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Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken

Juicy chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon mustard sauce, grilled, baked, or pan seared to a glossy, caramelized finish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinate Time 2 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, European-Inspired

Notes

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or whole grain Dijon)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for browning)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, mayonnaise (if using), garlic, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  2. Add chicken and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to a few hours.
For grilling: 3. Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill chicken 6–8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For baking: 3. Preheat oven to 375–400°F. Place chicken on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake 20–30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For pan searing: 3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
  1. Let chicken rest 5–10 minutes before slicing or serving.

Notes

  • Cook over medium heat, not high  the honey in the marinade burns easily at high temperatures.
  • A spoonful of mayonnaise in the marinade helps the coating cling and promotes better browning.
  • Don't marinate longer than about 8 hours, since the mustard's acidity can affect the chicken's texture over time.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to preserve moisture.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 320 | Protein: 32g | Fat: 14g | Carbohydrates: 16g | Sodium: 480mg
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on specific ingredients, cuts, and cooking method used.