Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice – A Sweet and Savory Weeknight Classic

There’s something heartwarming about a skillet filled with golden, pan-seared chicken simmering in a luscious honey mustard sauce. The aroma fills the kitchen with cozy sweetness, balanced by that little zing of Dijon that makes you smile before the first bite even touches your tongue. This Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice is one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together with weeknight ease — comfort food at its best.

Picture this: tender chicken breasts, seared until golden brown, then glazed in a glossy blend of honey, mustard, garlic, and herbs. Served over a fluffy bed of white rice that soaks up every drop of the sauce — it’s simple, rustic, and utterly irresistible.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, prepping lunches for the week, or just craving something cozy and wholesome, this dish delivers big flavor without demanding much time.

Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in honey, Dijon mustard, and whole-grain mustard. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Thicken (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) and cook for another minute until slightly thickened.
6. Combine: Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to absorb the flavor.
7. Serve: Spoon over freshly cooked rice, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Tips & Tricks

• For even juicier chicken, marinate it for 30 minutes in a mix of olive oil, honey, mustard, and garlic before cooking.
• Want extra creaminess? Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
• To add texture, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or crushed cashews before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes.
• Herb Lover’s Version: Mix in a teaspoon of thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs: Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for extra flavor and tenderness.

Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice

Juicy pan-seared chicken coated in a rich honey mustard glaze, served over fluffy rice for a sweet and savory weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• Spatula
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear chicken in olive oil until golden brown.
3. Add garlic, honey, Dijon, and grain mustard to the pan and stir.
4. Pour in chicken broth, simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add cornstarch slurry if desired and thicken the sauce.
6. Return chicken to the sauce and simmer for 2 minutes.
7. Serve over rice, garnish with parsley.

Notes

Sweet, tangy, and savory—perfect for quick family dinners or meal prep.

Serving Suggestions
Serve your Honey Mustard Chicken with steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a fresh garden salad. The sauce pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles too — it’s one of those magic sauces that makes everything taste good.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze cooked chicken (without rice) for up to 2 months.

FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine when ready to serve.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely — it adds a nutty flavor and more fiber.

Can I bake the chicken instead of searing?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then pour the sauce over before serving.

History / Fun Facts
Honey mustard sauce dates back centuries, with early versions found in Roman cuisine where honey and mustard seeds were blended for meats. The modern version — creamy, sweet, and tangy — became popular in American kitchens in the 1970s and 80s. Today, it’s a staple flavor that bridges the gap between comfort and sophistication, making its way into everything from salads to sandwiches.