30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe For Busy Nights

Crafting a mouthwatering 30 minute honey mustard chicken recipe will make your dinner feel like a gourmet adventure.

Weeknight meals can become extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients and clever techniques.

Tangy mustard meets sweet honey in a quick marinade that infuses incredible flavor into tender chicken pieces.

Kitchen magic happens when you combine pantry staples with minimal preparation time.

No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and a delicious meal.

Succulent chicken breasts emerge from the pan with a glossy, irresistible glaze that screams comfort and satisfaction.

Dig into this effortless recipe that promises to become your new go-to dinner solution.

Why 30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken Is A Time Saver

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with this honey mustard chicken that combines sweet, tangy, and spicy notes for a taste adventure.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Craft a restaurant-worthy dish in just a short span, perfect for busy cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Balanced Plate Perfection: Enjoy a complete meal featuring protein-packed chicken, hearty macaroni, and a refreshing salad that brings nutritional diversity to your table.
  • Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Ingredients Checklist For 30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken

Protein Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: The main protein that will be seasoned and cooked in a flavorful honey mustard sauce.
  • Macaroni: A classic pasta that serves as a hearty side dish for the chicken.
Seasoning and Spice Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper, Chili Flakes, Garlic Powder: Essential spices that add depth and warmth to the chicken's flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard, Honey, Hot Chili Sauce, Smoked Paprika: Key ingredients that create the signature honey mustard sauce with a spicy kick.
  • Chicken Stock: Provides additional moisture and enhances the sauce's richness.
  • Flour: Used for dredging the chicken to create a golden, crispy exterior.
Salad Ingredients:
  • Kimchi, Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes, Mango, Apple, Coriander Leaves, Sweet Pepper, Mint Leaves: Fresh ingredients that create a vibrant and refreshing salad.
Salad Sauce Ingredients:
  • Additional Ingredients for Salad Sauce: Whisked together to dress and enhance the salad's flavor.
Cooking Fats:
  • Oil, Butter: Used for cooking the chicken and adding richness to the dish.
Aromatics:
  • Minced Garlic, Red Thai Chili: Provide an aromatic base and additional flavor to the sauce.

How To Make 30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken Fast

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Cooking

Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, chili flakes, and garlic powder. Gently coat each piece with flour, ensuring an even, light covering.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a combination of oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place chicken breasts into the pan.

Cook until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown color and the chicken is fully cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and finely chopped red Thai chili. Sauté for about one minute until the aroma becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 4: Craft Honey Mustard Sauce

Add to the pan:
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
  • Hot chili sauce
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir ingredients thoroughly to create a harmonious sauce.

Step 5: Simmer and Coat Chicken

Pour chicken stock into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

Return chicken breasts to the pan, coating them completely with the honey mustard sauce. Continue simmering until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 6: Prepare Macaroni

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 7: Assemble Fresh Salad

Combine in a large bowl:
  • Kimchi
  • Cucumber
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Mango
  • Apple
  • Coriander leaves
  • Sweet pepper
  • Mint leaves

Step 8: Dress the Salad

Whisk salad dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Pour over the salad and toss gently to ensure even distribution.

Step 9: Plate and Serve

Arrange honey mustard chicken alongside macaroni and the vibrant fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Speedy Tips For 30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Dredge chicken in flour for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
  • Control the heat level by adjusting chili flakes and hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance without overwhelming the dish.
  • Create a quick weeknight meal by prepping ingredients in advance and keeping pantry staples like honey and Dijon mustard on hand.
  • Balance the rich chicken with the bright, tangy salad – the kimchi and fresh herbs provide a refreshing counterpoint to the savory sauce.
  • Experiment with protein alternatives like tofu or fish if you want to switch up the main ingredient while keeping the delicious honey mustard flavor profile.

