If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly comforting, you have to try this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. It brings together tender, golden chicken cutlets bathed in a luscious sauce that perfectly balances sweet honey with tangy Dijon mustard, all wrapped up in a rich, velvety creaminess. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and comes together surprisingly quickly, making it a go-to for weeknights or last-minute dinners that still feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in creating the harmony of this dish. From the savory seasonings to the creamy sauce components, every item contributes to that perfect balance of taste, texture, and inviting color.
- Chicken breasts: Using large breasts cut into cutlets ensures even cooking and tender bites.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavor of the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle pungency that deepens the flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Flour: For dredging the chicken; it creates a light crust helping the sauce cling beautifully.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing that adds a touch of fruity richness.
- Butter: Used in two stages for browning chicken and building a creamy, decadent sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps create the sauce’s liquid base.
- Dijon mustard: Brings tang and a gentle kick that balances the sweetness.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and a beautiful golden hue.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce that signature luscious, silky texture that makes this recipe unforgettable.
How to Make Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken
Start by slicing your large chicken breasts lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets; this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Sprinkle each piece with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then lightly coat them in flour. The flour helps create a delicate crust and thickens the sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy. If the oil splatters too much, feel free to lower the heat a bit. When browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside for a moment.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining butter, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and honey. Return the pan to medium heat, stirring everything together until the mustard dissolves and the sauce is well blended. The combination of mustard and honey creates this brilliant balance of sweet and tangy that’s truly irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Finish Cooking
Pour in the heavy cream, letting the sauce bubble and thicken just slightly. Then nestle your chicken back into the pan, allowing it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks through and the sauce reduces to a velvety consistency that clings to every tender bite, making this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe so memorable.
How to Serve Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or thyme leaves add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the rich sauce beautifully. A few lemon wedges on the side can also be a nice touch for those who enjoy a little extra zesty contrast.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or creamy polenta, as these sides soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. Lightly sautéed green beans or a crisp garden salad add freshness and balance to the plate so you get texture contrasts alongside rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the chicken on a bed of buttery egg noodles or even roasted vegetables to impress guests. You could also turn this into a tasty sandwich by piling extra sauce-soaked chicken on crusty bread with some arugula for bite and freshness. The possibilities with this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe are surprisingly versatile and fun to experiment with!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken as it sits, but it reheats beautifully and just needs a gentle stir after warming.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing and leave some space in the container to allow for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Avoid overheating as the cream can separate.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can add an even juicier, richer texture to this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a bit longer.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half if you want a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as thick and silky. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works but will add a subtle coconut flavor.
How do I prevent the sauce from splitting?
Make sure to add the cream once the sauce is warm and avoid cooking it over high heat. Gentle simmering keeps the sauce stable and creamy without curdling.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and cook the chicken in advance, then reheat and finish the sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
What can I use to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce is thinner than you like, mixing a small amount of flour or cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the simmering sauce helps thicken it quickly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is a beautiful blend of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Whether you need a quick weeknight winner or a comforting plate to impress guests, this dish delivers on flavor and satisfaction every time. I encourage you to give it a try — once you do, it might just become your new favorite dinner!
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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
Description
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets cooked to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious, creamy honey mustard sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick and delicious dinner option that combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors in one skillet meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Flour, for dredging
Sauce and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Slice each large chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four smaller cutlets. Season each cutlet evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, dredge each piece lightly in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.
- Heat the pan: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with one tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and the pan to become hot but not smoking.
- Cook the chicken: Add the coated chicken cutlets to the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. If the oil splatters excessively, lower the heat slightly to prevent burning. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Make the sauce base: Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the remaining two tablespoons of butter, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and honey to the pan. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the mustard dissolves smoothly into the liquid.
- Simmer the sauce: Return the skillet to the stove over medium heat. Gently stir the sauce as it warms, being careful not to let it reduce completely. This helps develop the rich flavors of the sauce without burning it.
- Add cream and chicken: Pour the heavy cream into the sauce, stirring until the sauce begins to bubble. Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet, submerging them slightly in the sauce. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to finish cooking thoroughly and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
Notes
- Cutting the chicken breasts into cutlets ensures even and quick cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can add a nice twist.
- Use full-fat heavy cream for the creamiest sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce further before adding the chicken.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.