Honey Mustard Chicken: A Sticky Sweet Delight

Why Honey Mustard Chicken is one of my Favourites

You know what’s the coolest part about honey marinades for me personally? Being an enthusiastic beekeeper, I’m right at the source of one of the main ingredients – honey. I use it in all kinds of different dishes.   

And with a personal connection to the main ingredients, anything I cook with honey tastes just that much better. Feel free to explore the honey recipe section of Honighouse for inspiration!

The six essential Elements for Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade

When I make a honey mustard chicken marinade, there are a few key ingredients that I always start with. These essential elements create the basic flavour profile and they include:

• Honey: Adding a natural sweetness to the marinade, honey balances out the tanginess of the mustard.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard is my go-to for this marinade, as it has a strong, yet smooth flavor that complements the honey perfectly.
• Olive oil: For a rich and velvety texture, I like to use olive oil. It also helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
• Vinegar: To add a bit of acidity, I use apple cider vinegar. This works wonders in tenderizing the chicken and enhancing the overall flavour of the marinade.
• Garlic: I love adding minced garlic or garlic powder for a little kick, and it also blends well with the other ingredients.
• Salt and pepper: These seasoning staples provide the perfect foundation for the marinade and help to deepen its flavour.

Four optional Additions for Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade

While the essential elements create a delicious honey mustard chicken marinade, sometimes I like to experiment with some optional additions to enhance the different flavours even further. A few of these include:

• Paprika: Adding paprika introduces a subtle smoky taste that complements the honey mustard mix nicely.
• Cayenne pepper: If I want to add a bit of heat, I’ll toss in some cayenne pepper. This creates a nice contrast to the sweetness of the honey.
• Lemon juice: If I want a zesty touch, I’ll add a splash of lemon juice. This adds a refreshing element to the marinade.
• Soy sauce or tamari: For an umami kick, I might include a little soy sauce or tamari. This brings a new depth of to the honey mustard chicken marinade.

All of the ingredients above can be adjusted according to your personal taste preferences, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect honey mustard chicken marinade suited for you!

Preparation Process of Honey Mustard Chicken Marinade

In a small bowl, combine all the selection of ingredients mentioned above and stir until you achieve a smooth and well-integrated mixture. After the marinade is prepared, take your chicken pieces and place them in a plastic storage bag or freezer bag. Then, pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are fully coated.

Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag securely. Pop it in the fridge for marinating. The ideal marinating time is 30 minutes to an hour, but the longer you marinate, the more flavourful the chicken will be.

You don’t necessarily need to use freezer or plastic bags; a regular bowl, tupperware, basically anything you can pop food in the fridge or freezer in can be used to marinate your honey mustard chicken.

After marinating, your chicken is ready to be cooked. There are several ways to cook delicious honey mustard chicken, and I’m going to discuss a few of them.

Three Ways to cook Honey Mustard Chicken

There’s three way that result in the best Honey Mustard Chicken. Baking, Grilling or Stovetop and Instant Pot. Each of these methods will result in a juicy honey mustard chicken dish that I love to make for a quick and satisfying meal!

Baking

Baking is a simple and convenient method for cooking baked honey mustard chicken. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). First, marinate the chicken with the honey mustard chicken marinade. Then, place the chicken on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches somewhere around 74°C (165°F) when measured with a meat thermometer.

Grilling

Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavour to the chicken. First, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for at least 30 minutes. I recommend to have your grill at medium-high heat. Place your marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches about 74°C (165°F) before removing the chicken from the grill.

Stovetop & Instant Pot

Cooking honey mustard chicken on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot is a quick and convenient method. For stovetop cooking, first heat a skillet over medium heat and add some oil. Then, cook the marinated chicken in the skillet for about 5-6 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of close to 74°C (165°F).

What to serve with Honey Mustard Chicken

When making chicken with honey mustard marinade, always have a few good side dishes in mind. Nothing beats a well-rounded meal, so let’s explore some delicious and easy-to-make pairing options.

Rice

First, you can never go wrong with serving rice alongside your chicken. It’s a versatile and filling option that’ll complement the sweet and tangy flavours of the honey mustard chicken marinade. White or brown rice will work just fine.

Veggies

Next, let’s talk veggies. There are so many tasty options that go well with honey mustard chicken! I recommend steaming some broccoli, sautéeing green beans, or grilling asparagus spears.

For a low-carb alternative, roasted cauliflower also makes a scrumptious addition to your meal. Since your honey mustard chicken marinade has a bold flavour, the relatively mild taste of these vegetables will balance the dish perfectly.

Salad

Another fantastic pairing for your honey mustard chicken is a fresh and crisp salad. It can be a simple green salad with your favorite dressing, or you could even throw in some nuts or berries for added texture.

A pasta salad is another route to take – with noodles, mayo, mustard, celery, and onions, it complements the chicken flawlessly.

