Description
This Honey Mustard Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce made from honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, and garlic. Perfectly grilled or baked, this dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it an ideal main course for any dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast or chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons dijon mustard (grainy preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced or grated
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Freshly ground salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, combine honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, cayenne pepper if using, and freshly ground salt and black pepper. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the bowl and stir thoroughly to coat all pieces of chicken evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow flavors to blend and chicken to tenderize.
- Preheat Cooking Method: Choose your preferred cooking method. For grilling, preheat grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For baking, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook Chicken - Grill Method: Place marinated chicken on the preheated grill and close the lid. Grill for 6-8 minutes on one side without flipping. Flip chicken once using tongs and grill for another 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook Chicken - Bake Method: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the marinated chicken pieces on it. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest Chicken: After cooking, transfer chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and cover loosely with foil. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to retain juices and improve tenderness.
- Serve: Slice or serve the chicken whole with your favorite sides. Enjoy the flavorful, moist honey mustard chicken.
Notes
- For more flavor, marinate chicken for the full hour if time permits.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted or omitted for less heat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain moisture and juices for a tender result.
- This marinade works well with any cut of chicken, including thighs, breasts, or even drumsticks.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 227 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
