

Yes, grilling works well for this recipe. Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, basting with the leftover marinade for extra flavor. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Can I use this marinade for other proteins?

Definitely! This honey mustard marinade works great with other proteins like pork chops, shrimp, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking times according to the protein you’re using.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Be sure not to overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Additionally, marinating the chicken helps keep it moist and flavorful.

What sides go well with honey mustard chicken?

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides like rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Can I freeze leftover honey mustard chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook the honey mustard chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What type of mustard should I use for this recipe?

You can use yellow mustard for a classic flavor, Dijon mustard for a more refined taste, or even whole grain mustard for added texture. Each type of mustard will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile.

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