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; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick Fix Meals

I love making Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet for dinner because it's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a sauce that's incredibly delicious, while the skillet method lets all the ingredients infuse together perfectly. In just 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, satisfying meal that the entire family will devour. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy evening at home!

Created by

Margaret Hill

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:56:35.594Z

During one busy weeknight, I decided to whip up something quick yet flavor-packed for dinner, and that’s when I created this Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; just a few ingredients come together in a humble skillet to create layers of flavor that truly shine. I also discovered that letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and moist.

Another tip I learned is that using whole grain mustard instead of the classic yellow mustard adds a delightful depth to the sauce. This slight adjustment elevated my dish, impressing both my family and guests. Once you’ve tasted it, I guarantee you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
One-pan meal that simplifies cleanup
Quick cooking time, ready in just 30 minutes

Mastering the Skillet Technique

Using a skillet for this Honey Mustard Chicken not only allows for quick cooking but also enhances the flavor. The direct heat from the skillet ensures that the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. For best results, ensure your skillet is preheated and the olive oil is shimmering before introducing the chicken. This will help to create that perfect sear, which locks in moisture and flavor, giving your dish that professional touch.

While cooking, it's essential to flip the chicken only once. This technique prevents the meat from becoming dry and helps maintain its juiciness. Aim for a nice golden color on both sides; this usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat. If you're unsure if the chicken is done, a meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast.

Creating the Perfect Sauce

The honey-mustard mixture is what truly elevates this dish. The combination of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard not only adds flavor but also helps to create a nice glaze that adheres well to the chicken. Mixing the whole grain mustard into the sauce adds texture and depth, providing small bursts of mustard seeds that contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the honey. Adjust the amount of mustard to suit your taste; if you prefer a sharper flavor, a little extra Dijon can enhance it.

To achieve the desired consistency for your sauce, remember to simmer the chicken in the sauce for 3-5 minutes. This not only thickens the sauce but also allows the chicken to absorb some of those delicious flavors. If you notice the sauce isn’t thickening as you’d like, a quick tip is to add a little cornstarch mixed with water to the skillet, stirring until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness.

Serving and Storage Tips

When it comes to serving Honey Mustard Chicken, consider pairing it with sides that complement its flavors. Roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad work wonderfully. You can also drizzle any remaining sauce on your sides for added flavor. For a creamy alternative, a side of coleslaw adds a nice crunch and balances the sweetness of the dish.

If you're looking to make this recipe ahead of time, the chicken and sauce are easily prepared and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the skillet over low heat to maintain moisture and texture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, ensuring your chicken remains tender and delicious.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

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

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden and cooked through.

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the honey, Dijon mustard, and whole grain mustard. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with your choice of sides.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for a few hours before cooking. This can really enhance the taste and tenderness of the chicken.

Ingredient Variations

If you want to experiment with flavors, try swapping the Dijon mustard for a flavored variety, like honey mustard or spicy brown mustard. These can add a unique twist to the dish while maintaining that signature sweet and tangy profile. Additionally, if you're looking to cut down on sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup can serve as excellent substitutes for honey, offering a similar sweetness with distinct flavor nuances.

For those with dietary considerations, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor and extra juiciness. Bone-in, skin-on options can also enhance the dish’s depth, although cooking times will differ—usually a bit longer, around 10-12 minutes per side, to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your chicken is sticking to the skillet, it’s likely not hot enough initially. Always preheat your skillet and allow the oil to reach a light shimmer. If your chicken turns out dry, it may have been overcooked; next time, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches just 165°F (75°C) and no further. This way, your chicken will remain juicy and tender.

In some cases, the sauce may turn out too thick. If this happens, simply whisk in a small amount of chicken broth or water to thin it out without losing flavor. Conversely, if the sauce is too runny, let it simmer a little longer, uncovered, to reduce and thicken.

Scaling the Recipe

This Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. If you're cooking for a crowd, consider using a large skillet or cooking in batches to ensure each piece of chicken gets the space it needs for even cooking. Just multiply the ingredient amounts accordingly, but remember to maintain the same cooking time for each batch to avoid any undercooked chicken.

For meal prep, you can double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers. This dish reheats well, making it a great option for your weekly meal prep. Just remember to store the chicken and sauce separately if possible, as this keeps everything fresh when it's time to serve.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well and may even add more flavor because of their higher fat content.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and simply reheat when ready to serve.

→ Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Certainly! You can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard mixture for a spicy kick.