Chef Sarah Mitchell - Family Cooking Expert
👨‍🍳 Family Recipe Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 15+ Years Experience 🍽️ Family Meal Specialist

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This honey mustard chicken recipe was inspired by my desire to create a simple yet flavorful weeknight dinner that my whole family would love. The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates an irresistible glaze that transforms ordinary chicken into something special."

Sarah specializes in creating delicious family-friendly meals that are both nutritious and satisfying. She believes that great food doesn't have to be complicated, focusing on simple techniques that maximize flavor.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden honey mustard glazed chicken breasts served over fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh herbs and green onions on a white dinner plate

The Perfect Honey Mustard Balance

The key to exceptional honey mustard chicken lies in achieving the perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors. Using both Dijon and whole grain mustard creates depth and texture, while the honey provides natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

Timing is crucial when applying the glaze. Adding it too early can cause burning, while adding it too late won't allow proper caramelization. The final minute of cooking is the sweet spot for achieving that glossy, flavorful finish.

💡 Professional Tip

Let the honey mustard glaze come to room temperature before brushing it on the chicken. This ensures even application and prevents the cold glaze from cooling down the hot chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay even more tender. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 175°F.

Add the glaze during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking and reduce heat to medium. The residual heat will caramelize the honey without burning it.

Yes, bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, then brush with glaze and bake 2-3 minutes more until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati works best for fluffy, separate grains. Brown rice can be substituted but will need longer cooking time.

Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature. The chicken should feel firm when pressed and juices should run clear.

Yes, the honey mustard glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before using.

Steamed vegetables, roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple side salad complement the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Dry Chicken

Problem: Chicken breasts turn out dry and tough

Solution: Don't overcook - use a thermometer and remove at 165°F. Pound to even thickness and let rest 5 minutes after cooking.

✅

Burnt Glaze

Problem: Honey mustard glaze burns and turns bitter

Solution: Reduce heat and add glaze only in the last 1-2 minutes. Keep the pan moving to prevent hot spots.

✅

Sticky Rice

Problem: Rice turns out sticky or mushy

Prevention: Use proper rice-to-liquid ratio, don't lift the lid while cooking, and let it rest 5 minutes before fluffing.

✅

Bland Flavor

Problem: Dish lacks flavor despite following recipe

Recovery: Season chicken well before cooking and taste-adjust the glaze. Add more mustard for tang or honey for sweetness.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: Some parts of chicken cook faster than others

Prevention: Pound chicken to uniform thickness and use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more Dijon mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar

Too Salty: Add more honey and serve with extra rice to balance

Bland: Increase garlic, add herbs, or finish with a squeeze of lemon

Fresh ingredients for honey mustard chicken including raw chicken breasts, rice, honey, mustard varieties, and herbs arranged on a marble countertop

Choosing Quality Ingredients

The foundation of great honey mustard chicken starts with selecting quality chicken breasts of uniform size. Look for organic, free-range chicken when possible, as it tends to have better flavor and texture. Properly sized breasts (6-8 oz each) cook more evenly.

For the glaze, use pure honey rather than processed honey blends, and choose high-quality Dijon mustard. The combination of whole grain and smooth mustard adds both flavor complexity and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Selection: Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness for even cooking. If they're thick, butterfly or pound them to 3/4 inch thickness.
  • Honey Quality: Pure, raw honey provides the best flavor and caramelization. Local honey adds unique floral notes that complement the mustard beautifully.
  • Rice Choice: Long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine creates fluffy, separate grains that won't become sticky or clump together.
Golden honey mustard glazed chicken sizzling in a stainless steel skillet with the glaze caramelizing on the surface

Mastering the Cooking Method

The secret to perfect honey mustard chicken is controlling the heat throughout the cooking process. Start with a proper sear to lock in juices, then manage the temperature carefully when adding the glaze to prevent burning while achieving caramelization.

Timing the rice and chicken together ensures both components finish simultaneously. Start the rice first since it needs consistent, undisturbed cooking time, then begin the chicken so both are ready to serve together.

The Perfect Glaze Application

Apply the honey mustard glaze during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. Brush it on evenly and let the residual heat caramelize the honey for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice

Prep 15 min
Cook 35 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 60ml honey
    Pure honey for best caramelization
  • 45ml Dijon mustard
    Provides tangy base flavor
  • 15ml whole grain mustard
    Adds texture and complexity
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh garlic enhances flavor
  • 15ml apple cider vinegar
    Balances sweetness
  • 15ml soy sauce
    Adds umami depth
  • 300g long-grain white rice
    Fluffy base for the chicken

For the Honey Mustard Glaze & Rice

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts (680g)
    Choose uniform size for even cooking
  • 30ml olive oil
    For searing the chicken
  • 30ml butter
    Adds richness and flavor
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
    Complements the honey mustard
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
    Adds color and mild flavor
  • 600ml chicken broth
    For cooking flavorful rice
  • 2 green onions, sliced
    Fresh garnish and mild onion flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken

    Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. If breasts are thick, pound to even thickness of about 3/4 inch for uniform cooking.

  2. Make Honey Mustard Glaze

    In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth. Set aside.

  3. Cook Rice

    In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

  4. Sear Chicken

    Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

  5. Glaze and Serve

    Brush honey mustard glaze over cooked chicken and let it caramelize for 1-2 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, serve chicken over rice, and garnish with green onions and fresh parsley.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Cooked chicken and rice keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store components separately if possible to maintain rice texture when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed vegetables, roasted broccoli, or a fresh green salad. The sweet and tangy flavors pair beautifully with crisp, fresh sides.

Variations

Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage to the glaze, or substitute brown rice for added nutrition and nutty flavor. Quinoa also works well as a rice alternative.