Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet

Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Cooking Made Easy

I absolutely love making Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet during busy weeknights. It's not just quick to prepare, but the combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a delightful flavor explosion that my family adores. As I sear the chicken, the aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting meal that's perfect with rice or fresh greens. It's become a go-to dish, and I'm excited to share my tips for getting it just right!

Created by

Tessa Wright

Last updated on 2026-02-08T04:33:35.974Z

When I first experimented with Honey Mustard Chicken, I was amazed by how simple ingredients could create such a delightful dish. Searing the chicken until golden brown not only adds flavor but also locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is juicy. Each time I make it, I adjust the honey and mustard to find my perfect balance!

The best part is how versatile this dish is. I've paired it with everything from quinoa to roasted potatoes, and it never disappoints. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving elevates the presentation and flavor!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The perfect marriage of sweet and tangy flavors.
One-pan meal for easy cleanup.
Quick recipe ready in just 30 minutes.

Mastering the Chicken

Cooking the chicken perfectly is crucial for this dish. Start by ensuring your skillet is preheated adequately; a medium-high heat will create a nice sear on the chicken, locking in juices and flavor. When you lay the chicken in the skillet, resist the urge to move it around—let it sit for about 5–7 minutes until the edges are golden brown. This not only builds a delicious crust but also helps retain moisture, resulting in tender chicken.

If you find that your chicken isn’t browning, check that your skillet isn’t overcrowded. Overlapping pieces can create steam instead of a sear. If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in two batches to maintain that perfect golden hue on each piece.

Sauce Balance and Flavor

The honey and Dijon mustard combination is what truly sets this recipe apart. The sweetness of the honey balances the sharpness of the mustard, creating a sauce that’s both rich and tangy. For a varied flavor, you might consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Adjust the ratio of honey to mustard based on your personal taste; more honey for sweetness or more mustard for tang.

When adding the sauce to the skillet, ensure to gently stir it into the chicken to avoid breaking it apart. Let the sauce simmer for about 3–5 minutes—it should become slightly thickened and glossy, coating the chicken evenly. This technique prevents the sauce from being too runny, letting it cling to the chicken and available sides beautifully.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For a balanced meal, I love serving this chicken skillet over fluffy rice or alongside fresh salad greens. The honey mustard sauce is divine drizzled over these sides, so don't forget to have some ready. You could also pair it with roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious plate.

Looking to mix things up? Try adding sliced apples or pears to the skillet when simmering the sauce; their natural sweetness complements the dish beautifully. Alternatively, switching out the Dijon for whole grain mustard introduces a delightful texture and flavor complexity. Experiment with these variations to discover your favorite spin on this classic dish!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Skillet

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking for a smooth experience.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the honey and Dijon mustard. Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken. Stir to coat and let simmer for an additional 3–5 minutes.

Serve

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Enjoy your delicious honey mustard chicken with family or friends!

Pro Tips

Feel free to adjust the honey and mustard ratio to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet is great for meal prep. You can season and cook the chicken ahead of time, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to avoid drying out the chicken—adding a splash of water or broth can help keep it moist.

If you're looking to freeze, make the complete dish without any sides. Store it in a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. The flavors will meld beautifully after freezing, enhancing the overall taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don't have Dijon mustard on hand? Yellow mustard works as a substitute, although it will provide a milder flavor. For a spicier kick, consider using spiced or whole grain mustard. Honey can also be swapped with maple syrup or agave nectar if you're looking for a vegan alternative, although this will slightly alter the taste.

In terms of herbs, fresh thyme or rosemary can add delightful aroma and earthiness if you don’t have fresh herbs for garnish. They can also be tossed into the skillet while the chicken cooks to infuse their flavors into the dish.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your chicken isn’t cooking evenly, it may help to lightly pound the breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures that they cook through uniformly, preventing dryer edges. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin, placing the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap for easy cleanup.

Another common issue is the sauce being too runny. If this happens, allow it to simmer longer on low heat, uncovered, allowing it to reduce. If it thickens too much, a splash of water can reintroduce the right texture—just whisk it in while heating.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly as they are more flavorful and stay tender.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture a few hours in advance to enhance the flavor.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

It goes great with steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.