There is something truly irresistible about a dish that combines tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors all in one bite, and that is exactly what you get with this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken cutlets coated in a luscious sauce made from Dijon mustard, honey, and rich heavy cream create a symphony of taste that feels both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the tender chicken to the luscious sauce. Keep these essentials on hand to whip up a delicious meal without any fuss.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise: This creates thin, quick-cooking cutlets that absorb the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The basic seasoning that enhances every other flavor in the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the sauce.
- All-purpose flour, for dredging: Helps create a light crust on the chicken and thickens the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a perfect sear that locks in juices and adds flavor.
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided: Adds richness to the sauce and helps cook the chicken beautifully.
- â…“ cup chicken broth: Provides a savory base that keeps the sauce light and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: The star ingredient that brings tang and depth.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the mustard with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
How to Make Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
Start by slicing each chicken breast lengthwise so you end up with thinner cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Season these cutlets generously with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder for extra flavor. Lightly dredge them in all-purpose flour, which not only helps develop a golden crust but also thickens your sauce later. Be sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid clumping in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil together with 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. The combination of oil and butter ensures a beautiful golden crust without burning. Add the chicken cutlets to the hot pan and cook for a few minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden-brown color. Once perfectly seared, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest, so it stays juicy.
Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and honey. Stir it all together, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan — those bits are flavor gold! Keep stirring until the mustard dissolves completely and the sauce begins to bubble gently, signaling that all those delicious flavors are coming together beautifully.
Step 4: Add Cream and Finish Cooking
Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling the cutlets back into that gorgeous sauce. Let everything cook together until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is perfectly cooked and infused with the creamy honey mustard flavors.
Step 5: Serve Up Your Culinary Masterpiece
Your creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet chicken is now ready to be plated. Spoon plenty of that dreamy sauce over the top and dig in!
How to Serve Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, sprinkle a pop of color and brightness against the golden chicken and rich sauce. A light dusting of cracked black pepper adds a touch of spice that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with simple, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes absorb the fantastic sauce perfectly, while steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add a lovely crunch and fresh contrast. Fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles are also wonderful options for soaking up every last drop of that sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancier touch, serve the chicken on a bed of buttery polenta or alongside roasted root vegetables for added texture and earthiness. For casual family dinners, plate everything family-style and let everyone ladle on the sauce as much as they like — it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but it will reheat wonderfully, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but for best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. Place chicken cutlets in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze the sauce in a separate container. This way you maintain the perfect consistency when reheating.
Reheating
Slowly reheat leftover chicken and sauce over low-medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as slow gentle heat preserves the sauce’s creamy texture and the chicken’s tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and stay even juicier. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly until the thighs reach 165°F internally.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken separately and combine them when ready to serve for fresher-tasting chicken. Just store each component in the fridge.
What mustard should I use exactly?
Dijon mustard is key for that signature tangy, smooth flavor in the sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use whole grain mustard but it will add some texture.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon without running off immediately. If it’s too thin, cook it a little longer to reduce; if too thick, stir in a bit of chicken broth or cream.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making again and again. Its balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors wrapped around tender, juicy chicken makes every bite unforgettable. Give it a try for your next meal and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite that brightens up your dinner table with zero fuss and all the love.
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
Description
This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken cutlets cooked in a luscious honey mustard cream sauce. Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection, the sauce combines Dijon mustard, honey, chicken broth, and heavy cream for a rich and tangy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
Sauce Ingredients
- â…“ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each cutlet in all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and honey. Stir the mixture constantly until the mustard dissolves and the sauce begins bubbling, combining all flavors.
- Add cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and return the sauce to a gentle simmer. Place the chicken cutlets back into the skillet, spooning some sauce over them. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Once done, serve the creamy honey mustard chicken immediately with your favorite sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables for a delightful meal.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Use gluten-free flour if you want to make this recipe gluten-free.
- This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
