Zesty Honey Mustard Citrus Chicken Recipe: A Tangy Delight

Crafting a delectable honey mustard citrus chicken leaves many home cooks feeling inspired by its vibrant flavor profile.

Zesty oranges and tangy lemons dance with sweet golden honey in this mouthwatering dish.

Mustard adds a robust kick that awakens every taste bud.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary on your dinner plate.

Mediterranean-inspired marinades infuse each tender chicken piece with bright, bold notes.

Marinating transforms ordinary proteins into culinary masterpieces that spark conversation around the table.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next weekend feast.

Why Honey Mustard Citrus Chicken Is A Must-Try

• Master One-Pan Magic: Transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal with minimal dishes and maximum flavor, creating a stress-free cooking experience.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables or adjust seasoning to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different palates.
• Pack Nutritious Punch: Combine protein-rich chicken with colorful vegetables, delivering a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in every bite.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort: Utilize affordable ingredients like chicken thighs and common vegetables to create a delicious dinner that won't break the bank, perfect for weeknight cooking.

What You’ll Need For Honey Mustard Citrus Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy cut of meat that provides the primary protein for this flavorful dish.

• Onion, Carrot, Potato: Fresh vegetables that add depth, texture, and natural sweetness to the recipe.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that create a robust flavor base for the chicken.
• Orange Juice: Bright citrus liquid that adds a tangy and refreshing element to the sauce.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the tangy mustard and adds a glossy finish.
• Mustard: Provides a sharp and zesty flavor to complement the other ingredients.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Essential fats that help create a golden, crispy chicken skin and provide rich flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, green garnish and light herbal note to the finished dish.

How To Cook Honey Mustard Citrus Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Cooking

Grab chicken thighs and generously season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Let the seasoned chicken rest while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Create Golden Chicken Skin

Place a large pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a small pat of butter.

Wait for butter to melt completely and create a sizzling surface.

Step 3: Brown Chicken Perfectly

Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down into the hot pan.

Cook until skin turns golden and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Flip chicken and cook opposite side for another 5-7 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetable Base

• Sliced onions
• Cubed potatoes
• Sliced carrots

Cook vegetables until they begin softening and releasing their natural flavors.

Step 5: Enhance with Aromatic Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the vegetable mixture. Stir and cook for an additional minute to release garlic’s fragrant notes.

Step 6: Create Citrus Honey Mustard Sauce

• Fresh orange juice
• Tangy mustard
• Sweet honey

Pour this vibrant sauce over the sautéed vegetables.

Step 7: Reunite Chicken and Vegetables

Gently place chicken thighs back into the pan, nestling them among the vegetables and sauce.

Step 8: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the pan with a lid. Allow everything to simmer for 15-20 minutes, ensuring chicken cooks thoroughly and vegetables become tender.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish just before serving for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Helpful Notes For Honey Mustard Citrus Chicken

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden skin that develops beautiful caramelization.
• Swap potatoes with sweet potatoes for a lower-carb alternative that adds natural sweetness to the dish.
• Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the meal.
• Use fresh orange juice instead of store-bought for a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor profile that elevates the entire recipe.

Honey Mustard Citrus Chicken Flavor Options

• Lemon Herb Variation: Replace orange juice with fresh lemon juice, add chopped rosemary and thyme to the sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Chipotle Chicken: Swap honey mustard for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, incorporate smoked paprika for extra heat and depth of flavor.
• Apple Cider Chicken: Use apple cider instead of orange juice, add diced apples to the vegetable mix and include a touch of cinnamon for a sweet-savory combination.
• Coconut Curry Version: Substitute orange juice with coconut milk, mix in mild curry powder, and garnish with fresh cilantro for an exotic touch.

Top Pairings For Honey Mustard Citrus Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the chicken, complementing the citrusy honey mustard sauce with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Bread: Rustic sourdough or a warm baguette becomes the perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavorful pan sauce, adding a delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: A light arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty chicken dish, balancing the meal's richness with crisp, peppery greens.

Storing Honey Mustard Citrus Chicken Smartly

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chicken and vegetables together. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken and vegetables to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for 2-3 months, ensuring complete coverage to prevent freezer burn.
• Microwave Reheating: Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken and vegetables in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.

FAQs For Honey Mustard Citrus Chicken

• Why use both olive oil and butter in the pan?

The combination creates a richer flavor and helps prevent the butter from burning while providing a delicious golden brown color to the chicken skin.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender. If using breasts, reduce cooking time to prevent drying out and ensure they don’t become tough.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• What type of mustard works best in this recipe?

Dijon mustard provides the best flavor balance with honey and citrus. Yellow or whole grain mustard can also work well depending on your taste preference.

Honey Mustard Citrus Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty honey mustard citrus chicken delivers a bright explosion of Mediterranean flavors that dance across dinner plates. Succulent chicken breasts glazed with tangy sauce promise a quick, elegant meal sure to delight hungry families.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 5 chicken thighs

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 potato, cubed
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey
• 1 orange, juiced
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Infuse chicken thighs with a robust blend of salt, pepper, and paprika, allowing flavors to meld while preparing the cooking surface.
2. Activate a large skillet over medium heat, introducing a harmonious combination of olive oil and butter to create a luxurious cooking medium.
3. Once butter transforms into a golden pool, strategically place chicken thighs skin-side down, cultivating a crisp, caramelized exterior for 5-7 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown complexion.
4. Reverse chicken pieces, continuing cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes to ensure thorough heat penetration. Transfer chicken to a temporary holding plate.
5. Utilize the same skillet to sauté a medley of sliced onions, cubed potatoes, and carrot slices, encouraging vegetables to soften and release their inherent sweetness.
6. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the vegetable landscape for approximately one minute.
7. Craft a vibrant citrus-honey mustard sauce by whisking together fresh orange juice, tangy mustard, and golden honey in a separate container.
8. Cascade the sauce over the simmering vegetables, creating a glossy, flavorful foundation.
9. Gently reintroduce chicken thighs into the skillet, nestling them among the vegetable ensemble.
10. Secure the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, allowing contents to simmer at a gentle temperature for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches perfect doneness and vegetables achieve tender submission.
11. Conclude by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley, adding a final burst of color and herbal brightness before serving.

Notes

• Crisp chicken skin matters most, so pat dry thighs before seasoning to ensure maximum golden-brown crispiness.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
• For gluten-sensitive diets, use whole-grain mustard or Dijon mustard without wheat-based additives.
• Fresh citrus like mandarin or tangerine juice can replace orange juice for more intense, bright flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg