If you have ever craved a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every bite, this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. It’s a perfect harmony of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and luscious cream, creating a velvety sauce that lovingly coats tender chicken breasts. Whether you’re aiming for a flavorful weeknight meal or something a little special for guests, this recipe delivers effortless elegance paired with satisfying flavors you won’t stop thinking about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to building its irresistible taste and creamy texture. Every component works together to deliver a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and richness that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This will help sear the chicken and add depth to the flavor.
- Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken before cooking.
- Pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken before cooking.
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and balances the mustard’s tanginess perfectly.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor that elevates the sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes of the sauce for complexity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, herby garnish that brightens the plate.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Adds a touch of brightness to lift the flavors further.
How to Make Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by prepping your chicken breasts. If they are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets so they cook evenly and quickly. Then, generously season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial—it brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and sets the foundation for a perfectly balanced dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place your chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them until they develop a beautiful golden crust, about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. This browning process not only locks in moisture but also adds irresistible flavor complexity.
Step 3: Remove Chicken and Start the Sauce
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Keep the skillet over medium heat for the sauce. Add the honey and Dijon mustard, stirring continuously to blend those sweet and tangy flavors. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings
Next, pour in the heavy cream slowly to create that irresistibly smooth base of your sauce. Add garlic powder and onion powder, stirring well to meld the flavors together. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid anything sticking to the pan.
Step 5: Return Chicken to the Skillet
Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, coating them well with the creamy honey mustard sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes—this helps the chicken absorb the delicious sauce and stay wonderfully juicy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top. This adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that perfectly complements the rich sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic garnish that adds a lively touch of green and a fresh herbal note. If you want to get creative, a light sprinkle of lemon zest or additional cracked black pepper can make the dish even more vibrant and aromatic without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles soak up the sauce effortlessly. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or green beans add a pleasant crunch and color contrast. You could also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a lighter option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, ladling the sauce generously over the top. Garnish with a lemon wedge on the side for guests who want a little extra zing. To impress at a dinner party, plate individual servings with precise spoonfuls of sauce and a small sprig of parsley on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to pour some of the sauce over the chicken before storing to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but because of the cream sauce, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid high heat to keep the cream from curdling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of mustard besides Dijon?
Absolutely! While Dijon mustard offers a sharp and tangy flavor that works best in this recipe, you can experiment with whole grain or spicy brown mustard for different textures and tastes. Just keep in mind the sauce’s balance between sweet and tangy.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer to keep the sauce creamy without dairy. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be deliciously rich.
How can I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Choosing quality chicken breasts and not overcooking them are key. Searing the chicken over medium-high heat locks in moisture, and simmering it gently in the sauce ensures it stays tender and flavorful.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs can be used and offer a juicier, more flavorful option. Adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through without drying out.
What’s a good alternative side to serve with this recipe?
If you’re looking for something different, creamy polenta, garlic roasted potatoes, or even a fresh couscous salad make fantastic companions to this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of smooth cream, sweet honey, and sharp mustard is a match made in heaven, elevating simple chicken breasts into a dish full of warmth and comfort. I encourage you to try making this recipe soon—you’ll not only create a delightful meal but also feed your soul with every creamy, tangy bite.
Print
Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luscious sauce made from honey, Dijon mustard, and creamy heavy cream. Enhanced with garlic and onion powder and finished with fresh parsley, this dish strikes the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it a comforting and elegant meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are particularly thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for even cooking.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Set Chicken Aside: Remove the seared chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside while preparing the sauce.
- Combine Honey and Mustard: Reduce heat to medium and add honey and Dijon mustard to the same skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add Cream and Spices: Pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add garlic powder and onion powder, mixing thoroughly.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, coating them in the creamy honey mustard sauce. Let them simmer together for an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and add lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- If chicken breasts are thick, slicing them improves cooking time and tenderness.
- Adjust honey and mustard quantities to balance sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
- Lemon juice is optional but adds a bright contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Use fresh parsley as garnish for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
