Treat yourself to pure comfort food perfection with this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. It’s that dreamy combination of juicy, golden pan-seared chicken enveloped in a velvety sauce that hits all the right sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish transforms simple weeknight ingredients into something that tastes truly special—perfect for busy evenings or impressing friends at your next dinner gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every item in this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe lineup is here for a reason—they build layers of flavor and texture, turning a few kitchen staples into a lush, elegant meal. Pay attention to each, and your dish will sing!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook up tender and allow the sauce to shine, but you can swap in thighs for extra juiciness.
- Olive oil: A splash gets your chicken golden with lovely crisp edges and adds subtle flavor.
- Butter: Provides richness that melds beautifully with the honey mustard and gives the chicken a restaurant-worthy finish.
- Garlic (minced): Just the right amount wakes up your taste buds and adds an aromatic base to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: It lifts the flavors and helps deglaze the pan for a sauce that’s packed with umami goodness.
- Dijon mustard: This brings a creamy tang and sophistication—it’s the star mustard for a reason!
- Honey: Sweetness to balance the tang of the mustard and make the sauce irresistible.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that bathes your chicken—substitute half-and-half or Greek yogurt to lighten it up.
- Salt: Essential for making all the flavors pop—don’t skip it, and taste as you go!
- Black pepper: Freshly ground if possible, to add sharpness and complexity.
- Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): Earthy, herbal notes complete the flavor puzzle—if using dried, go easy!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkled at the end for a burst of color and fresh taste.
How to Make Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the shimmering pan. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until it turns golden and develops a delicious crust. Once cooked through, set the chicken aside to rest, keeping all those tasty juices in the pan for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for just about 30 seconds—enough time for your kitchen to smell incredible—while scraping up any flavorful bits from the chicken. This quick step builds an aromatic base for the sauce that’s absolutely essential to the Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe’s flavor profile.
Step 3: Build the Honey Mustard Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, honey, and thyme, stirring well to combine everything thoroughly. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll see it start to bubble and reduce slightly, becoming thicker and more concentrated with flavor—a sure sign your sauce is on the right track!
Step 4: Add the Cream
Now, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream until it blends seamlessly into the sauce. This is the magic moment when the sauce transforms into pure silk, turning your classic honey mustard into something lush and unforgettable.
Step 5: Return and Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts back in the skillet, nestling them into the bubbling sauce. Spoon the sauce lovingly over each piece, then let everything simmer together for another 3 to 5 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with all the honey-mustard-cream goodness so every bite is packed with flavor. Finish with a pop of chopped parsley if you like, and you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For maximum appeal, finish your Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe with a scatter of chopped fresh parsley or a few extra thyme leaves. Not only will it brighten up the plate visually, but it will also add a fresh, herbal note right at the finish. A crack of fresh black pepper or a drizzle of extra sauce for each serving adds that final, chef-y flourish.
Side Dishes
This chicken begs for something to soak up all that lovely sauce! Creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even rustic roasted vegetables are perfect choices. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it atop a bed of buttered noodles or steamed asparagus—each brings a new dimension to the meal, letting the honey-mustard sauce steal the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by slicing the chicken and fanning it over a mound of potatoes or rice, then drizzling more sauce over the top. For a fun family-style vibe, serve the Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe straight from the skillet to the table. Or try making mini versions with chicken tenders for a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter at your next get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge! Just place any cooled chicken and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier lunch the next day. Make sure the chicken is well-coated in sauce to keep it moist.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead or stash some away for later, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together. Let it cool to room temperature, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently—but be aware that creamy sauces can sometimes separate slightly after freezing, though a good stir usually brings them back together.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring the sauce regularly and adding a splash of extra cream or broth if it seems too thick. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring every minute, to avoid overcooking the chicken. Either way, you’ll have a delicious second round that’s just as satisfying as the first!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs, especially bone-in and skinless, stay extra juicy and work wonderfully in the Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time—thighs may need a few extra minutes per side to cook through.
Is there a lighter option for the cream?
Yes! You can swap in half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. The texture will be slightly thinner, but you’ll still get all those gorgeous sweet and tangy flavors.
What can I use if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
If you’re out of Dijon, try whole-grain or even yellow mustard in a pinch. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but the classic Dijon brings the smoothest, most sophisticated kick to this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest method is to use a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, simply slice into the thickest part: the juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can! Substitute the butter with extra olive oil and use a plant-based cream (such as coconut cream or an unsweetened nut-based creamer). The sauce will be a little different but still delicious and perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a reliable weeknight dinner that feels just a little bit fabulous, this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is the comfort classic you’ll turn to again and again. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite—so go ahead, grab those ingredients, and treat yourself to a meal everyone will remember!
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Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this delectable Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce of honey, Dijon mustard, and cream, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add chicken broth, Dijon mustard, honey, and thyme. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in heavy cream.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, simmer for 3-5 minutes, coating the chicken with the sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- Substitute Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Bone-in chicken thighs work well with adjusted cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
