Honey Mustard Chicken is a tasty dish that brings together the sweetness of honey and the tang of mustard, creating a yummy glaze for juicy chicken. It’s simple to make and sure to impress!
When I make this, my kitchen smells fantastic! I usually serve it with rice or veggies to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s a hit in my house, and I bet it will be in yours too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This recipe uses chicken breast for a lean option. You can swap it for thigh meat if you prefer something juicier. Shrimp or cubed tofu works too for a lighter, protein-packed dish.
Honey: Honey is key for sweetness and a sticky glaze. If you’re looking for a vegan option, maple syrup or agave syrup can do the trick. Just remember these might be a bit sweeter, so adjust to taste!
Dijon Mustard: This adds a tangy kick. If Dijon is not available, yellow mustard can be substituted, but it will change the flavor slightly. Try mixing in some vinegar for a similar tangy effect if needed!
Zucchini and Cherry Tomatoes: I love this combo for its freshness. If you can’t find zucchini, bell peppers or asparagus are great alternatives. You can also use different types of tomatoes, like grape or roma, for variety.
Thyme: Fresh thyme enhances the flavor beautifully. If you don’t have fresh, dried thyme works but use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Italian seasoning can also be a nice substitute.
How Do I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating is a vital step in this recipe for juicy and well-flavored chicken. You want to let the chicken soak in that honey mustard mixture to really absorb the flavors. Here are some pointers:
- Mix the marinade well to evenly coat the chicken. You want every piece covered.
- For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, a couple of hours or even overnight in the fridge works wonders.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (mixed red and yellow)
- 2 cups zucchini, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- Additional olive oil for vegetables
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 30 minutes of cooking time. You’ll need a bit of marinating time (15-30 minutes) for the chicken, plus baking time to cook everything perfectly. In total, you can expect about 40-50 minutes from start to finish. Simple and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will make sure your chicken cooks evenly and the veggies roast nicely.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until it’s well mixed. This is the delicious marinade for your chicken!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the marinade. Toss them around until they are fully coated. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 15-30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in!
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken is marinating, let’s get the veggies ready! In another bowl, toss the diced zucchini and cherry tomatoes with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Make sure they are evenly coated.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Take a large baking sheet or dish and spread the marinated chicken on one side. On the other side, arrange the zucchini and cherry tomatoes. This makes clean-up easier later!
6. Bake the Chicken and Vegetables:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Crisp it Up (Optional):
If you’d like an extra crispy finish, switch your oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Then, dig in and enjoy your delicious honey mustard chicken with roasted veggies! It’s a healthy and flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer dark meat; they might add a richer flavor and remain juicier. Bone-in chicken pieces can also work, just increase the baking time until they reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Dijon Mustard?
No worries! You can use yellow mustard in a pinch, but it will slightly alter the flavor profile. If you want a richer taste, you could also mix a bit of honey with whole-grain mustard for a delightful alternative!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or asparagus. Just remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking, and adjust the baking time as needed depending on their density.
