Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of creamy honey mustard chicken, a dish that perfectly balances sweetness, tanginess, and savory notes. This recipe promises tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Whole grain mustard brings a unique texture and tanginess, which differs from regular mustard. Cream and cornstarch are essential for achieving that luscious, thick sauce. Additionally, fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
Ingredients for Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
Honey: Provides sweetness to balance the tanginess of the mustard.
Whole grain mustard: Adds texture and a tangy flavor to the sauce.
Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and enhancing flavors.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
Chicken breasts: The main protein, providing a tender and juicy base.
Bacon: Adds a crispy, savory element to the dish.
Cream: Ensures a rich and creamy sauce.
Milk: Lightens the sauce while maintaining creaminess.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Fresh parsley: Garnishes the dish with a burst of freshness.
One reader, Earl Noe says:
This creamy honey mustard chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch. It's easy to make and absolutely delicious. My family loved it!
Techniques Required for Making Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
How to fry bacon: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat, add the bacon, and cook until crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
How to sear chicken: In the same pan with the leftover bacon oil, place the chicken fillets and cook on each side until they just begin to brown.
How to thicken sauce with cornstarch: Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then pour it into the center of the pan and stir until the sauce thickens.
How To Make Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
For this chicken recipe, we are going to make a creamy honey mustard sauce with a distinctly sweet, salty, and slightly bitter flavor.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ⅓cuphoney
- 3tbspwhole grain mustard
- 1 ½tbspgarlic
- 1tbspolive oil
- Saltto season
- 5chicken breasts
- ½cupbacon
- ⅓cupcream
- 1cupmilk
- 1tspcornstarch
- 2tbspfresh parsleychopped
Instructions
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In a large, shallow dish, combine the honey, mustard, garlic, oil, and salt to taste. Coat chicken evenly in the sauce. Set aside.
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Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat. Fry bacon until crispy and transfer to a plate.
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To the same pan, sear chicken fillets on each side in the oil leftover from the bacon until just beginning to brown.
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Add any remaining honey mustard sauce into the pan along with the cream and milk.
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Bring to a simmer while stirring occasionally to mix the flavors through the sauce until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a warm plate.
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Pour the cornstarch mixture into the center of the pan, mixing it through the sauce until it thickens.
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Place chicken back into the pan; coat with the sauce. Top with the bacon and garnish with parsley.
Nutrition
- Calories: 2696.63kcal
- Fat: 153.66g
- Saturated Fat: 75.78g
- Trans Fat: 0.33g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 54.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 14.45g
- Carbohydrates: 293.70g
- Fiber: 1.28g
- Sugar: 288.81g
- Protein: 58.91g
- Cholesterol: 516.88mg
- Sodium: 2175.23mg
- Calcium: 279.05mg
- Potassium: 1082.70mg
- Iron: 3.68mg
- Vitamin A: 1061.68µg
- Vitamin C: 7.82mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
To ensure the chicken breasts remain juicy and tender, pound them to an even thickness before marinating. This allows for more consistent cooking and better absorption of the honey mustard sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Creamy Chicken Dish
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure out honey, mustard, garlic, and cream before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Save time by using pre-cooked bacon that only needs a quick reheat.
Thin chicken breasts: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for quicker and more even cooking.
One-pan method: Cook everything in one pan to reduce cleanup time.
Cornstarch slurry: Mix the cornstarch with a bit of milk beforehand to quickly thicken the sauce.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup provides a similar sweetness and viscosity, making it a good alternative to honey.
whole grain mustard - Substitute with Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard has a smooth texture and a tangy flavor that can closely mimic the taste of whole grain mustard.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar flavor profile, though it is less pungent than fresh garlic. Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add a bit of liquid to the recipe. Adjust other liquids accordingly.
chicken breasts - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that still provides a smoky flavor, though it is less fatty than traditional bacon.
cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can provide a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness, though it will add a slight coconut flavor to the dish.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that can provide a similar consistency, though it has a slightly nutty flavor.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent in the same way as cornstarch, providing a similar texture without altering the flavor.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used in place of fresh parsley, though it is less vibrant. Use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for each tablespoon of fresh parsley.
Presentation Tips for Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the chicken breasts sliced into medallions, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy honey mustard sauce.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with finely chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for a pop of color and texture.
Create height: Stack the chicken medallions slightly overlapping each other to create a visually appealing height on the plate.
