# Honey Mustard Chicken: A Weeknight Essential
This honey mustard chicken is a go-to for busy weeknights, showcasing a sweet-tangy sauce that quickly makes chicken breasts a family favorite. Using simple pantry staples and a one-dish baking technique, it provides an easy cooking experience with minimal cleanup.
## Flavor Profile
The chicken is coated in a sweet and creamy honey mustard glaze that combines wonderfully with the pan juices, yielding a dish with a pleasing tangy finish.
## Skill Level
This recipe is very simple, needing only a one-bowl sauce, a single baking dish, and the oven to handle the cooking.
## Time-Saving Tip
Prepare the sauce while the oven is preheating, or set everything up to 4 hours ahead of time and let it marinate for a convenient make-ahead meal.
## Serving Suggestions
Serve the honey mustard chicken over rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or with Parmesan roasted broccoli to absorb the extra sauce.
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## Honey Mustard Chicken Ingredients
– **Chicken Breasts**: Flatten to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for additional juiciness; just slightly modify the cooking time.
– **Butter**: Salted butter creates a rich and smooth sauce. Unsalted butter can be used to keep the saltiness in check.
– **Honey**: A mild honey balances the sauce; spicy honey may be used for a sweet and spicy twist.
– **Mustard**: Pick your favorite variety; Dijon adds sharpness, whole-grain gives texture, and a touch of yellow mustard keeps the flavor traditional.
– **Apple Cider Vinegar**: This brightens the sauce while balancing the sweetness. Substitute with lemon juice or white wine vinegar if needed.
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## How to Prepare Honey Mustard Chicken
1. Flatten the chicken to an even thickness and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Make the sauce by melting butter and whisking in honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, and thyme. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken in a greased baking dish.
3. Bake uncovered until the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest section, approximately 20-25 minutes.
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving, then drizzle the pan sauce over the chicken.
### Tips for Success
– Flatten the thickest portion of the chicken breast for even cooking.
– Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure the spices stick and the sauce adheres better.
– Modify the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by increasing the amount of apple cider vinegar or honey, as needed.
– Use an instant-read meat thermometer for precision; take the chicken out of the oven at 165°F.
– For extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients and choose a larger baking dish.
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## Leftovers Worth Saving
– **Fridge**: Keep leftover chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
– **Freeze**: Freeze cooled chicken with sauce for a maximum of 3 months.
– **Reheat**: Gently warm in the microwave with a little extra sauce, or reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
– **Leftover Ideas**: Slice the chicken for wraps, grain bowls, salads, or sandwiches with lettuce and pickles.
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### Perfect Pairings for Honey Mustard Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with various sides, complementing its sweet and tangy flavors.
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