Tasty Tweaks For 30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Spicy Korean Fusion: Swap Dijon mustard with gochujang for an intense Korean-inspired honey mustard sauce. Add kimchi directly into the sauce for extra heat and complexity.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace chili flakes with dried oregano and thyme. Use Greek yogurt instead of stock to create a creamy Mediterranean-style sauce. Serve with roasted vegetable couscous.
  • Caribbean Tropical Remix: Substitute hot chili sauce with Caribbean jerk seasoning. Add coconut milk to the sauce for richness. Serve with grilled pineapple salsa and coconut rice.
  • Herb Garden Lighter Version: Use skinless chicken breasts and reduce butter. Create a lighter sauce with fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Swap macaroni with quinoa for a healthier grain option.

Perfect Partners For 30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Elevate Flavor Fusion: Pair crisp Sauvignon Blanc with honey mustard chicken to complement its tangy and sweet sauce profile.
  • Wine-Tastic Match: Select a light-bodied Pinot Noir that balances the dish's spicy chili and smoky paprika notes without overpowering the delicate chicken.
  • Craft Beer Delight: Choose a hoppy Belgian-style wheat ale that cuts through the richness of the honey mustard sauce while enhancing the meal's zesty undertones.
  • Refreshing Companion: Create a cucumber-mint mocktail to mirror the fresh salad ingredients and provide a cooling contrast to the chicken's warm, spicy flavors.

How To Keep 30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken Tasty

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the chicken from the salad to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Exclude the salad when freezing.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warm.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little chicken stock or water to keep the meat moist.

All You Wondered—30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken FAQs

  • What ingredients give this honey mustard chicken its unique flavor?

The combination of Dijon mustard, honey, hot chili sauce, and smoked paprika creates a complex, sweet-spicy flavor profile that makes the chicken taste rich and exciting.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level from chili flakes, red Thai chili, and hot chili sauce. You can adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these ingredients according to your taste preference.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta instead of macaroni?

Absolutely! You can substitute macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Choose a pasta that can hold the sauce well and complements the honey mustard chicken.

  • Is the salad an essential part of the dish?

While the salad adds freshness and balance to the meal, it’s optional.

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30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

30 Minute Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Golden honey mustard chicken brings zesty flavor to weeknight dinners with minimal prep and maximum taste. Juicy chicken breasts glazed in tangy-sweet sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 medium boneless chicken breasts (175 grams each)
  • 1 cup macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • Flour for dredging

Seasonings:

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Chili flakes
  • Garlic powder

Sauce and Additional Components:

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon hot chili sauce
  • 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 45 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 red Thai chili, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • Sweet pepper, sliced
  • Chives, finely chopped

Salad Ingredients:

  • Store-bought kimchi
  • Cucumber, sliced
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Mango, diced
  • Apple, diced
  • Coriander leaves, chopped
  • Sweet pepper, sliced
  • Mint leaves, chopped

Salad Sauce:

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, chili flakes, and garlic powder, then delicately coat with a light flour dusting.
  2. In a skillet warmed to medium heat, melt butter and oil together. Sear chicken breasts until they develop a golden-brown exterior and reach perfect internal doneness. Transfer to a waiting plate.
  3. Within the same fragrant pan, sauté minced garlic and red Thai chili for approximately 60 seconds, releasing their aromatic essence.
  4. Create a vibrant honey mustard sauce by whisking together Dijon mustard, honey, hot chili sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper directly in the pan.
  5. Introduce chicken stock to the sauce, allowing it to simmer and develop depth. Reintegrate the cooked chicken breasts, gently coating them in the luscious mixture. Reduce sauce for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a rich, clingy consistency.
  6. Simultaneously prepare macaroni according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente perfection. Drain and reserve.
  7. Craft a refreshing salad by combining kimchi, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mango, apple, coriander leaves, sweet pepper, and mint leaves in a crisp bowl.
  8. Whip together the salad’s accompanying dressing, then cascade it over the colorful ingredients, tossing to ensure complete flavor integration.
  9. Plate the honey mustard chicken alongside the macaroni, accompanied by the vibrant, zesty salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Use high-quality chicken breasts for even cooking and tender results.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help flour adhere and create crispy exterior.
  • Adjust chili levels based on personal heat tolerance for a customized spice experience.
  • Replace macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for low-carb alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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