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; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Ready-to-Go Meals

I adore quick and flavorful dinners, and the Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet is my go-to recipe when time is of the essence. With its beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes. I love how the chicken becomes tender and juicy while absorbing the honey mustard sauce, making every bite a delicious experience. Pair it with your favorite veggies or rice, and you've got a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to whip up during a busy weeknight.

Created by

Hayley Morton

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:08:35.509Z

Creating the Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet has become a cherished ritual for me on hectic weeknights. The simplicity of using one pan makes cleaning up a breeze, allowing me to savor the meal without dreading the aftermath. I've found that searing the chicken before adding the sauce helps create a lovely caramelization that enhances the overall flavor.

When testing different variations, I discovered that a touch of apple cider vinegar elevates the dish without overpowering the honey. It adds just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness, transforming an everyday skillet meal into something truly special. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

What You'll Love About This Recipe
Deliciously sweet and tangy flavor that brightens any dinner table
Quick, one-pan preparation for easy cleanup
Versatile recipe that pairs well with a variety of sides

Mastering the Skillet Technique

Using a large skillet is key for this Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet, as it allows the chicken to cook evenly and develop a golden crust. Start with medium-high heat and make sure the olive oil is shimmering before adding the chicken. This ensures a good sear, which locks in moisture and flavor. If the chicken sticks to the pan, it may need a little longer to caramelize, resulting in a more flavorful golden crust.

As you flip the chicken, keep an eye out for a golden brown color. It indicates that the sugars in the honey are starting to caramelize, enhancing the overall flavor. If you're using chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness, they may require a bit more cooking time, so always check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Perfecting the Honey Mustard Sauce

The honey mustard sauce is crucial for creating the sweet and tangy flavor profile of this dish. When whisking together the honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, aim for a smooth consistency that coats the back of a spoon. This indicates that the ingredients are well combined, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly during the simmering process. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.

Allowing the sauce to simmer for five minutes does more than just thicken it; it also gives the ingredients time to blend harmoniously. If the sauce seems too thick, a splash of chicken broth can loosen it up while maintaining its flavor integrity. On the other hand, if you find it too thin, simply simmer it a little longer until you achieve your desired consistency.

Serving and Storing Your Skillet Dish

Presentation matters, even for a quick weeknight dinner! Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish. For serving, consider pairing with sautéed greens, steamed rice, or roasted potatoes to absorb the delicious sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add a handful of chopped nuts for added texture and crunch.

If you're looking to make this dish ahead of time, it stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in the sauce for up to three months. Just make sure to let it thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a quick and delicious meal:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet:

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet.

Finish Cooking

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken evenly.

Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy your flavorful and quick meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. This will enhance the taste and tenderness of the chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, you can easily substitute chicken thighs for a more flavorful option. Thighs tend to be juicier and can stand up better to longer cooking times without drying out. For a vegetarian option, firm tofu can be cubed and marinated in the honey mustard sauce, then sautéed until golden.

If you don't have Dijon mustard on hand, yellow mustard can work in a pinch, though it will yield a slightly milder flavor. For a twist on sweetness, consider using maple syrup instead of honey for a unique taste. Just remember to adjust the amount to suit your preference, as maple syrup tends to be less sweet than honey.

Variations on the Recipe

Feel free to make this dish your own by incorporating additional ingredients. Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas during the final simmer for a vibrant addition that boosts both nutrition and flavor. Alternatively, for a more rustic flavor, toss in some sliced mushrooms or a handful of spinach at the end. The heat from the skillet will allow these veggies to cook quickly without sacrificing their bright colors.

For a different twist, try using barbecue sauce instead of the honey mustard for a smoky flavor. You can also experiment with the herbs, adding thyme or rosemary to the pan while cooking the chicken for an aromatic experience. These variations allow you to customize the dish according to what you have on hand and your family's taste preferences.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter a sauce that is too strong or sweet, balancing it with a bit more apple cider vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice can help cut the sweetness and prompt a more complex flavor profile. Conversely, if your sauce is too tangy, adding a teaspoon of sugar or honey can mellow it out to your liking.

Another common issue is overcooking the chicken, which can lead to dryness. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. If you're cooking multiple chicken breasts, ensure they are of uniform size to promote even cooking. When in doubt, err on the side of undercooking slightly, as the chicken will continue to cook in the residual heat from the skillet even after it's removed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but the cooking time will need to be increased to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.

→ What sides pair well with honey mustard chicken?

Steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad complement this dish perfectly.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.