Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite go-to meals: honey mustard chicken with cheese! Seriously, the combination of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and gooey melted cheese over succulent chicken breasts is a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; the aroma filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s simple to prepare but feels like a special treat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients for Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your honey mustard chicken with cheese. Each one plays a vital role in creating that delightful flavor you’ll love!
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice – I love cheddar or mozzarella!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking—having your ingredients prepped makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese
Getting this honey mustard chicken with cheese ready is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal that everyone will rave about.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken cooks perfectly from the moment it goes in.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together 1/2 cup honey and 1/4 cup Dijon mustard. Whisk until well combined; the sweetness of the honey beautifully balances the tanginess of the mustard.
- Next, season the 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is essential because it really enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step seals in the juices and gives you that lovely crust!
- Now, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Pour the honey mustard mixture evenly over each piece of chicken, making sure they are all coated nicely.
- Finally, top the chicken with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Feel free to use your favorite cheese; it melts beautifully and adds that gooey texture we all love!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden!
That’s it! You’ve just made a delightful honey mustard chicken with cheese that’s sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This honey mustard chicken with cheese is not just delicious; it’s a total lifesaver in the kitchen! Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it over and over again:
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- The perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that everyone loves.
- Cheesy goodness that makes each bite irresistible.
- Easy cleanup with just one baking dish to wash.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste amazing too!
Tips for Success
To make your honey mustard chicken with cheese absolutely perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips from my kitchen to yours:
- Don’t skip the searing! It locks in those wonderful juices and adds flavor and texture to the chicken.
- Mix it up! Feel free to play with different types of cheese—smoked gouda or pepper jack can add a fun twist!
- Check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps the juices redistribute for a more tender bite.
- Serve with your favorite sides! It pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.
Nutritional Information for Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese
Knowing the nutritional content of my honey mustard chicken with cheese helps me feel good about what I’m serving! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (one piece of chicken):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a great starting point for keeping track of your meal’s nutrition!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making honey mustard chicken with cheese? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work great with this recipe.
What kind of cheese works best?
I love using cheddar or mozzarella, but feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to the baking step and then bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your Dijon mustard is gluten-free, you’re all set!
What should I serve with honey mustard chicken?
It pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving honey mustard chicken with cheese, the options are endless! Here are some of my favorite pairings that really complement the dish:
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Fluffy Rice: Whether it’s jasmine, brown, or even cauliflower rice, a side of rice soaks up the delicious honey mustard sauce beautifully.
- Simple Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a nice crunch and balances the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic Bread: Who can resist a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread? It’s perfect for sopping up any extra sauce!
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with this flavorful chicken.
Feel free to mix and match these sides based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for! Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover honey mustard chicken with cheese is super simple! Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat, but be careful not to overdo it, or the cheese might get rubbery! Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time around!
For more information on the benefits of honey and mustard, you can check out Healthline’s article on honey benefits and NCBI’s research on mustard seeds.
Print
Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese: 7 Steps to Perfection
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This dish features chicken coated in honey mustard sauce and topped with cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey and Dijon mustard.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish.
- Pour honey mustard mixture over the chicken.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with your choice of side dishes.
- You can use any cheese you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: honey mustard chicken with cheese