Sauce presentation: Drizzle the creamy honey mustard sauce artistically around the chicken, allowing some to pool at the base for a luxurious look.
Add a side element: Include a small portion of seasonal vegetables or a light salad on the side to add freshness and balance to the richness of the dish.
Use a clean, white plate: A pristine white plate will make the colors of the chicken, bacon, and parsley stand out, enhancing the overall presentation.
Finish with a touch of elegance: Add a final touch by placing a small sprig of parsley or a delicate herb on top of the chicken stack for a refined finish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
Large, shallow dish: Used to combine and marinate the chicken with the honey mustard sauce.
Nonstick pan: Essential for frying the bacon until crispy and searing the chicken fillets.
Plate: Needed to transfer the crispy bacon and later the cooked chicken.
Spatula: Useful for flipping the chicken fillets and stirring the sauce.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the honey, mustard, cream, and milk.
Measuring spoons: Needed for measuring the garlic, olive oil, and cornstarch.
Knife: Used for chopping the garlic and parsley.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the garlic and parsley.
Mixing bowl: Useful for mixing the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry.
Whisk: Helps in mixing the cornstarch slurry and ensuring the sauce is smooth.
Tongs: Handy for handling the chicken fillets while searing and transferring them.
Serving platter: Ideal for presenting the finished creamy honey mustard chicken garnished with bacon and parsley.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
- Allow the creamy honey mustard chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the dish, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily identify it later.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen creamy honey mustard chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed dish in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened during storage.
- Note: The texture of the chicken may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
- For best results, consume the frozen and reheated creamy honey mustard chicken within 2-3 months.
How To Reheat Leftover Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
- The best way to reheat leftover creamy honey mustard chicken is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Another option is to use the microwave. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become tough and rubbery.
- If you want to reheat the chicken on the stovetop, place it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to keep the chicken moist and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
- To add some extra flavor to your leftover chicken, try slicing it up and adding it to a salad or wrap. The cool, crisp veggies will complement the warm, creamy chicken perfectly.
- If you have leftover honey mustard sauce, you can use it as a dipping sauce for the reheated chicken. Simply microwave the sauce for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it's warm.
- For a quick and easy lunch, try making a chicken sandwich with your leftover creamy honey mustard chicken. Toast some bread, add some lettuce and tomato, and top with the warm chicken. Delicious!
Interesting Trivia About Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken
A random fact about this creamy honey mustard chicken recipe is that the combination of honey and mustard not only provides a deliciously balanced flavor but also acts as a natural tenderizer for the chicken.
Is Making Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
This creamy honey mustard chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like chicken breasts, honey, and whole grain mustard are reasonably priced. The use of bacon and cream adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Overall, this dish scores a solid 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25 USD.
Is This Creamy Chicken Dish Healthy or Not?
This creamy honey mustard chicken recipe, while undeniably delicious, has some aspects that could be improved from a health perspective:
- The recipe includes a significant amount of honey, which is high in sugar and calories
- Cream and milk contribute to the dish's saturated fat content
- Bacon, although used in moderation, adds additional saturated fat and sodium to the meal
- The recipe does not include any vegetables, which are essential for a balanced diet
However, the recipe also has some positive aspects:
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source
- Olive oil is a healthy fat option
- Garlic has potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of honey and replace some of it with Dijon mustard, which has a lower sugar content and provides a tangy flavor
- Use low-fat milk and cream alternatives, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Opt for turkey bacon or omit the bacon altogether to lower the saturated fat and sodium levels
- Incorporate vegetables into the dish, such as sautéed spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content
- Serve the chicken with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or whole-grain pasta to add complex carbohydrates and additional fiber to the meal
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious meal that still retains the delicious flavors of the original recipe.
Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
This creamy honey mustard chicken recipe strikes a delightful balance between sweet and savory. The combination of honey and whole grain mustard creates a rich, tangy sauce that complements the chicken beautifully. The addition of crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor. Using both cream and milk ensures a luscious, velvety texture. The cornstarch thickens the sauce perfectly, making it cling to the chicken. Fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness. Overall, this dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a standout option for a comforting yet elegant meal.
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Why trust this Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe:
This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of whole grain mustard, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The addition of crispy bacon adds a savory crunch, while the cream and milk create a rich, velvety sauce. The use of fresh garlic and parsley enhances the dish with aromatic and fresh notes. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to follow, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.
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