Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
If you are looking for a dish that combines rich flavors with a touch of sweetness and a luxuriously smooth texture, this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary rotation. It’s a perfect harmony of tender chicken breasts coated in a golden crust and bathed in a dreamy sauce that tastes like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, this recipe brings comfort and elegance without any fuss, making it an absolute favorite to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe relies on simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. The balance between savory, tangy, and sweet elements is what makes this dish so irresistible.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise: These create perfect, tender cutlets that cook evenly and quickly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavor of the chicken.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth and a hint of warmth to the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour, for dredging: Creates a light crust on the chicken that helps thicken the sauce later.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a healthy fat to brown the chicken beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided: Brings richness and silkiness to both the searing process and the sauce.
- ⅓ cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory base to integrate flavors.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Offers the signature tang and slight spiciness that makes the sauce pop.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Gives a sweet counterbalance that transforms the mustard sauce into something truly special.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to the irresistibly creamy texture that coats the chicken in decadence.
How to Make Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you get thinner cutlets that cook evenly and stay tender. Season these cutlets generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for that subtle, comforting flavor. Then, dredge them lightly in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure a fine coating that will crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once sizzling, add the chicken cutlets and allow them to brown until golden and deliciously crispy on one side before flipping to cook the other. This initial sear locks in moisture and builds that lovely crust we all crave. Once perfectly browned, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter along with the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and honey. Stir everything together until the mustard dissolves completely and the mixture starts bubbling gently. This is where the magic truly begins — the combination of tangy mustard and sweet honey harmonizes, creating a tantalizing flavor base for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream and Simmer
Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring the sauce back to a simmer. Nestle the cooked chicken cutlets return to the skillet, letting them soak in all that luscious sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens to a silky consistency and the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. The result is tender chicken bathed in a rich, velvety blanket of honey mustard goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish beautifully. A light scattering of cracked black pepper can also enhance the flavor profile while making the plating visually appealing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with simple, comforting sides that can soak up the creamy sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or lightly steamed seasonal vegetables like green beans or asparagus. Each brings its own texture and flavor to balance the richness of the chicken, creating a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve your creamy honey mustard chicken over a bed of buttery egg noodles or creamy polenta. This adds a rustic elegance and a lovely base to catch every drop of the sauce. For a lighter twist, serve alongside roasted cauliflower or a crisp mixed greens salad for contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy honey mustard chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will keep well for up to three days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, allowing some space for expansion. Frozen creamy honey mustard chicken can last for up to two months. When thawing, transfer to the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the dish gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help maintain sauce consistency and keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay tender, but keep in mind they may take slightly longer to cook. Adjust cooking times accordingly and check for doneness.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Using Greek yogurt stirred in at the end off the heat can also add creaminess without as many calories.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead and reheated gently before adding freshly cooked chicken. This makes dinner prep quicker on busy nights.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If Dijon mustard isn’t available, a mix of yellow mustard with a little white wine vinegar can mimic the tanginess, though the flavor will be milder.
Is this recipe freezer friendly after cooking?
Yes, but keep in mind cream-based sauces may separate slightly upon freezing. Reheating slowly and stirring will help bring it back together.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe truly feels like a special secret shared with your closest friends because it is that delicious and satisfying. It combines simple ingredients to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. So go ahead, give it a try — your taste buds and loved ones will thank you for this comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect any night of the week.
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Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful creamy honey mustard sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements in a simple yet elegant skillet dish, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
Sauce
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse flavor.
- Dredge Chicken: Lightly coat each chicken cutlet in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping and ensure a light crust when cooked.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook each side until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and honey. Stir continuously until the mustard dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble, forming the sauce base.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer. Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet and simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (about 5-7 minutes).
- Serve: Serve the creamy honey mustard chicken immediately, pairing it with your favorite sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when browning chicken to ensure an even sear.
- If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach desired consistency.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked but remains juicy.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted root vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
