If you’ve ever wished for a meal that feels comforting, elegant, and oh-so-creamy, look no further than this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. With juicy pan-seared chicken smothered in a velvety sauce that balances sweetness, tang, and just a whisper of spice, this dish has become my go-to for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. The best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes, yet tastes like a restaurant-worthy meal. Trust me, your family and friends will think you spent hours in the kitchen when you bring this stunner to the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list! Each item has a simple (but important!) job—contributing big flavor, a luscious texture, or beautiful color to your Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. Gathering these kitchen staples will set you up for a showstopping main course in no time.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender, mild-flavored, and perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: For a golden sear and a subtle fruity note.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistible pan sauce.
- Chicken broth: Lifts all the flavors and deglazes the pan—don’t skip it!
- Heavy cream: The secret to a silky, luxurious sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Brings tang and depth for that signature honey mustard flavor.
- Whole grain mustard: Pops of texture and a slightly rustic edge to every bite.
- Honey: Naturally sweetens the sauce, balancing out the mustards with mild floral notes.
- Garlic (minced): Aromatic and punchy—just a little goes a long way!
- Dried thyme: Infuses the sauce with a gentle earthiness.
- Salt and black pepper: Crucial for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A bright green finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Make Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This little step ensures your chicken develops a flavorful crust as it cooks, and that every bite is properly seasoned from the inside out.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter is foamy and the oil shimmers. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer and let them sizzle away for 5 to 6 minutes per side. Resist the urge to move them—you want that gorgeous golden-brown color! Once cooked through, set the chicken aside on a plate and cover loosely to keep them warm and juicy.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium and add your minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for just about one minute, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. This gentle cooking releases the garlic’s natural sweetness and forms the aromatic backbone of your sauce.
Step 4: Mix Up the Saucy Goodness
Pour in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and honey. As you stir, be sure to scrape up any crispy browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these are the little flavor secrets of any great skillet sauce! Now breathe in; that tangy, sweet aroma is irresistible already.
Step 5: Creamy Finish and Thyme
Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently swirl in the heavy cream and dried thyme. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens ever so slightly, coating your spoon beautifully. This is where your Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe transforms into something truly special—silky, glossy, and packed with flavor.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return your cooked chicken breasts (plus any juices on the plate!) back into the skillet. Spoon that creamy honey mustard sauce generously over the top and let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This final simmer warms the chicken through and creates a glossy, restaurant-worthy finish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving for that pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a pretty finish! A generous shower of fresh chopped parsley not only perks up the plate visually, but introduces a bright grassy note that lifts the rich sauce. For an extra gourmet touch, try a crack of freshly ground black pepper or even a scattering of thinly sliced chives.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe plays well with so many sides—think fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for sopping up every drop of sauce. Roasted veggies (like carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts) offer a wonderful contrast to the creamy main course and add a splash of color to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve each chicken breast sliced over a bed of wilted greens, then drizzle with extra sauce. Or, for a fuss-free family meal, plate everything family-style straight from the skillet. Leftovers can even be tucked into a sandwich or wrap for a next-day lunch you’ll genuinely look forward to!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extras? Pop any leftover Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe (with the sauce!) into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they mingle, making for a delightful “next day” meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken and sauce together for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture—heavy cream sauces can separate if frozen for too long, but a gentle reheat will help bring it back together.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but do it in short bursts, stirring between each to protect that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be just as delicious—possibly even more tender and juicy. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure thorough doneness.
Is there a lighter substitute for heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk instead of heavy cream if you want to reduce the richness a little. The sauce will still be creamy, just slightly less decadent.
What if I don’t have whole grain mustard?
No worries! You can use extra Dijon mustard in its place. The sauce will be a bit smoother and have a subtler texture, but the flavor will remain vibrant and tangy.
Can this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe be made dairy-free?
Try swapping the butter for a plant-based alternative and using a dairy-free cream substitute (like coconut cream or an unsweetened non-dairy creamer). Your sauce won’t be quite as rich but it will still taste wonderful.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want an extra-thick sauce, just let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally. It will naturally reduce and turn luscious—resist the urge to add flour or starch, as the cream should do the trick!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a guaranteed dinner win, give this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe a spot on your menu this week. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast and leaves everyone asking when you’ll make it again. Dive in, enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to save some sauce for tomorrow’s lunch—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich honey mustard sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, then add chicken broth, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey. Simmer and add cream and thyme.
- Finish Dish: Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, simmer until heated through. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- This dish goes well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
