Mustard Chicken: A Delicious Weeknight Meal

Okay, mamas, let’s talk about dinner! I’m so excited to share one of my go-to recipes that saves my sanity on those crazy weeknights: Mustard Chicken. This recipe has been a lifesaver in my house, especially when the 5 PM panic hits and I have absolutely no idea what to make. Seriously, this Mustard Chicken is about to become your new BFF!

I’ll never forget the first time I made Mustard Chicken. It was a rainy Tuesday, the kids were bouncing off the walls, and my brain was fried. I needed something quick, easy, and that everyone would actually eat. I had some chicken breasts in the fridge, a half-empty jar of mustard, and a desperate prayer. That night, Mustard Chicken was born, and it’s been a staple ever since.

This Mustard Chicken recipe fits perfectly into my family life because it’s simple, uses ingredients I usually have on hand, and most importantly, the kids actually like it! It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but also feels special enough for a weekend meal. This Mustard Chicken is also so versatile, you can serve it with almost anything!

Fellow kitchen warriors, if you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy, delicious, and won’t leave you feeling defeated at the end of the day, this Mustard Chicken is for you! Trust me, you’ve got this!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Trust me, this Mustard Chicken ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! You might even have most of these ingredients in your pantry already!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of Mayonnaise

No worries if you don’t have Dijon mustard! I use yellow mustard all the time in my Mustard Chicken, and it works just fine. You can grab everything else at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run. If you’re looking for a creamier version, consider using a Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mustard Sauce. Recipe in Comment.

This Mustard Chicken doesn’t have to break the bank. Chicken breasts can be pricey, so feel free to use chicken thighs instead. They’re usually more budget-friendly. I also love adding a splash of lemon juice for extra tang. My family loves when I add extra honey! It gives the Honey Mustard Chicken a touch of sweetness that the kids go crazy for.

For ingredient prep, I usually just eyeball everything (don’t judge!). But if you’re a stickler for measurements, go for it. I also like to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but even 10 minutes helps. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Here’s a Mustard Chicken trick that saved my sanity: Double the sauce! That way, you have extra to drizzle over rice or veggies. You’ll thank me later!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, mamas, let’s get cooking! This Mustard Chicken is so easy, even on the busiest of nights.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you are looking for more of a Baked Mustard Chicken, this temperature is perfect.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the mayonnaise. This mixture is what will give the Mustard Chicken its amazing flavor. If you are looking for a creamy texture, make sure to whisk it extremely well.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the mustard mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly. Don’t be shy with the sauce!
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. If you are using chicken thighs, you will want to cook it for about 35 to 40 minutes.
5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to keep it juicy and tender. Also, it is important to make sure your family doesn’t burn themselves while taking a bite.

In my chaotic kitchen, this Mustard Chicken usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! Your Mustard Chicken should smell amazing by now, and it’s about to become a family favorite.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Mustard Chicken: I would overcook it! Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken. The internal temperature should be about 165 degrees. Don’t make my mistake! While your Mustard Chicken is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Or maybe a glass of wine. No judgment here!

Don’t panic if your Mustard Chicken looks a little browned on top – that’s just the honey caramelizing. It adds a delicious sweetness! Want to add some extra flavor? Check out this Pretzel Crusted Honey Mustard Chicken recipe. If you are looking for a more savory Honey Mustard Chicken, you may want to use brown sugar instead of honey.

For a family-tested shortcut, try using pre-cut chicken breasts. It saves so much time! Or even better, if you are using frozen chicken breast, you can bake it while frozen at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. The most important things is that the internal temp reaches 165 degrees. If you would rather save some time and clean up, you can also make this recipe as Pan Fried Mustard Chicken.

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this Mustard Chicken when I serve it with mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. I don’t know why, but they love dipping everything in the Mustard Chicken sauce. My husband likes it with a side of rice and a big salad. I love the variety!

This Mustard Chicken is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy. It’s also great for potlucks and casual get-togethers. It’s always a hit!

For presentation, I just slice the chicken and arrange it on a plate with the sides. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done! Plus, I love drizzling some extra sauce on top. My family loves when I add extra sauce.

We always have leftovers (because I always make too much!). I love using the leftover Mustard Chicken in salads or sandwiches. It’s also great chopped up and added to pasta. It makes for a quick and easy lunch the next day, and everyone loves a good leftover recipe!

For a seasonal variation, try adding a sprinkle of dried cranberries to the Dijon Mustard Chicken in the fall. It adds a touch of sweetness and a festive flair. I love using a Creamy Mustard Chicken during the holidays, it adds to the festiveness of the day.

My friend Sarah always raves about my Mustard Chicken. She says it’s her kids’ favorite meal. That makes me so happy! For another creamy chicken recipe, you may want to read French Mustard Chicken Recipe (Creamy, One-Skillet Dinner) | The ….

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, mamas, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about Mustard Chicken!

Can my picky eater handle this Mustard Chicken?

Maybe! It depends on your picky eater. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that might appeal to them. But if they’re not fans of mustard, you could try using a milder yellow mustard.

What if I burn my Mustard Chicken? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Don’t worry, it happens! If the chicken is burnt on the outside but still raw inside, you can carefully cut off the burnt parts and continue baking it, covered with foil, until it’s cooked through.

Can I make this Mustard Chicken ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can bake the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then, just reheat it in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to eat.

What side dishes go well with Mustard Chicken?

Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, salad, pasta – the possibilities are endless! Pick whatever your family loves.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are a great, budget-friendly alternative. They’re also more forgiving and stay juicier than chicken breasts.

Can I freeze Mustard Chicken?

Yes, you can! Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

My Mustard Chicken is too tangy. What can I do?

Add a little more honey or maple syrup to balance out the tanginess. You can also add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce for a richer flavor.

Final Thoughts:

This Mustard Chicken is special to my family because it’s a reminder that even on the busiest days, I can still put a delicious and satisfying meal on the table. It’s also a reminder that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best.

My Mustard Chicken Mom Hacks:

• Double the sauce for extra flavor and leftovers.
• Use pre-cut chicken breasts to save time.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with different mustards and seasonings.

Family-Tested Mustard Chicken Variations:

• Honey Mustard Chicken: Add an extra tablespoon of honey for a sweeter flavor. My kids love this version!
• Dijon Mustard Chicken: Use a high-quality Dijon mustard for a more sophisticated taste. My husband prefers this one.
• Creamy Mustard Chicken: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or sour cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture. I love this Creamy Mustard Chicken version for special occasions. Also, you can use these directions to make white chicken chili.

I hope you’ll give this Mustard Chicken a try! It’s a simple, delicious, and sanity-saving recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Remember, cooking is about love and nourishment, not perfection.

You’ve got this, mama! Happy cooking! I know your family will absolutely love this recipe.

 

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