It’s 5:30 PM. You’re staring into the fridge. Again. The family is hungry. You’re tired. The thought of a complicated recipe makes you want to order pizza.
I get it. I live it. That’s why we need heroes like Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Breasts. This is your weeknight dinner rescue mission, perfect for when you want something as simple as creamy garlic chicken breasts but with a sweet and tangy twist.
We’re talking juicy chicken, a sticky-sweet glaze, and one pan. It’s the flavor bomb you crave, with almost zero fuss. Let’s get dinner on the table.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ultimate Guide to Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Breasts
This isn’t just another chicken recipe. This is your new secret weapon. Why? Because it nails all three: crazy good flavor, lightning speed, and total simplicity.
You get a beautiful, glossy glaze that looks fancy. It tastes like you spent an hour in the kitchen. But the truth? It’s just a few ingredients you probably already own.
This guide cuts out all the fluff. I give you the fastest path from “I’m hungry” to “Wow, that was amazing.” No weird techniques. No special trips to the store. Just maximum reward for your effort.
The Simple Ingredients
Here’s the beauty part. Check your pantry right now. You might have everything. This list is short, sweet, and to the point.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard (the flavor backbone!)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (trust me, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but awesome)
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Ready? Grab a bowl, a baking dish, and let’s move. This process is foolproof. Follow these steps and you’re golden.
Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe
The Simple Ingredients
Let’s Get Cooking! (The Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Breasts Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for a good sear. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
- Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Make the magic glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, vinegar, minced garlic, and smoked paprika. Whisk until it’s smooth and gorgeous.
- Coat the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Pour about two-thirds of the honey mustard glaze over them. Use a brush or spoon to coat every inch.
- Bake! Slide the dish into your hot oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes. The cook time depends on the thickness of your chicken. We’re aiming for 165°F internally.
- Glaze again. About halfway through baking, pull the dish out. Brush the chicken with the remaining glaze from the dish. This builds layers of flavor.
- Finish and rest. For a more caramelized top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely! Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This keeps it juicy.
What to Serve With This Dish
You need fast sides to match your fast main. These are my go-to picks to make a complete meal in minutes.
Microwave-in-bag green beans or broccoli are perfect. Toss them with a little salt and pepper right in the bag.
Instant Pot or quick-cook rice soaks up the extra glaze beautifully. For a fantastic one-pan alternative, try our one-pan honey BBQ chicken rice. A simple bagged salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders.
For something heartier, try roasted baby potatoes or sweet potato fries you can pop in the oven with the chicken.
Make This Recipe Your Own (Quick Swaps)
Don’t have an ingredient? No stress. This recipe is super flexible. Make it work for you.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They stay incredibly moist and juicy. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Swap the Dijon for whole-grain mustard. You’ll get a fantastic texture and a milder flavor. Yellow mustard works in a pinch, too.
Out of mayonnaise? Use an extra tablespoon of honey or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt. The goal is just a little creaminess.
How to Store Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
This chicken makes amazing leftovers. Store them correctly and you’ve got lunch for tomorrow.
Let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3-4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave at reduced power. Or, warm it in a covered skillet with a tiny splash of water to keep it from drying out.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 16g
*This is an estimate. Values can vary based on specific ingredients used.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the glaze and coat the chicken up to a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake when you’re ready.
My glaze isn’t thickening. What did I do wrong?
No mistake! It’s a glaze, not a gravy. For a thicker coating, just broil at the end. The heat will caramelize the sugars and make it sticky.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The honey sweetens the mustard’s bite. My kids gobble it up. For very picky eaters, you can use a milder yellow mustard.
See? Dinner doesn’t have to be a battle. You just need a solid plan and a killer glaze. This recipe is both.
It proves that you can cook something incredible, even on your busiest night. If you love the bright, lemony flavor in this glaze, you should definitely try our zesty chicken francese next.
You’ve got this. Now go take back your weeknight.
I want to hear about your victory! Did your family love it? Did you try a fun swap? Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment and rating below!