Honey mustard chicken with rice is one of those comforting meals that seems to check all the boxes. It’s simple yet flavorful, combining tender chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with a bed of fluffy rice. Personally, I turn to this recipe when I want something delicious without a lot of fuss, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility—it’s both kid-friendly and impressively adult-approved.
Why Cook This at Home
This honey mustard chicken recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal. If you’re on a budget, it tickles the taste buds without breaking the bank. You also can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those weeknights when you need a tasty solution without spending hours in the kitchen.
"Absolutely delightful! The honey-mustard combination is a winner in my house. The kids practically lick their plates clean!”
Step-by-Step Overview
Making honey mustard chicken with rice is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. You’ll start by preheating the oven and prepping the honey-mustard sauce. Once the chicken is seared to golden perfection, it all comes together in one skillet, which makes for easier cleanup. Here’s how it all unfolds.
What You’ll Need
To make this dish, gather these essential ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mustard (yellow or Dijon works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Feel free to substitute agave syrup for honey or add some garlic for extra depth of flavor!
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey and mustard until well-combined.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Sear each side of the chicken for about 5 minutes or until it reaches a golden-brown color.
- Pour the honey-mustard sauce over the seared chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve the chicken over the cooked rice, drizzling it with any extra sauce and garnishing with parsley if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To make your meal even more delightful, consider serving honey mustard chicken with some fresh veggies or a crisp salad. You can also add a side of sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance the flavors. For those who love a little extra zest, try squeezing some lemon over the dish before serving—it elevates the honey-mustard notes beautifully!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you have any leftovers, storing them properly is key. Let the chicken and rice cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. The honey mustard chicken can last up to three days in the refrigerator. If you’d like to freeze it, make sure to separate the rice and chicken into individual containers for best results. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Pro Chef Tips
To enhance your honey mustard chicken even further, consider these tips:
- Always let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking; this allows the juices to redistribute, making it more tender.
- Experiment with different mustards, like whole grain or spicy brown, for a unique twist.
- If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds over the dish right before serving.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to switch things up:
- Add some chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic kick.
- Mix in vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the honey-mustard sauce for a colorful presentation and a nutrition boost.
- For a global flair, add some soy sauce and sesame oil to create an Asian-inspired version of this dish.
Common Questions
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is around 10 minutes, with a total cooking time of about 30 minutes.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
With all these components, honey mustard chicken with rice becomes not just a meal, but an experience to savor. Enjoy!
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Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A simple yet flavorful honey mustard chicken dish served over fluffy rice, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey and mustard until well-combined.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Sear each side of the chicken for about 5 minutes or until it reaches a golden-brown color.
- Pour the honey-mustard sauce over the seared chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve the chicken over the cooked rice, drizzling it with any extra sauce and garnishing with parsley if desired.
Notes
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it tender. Feel free to experiment with different mustards or add fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg