Peanut butter and jelly, eggs and bacon, honey and mustard, wine and cheese: Some things just go together so perfectly, and this honey mustard chicken is a prime example!
Any fans of honey mustard dipping sauce or tender, juicy chicken dinner recipes should continue reading.
The marinade for the chicken is delicious on both breasts and thighs, so you have the freedom to choose or do both if you’re a house divided.
This makes an incredibly satisfying family meal with mashed potatoes and garlicky sautéed green beans, or you can double the recipe and have some delicious chicken for the rest of the week to throw in spring salads, slap on sandwiches, or repurpose for rice bowls.
What does mustard do to chicken?
Much like buttermilk, lemon juice, and vinegar, mustard is highly acidic, making it an ideal tenderizer for meats! It also provides great flavor, if you like mustard of course. Don’t worry, this marinade is anything but sour or spicy. The sweet honey, which is also relatively acidic, helps balance out the sauce and keep it from being overpowering. This is what makes honey and mustard such a magical pair!
How long should you marinate chicken before cooking?
Depending on how much time you have, the chicken can be marinated for anywhere between 30 minutes and 4 hours. It will be plenty tasty and tender after 30 minutes, but the longer you let it soak up the honey mustard, the better! Just don’t let it marinate for too long or it will affect the texture of the chicken.
How do you cook honey mustard chicken?
Whether you’re manning the grill outside or sauteing on the stove, this recipe is written for both cooking methods. Just make sure to keep an eye on the breast meat versus the thigh meat since their cooking times may vary.