Quick Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice – Easy Weeknight Dinner

This Quick Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice is a weeknight dinner dream — juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, served over fluffy rice that soaks up every bit of flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the kind of simple, satisfying dish that tastes like comfort food but requires very little effort.

The balance of savory Dijon mustard, golden honey, garlic, and a hint of spice makes this dish family-friendly yet flavorful enough to serve to guests. Pair it with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s fast, budget-friendly, and sure to be a repeat on your dinner rotation.

Ingredients Overview

This dish uses staple ingredients but delivers big on flavor and texture.

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless and skinless for fast cooking. Thighs give extra juiciness; breasts are leaner.

• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and creates a sticky glaze.

• Dijon mustard + yellow mustard: Balances tang and depth; Dijon is bold, yellow is mellow.

• Garlic: Adds savory punch to balance the sauce.

• Chicken broth: Loosens the sauce and creates moisture.

• Olive oil or butter: For searing and richness.

• Cooked white or brown rice: The perfect base to catch all that sweet-savory sauce.

Optional Add-Ins:

• Red pepper flakes or paprika: For a hint of heat.

• Soy sauce: For added umami depth.

• Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a bit of acid.

• Chopped parsley: For freshness at the end.

Substitutions:

• No Dijon? Use all yellow mustard or try stone-ground.

• No chicken broth? Use water with bouillon or veggie broth.

• Low-carb? Serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed greens instead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Slice 1½ lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces or cutlets.

Pat dry and season with:

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

3. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant

Whisk in:

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp yellow mustard

• ¼ cup honey

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice or 1 tsp soy sauce

Stir well and simmer 2–3 minutes, letting it slightly thicken.

4. Combine and Finish

Return cooked chicken to the pan.

Toss to coat in the sauce and simmer for 3–5 more minutes, until everything is hot and the sauce clings to the chicken.

Taste and adjust with more honey, mustard, or broth if needed.

5. Serve Over Rice

Spoon chicken and sauce over steamed rice (white, brown, jasmine, or basmati all work).

Top with:

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Cracked black pepper

• Optional: drizzle of extra sauce or lemon wedge on the side

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips:

• Cut chicken evenly: For even cooking and tender bites.

• Deglaze the pan: Scrape up any browned bits after searing — they add big flavor to the sauce.

• Let the sauce reduce slightly: It should coat the back of a spoon but not be too thick.

Flavor Variations:

• Creamy version: Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end.

• Spicy honey mustard: Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.

• Garlic herb twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary while the sauce simmers.

Substitutions:

• Vegetarian: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.

• Gluten-free: Ensure mustard and broth are gluten-free.

• No honey? Try maple syrup or agave.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is ideal for:

• Busy weeknights

• Meal prep (stores and reheats beautifully)

• Family dinners

• Quick lunches over leftover rice or quinoa

Serve with:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli

• Side salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted sweet potatoes or asparagus

• A crusty slice of bread to soak up the sauce

Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is:

• High in protein

• Refined sugar-free (using pure honey)

• Customizable for low-carb, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets

Per serving (1 of 4, including rice):

• Calories: ~450–500

• Protein: 35g

• Carbs: 30–35g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 1–2g

For a lighter version:

• Use chicken breast

• Reduce honey slightly

• Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed greens

FAQs

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Warm it in the sauce until heated through. Reduce simmer time to avoid drying out the chicken.

Q2: How long does it keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Q3: Can I freeze it?

Yes. Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce (without rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat on the stove.

Q4: Is it good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Make ahead and store in portioned containers with rice and veggies.

Q5: Can I bake instead of searing?

Yes. Arrange seasoned chicken in a baking dish, pour sauce over, and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

Q6: What rice works best?

Jasmine or basmati for fluffy texture. Brown rice for extra fiber and nuttiness. Cauliflower rice for low-carb.

Q7: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — just use olive oil instead of butter and ensure your mustards are dairy-free (most are).

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