Mashed Patatoes

Finally, creamy mashed potatoes are always a welcome comfort food on the dinner table. The smooth, rich taste of a good potato mash pairs well with the tanginess of the honey mustard marinade, making for a delightful dining experience.

By choosing any of these pairing options, you’ll ensure you and your guests have a memorable and satisfying meal centered around your honey mustard chicken.

Storing and Reheating Honey Mustard Chicken (Marinade)

In the following paragraphs, we’ll delve deeper into the proper storage method for your honey mustard chicken. I will emphasise refrigeration and freezing. Food safety is an important factor when handling chicken, so make sure you follow the guidelines!

Guidelines for Chicken Storage

It is essential to note that these are only general guidelines and the quality of chicken can be influences by various factors such as packaging, temperatures, and handling. Always check for the obvious signs of deterioration like freezer burns, changes in colour of smell. Label packages with the date of freezing so you can keep track of storage times and ensure the best quality. In the end, you’re responsible for your own health!

How long can you store Chicken in the Fridge and/or Freezer?

When properly stored in the fridge or freezer whole chicken parts can be preserved for an extenden period. Both raw and cooked chicken that is stored in airtight containers can typically be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. When frozen, whole chickens and parts can be stored for up to 9 months.

How to refrigerate Honey Mustard Chicken

Cooked: Swift refrigeration is key to maintaining the chicken’s quality. I can advise to divide larger portions into smaller ones to ensure quicker and more even cooling. Airtight containers or plastic bags prevent dryness and retain the flavour of the honey mustard chicken and its marinade. Make sure you consume your refrigerated chicken within 3 to 4 days.

Raw: Place the marinated chicken in a sealed container or a plastic storage bag, making sure to squeeze out any excess air. This way, your honey mustard chicken marinade stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days or maybe even more. Frequently check on it and give it a good stir occasionally. Certainly you wouldn’t want your tasty meal to spoil, would you?

How to freeze Honey Mustard Chicken

Cooked: Transfer the chicken and the marinade to a freezer-safe bag and press out any excess air when sealing the bag. Make sure you allow the cooked chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it. Label the packaging with the date of preparation and put it in the freezer. Chicken can last you up to 9 months in the freezer. Congratulations on your successful contribution to the reduction of food waste!

Raw: When you consider long-term storage, freezing marinated honey mustard chicken is a practical option. Transfer the chicken in a resealable freezer bag. Label the packaging with the preparation date to keep track of its freshness. Same here, check on your chicken regularly. It should still be good after 9 months normally.

Reheating Honey Mustard Chicken

When I want to reheat the cooked honey mustard chicken, I take a gentle approach to avoid overcooking or drying out the tender chicken pieces. You can use either a microwave or an oven for reheating purposes. Since I don’t use microwaves myself, I always opt for the oven.

Reheating in the oven is a great option, especially for larger portions of chicken. I prefer preheating the oven to around 160°C (325°F), placing the cooked honey mustard chicken pieces on a baking sheet, and heating them in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through.

Additional Tips and Tricks

When it comes to honey mustard chicken marinades, I’ve learned a thing or two along the way that can elevate the dish and make your chicken dinner even more delicious. Let me share some of these with you.

Play around with Honey Mustard Chicken ingredients!

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasoning and spices in your marinade. While the classic combination of mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar is great, adding things like minced garlic, paprika, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can bring your marinade to a new level.

Black pepper and thyme are also wonderful additions that complement the other flavors well. Just remember, it’s essential not to overdo it with too many ingredients; otherwise, they might overpower each other.

Play around with the Cuts of your Chicken!

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness can also help with ensuring even cooking and prevent any dry, overcooked portions. If you’re working with chicken tenders or thinner cuts, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they cook faster than regular chicken breasts.

Let your Honey Mustard Chicken rest!

One last tip: don’t forget to let your chicken rest after cooking! This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that your honey mustard marinated chicken stays tender and moist, making for an unforgettable chicken dinner experience.

With these tips and tricks in mind, I’m sure you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of honey mustard chicken marinades and creating delicious, crowd-pleasing chicken recipes that your family and friends will love. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key ingredients in a honey mustard marinade?

In a honey mustard marinade, the essential ingredients include honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and various spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder or minced garlic.

How long should chicken marinate in honey mustard?

Ideally, you should marinate the chicken in honey mustard for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. However, if time permits, marinating for 2-4 hours or even overnight can result in a more tender and flavourful honey mustard chicken dish.

Can this honey mustard chicken marinade also be used for pork?

Yes, this honey mustard chicken marinade can also be used for pork. The flavours of honey mustard complement pork just as well as chicken. Feel free to marinate pork chops, tenderloin, or even ribs using the same method and enjoy the delicious results.

Can I use yellow mustard for a chicken marinade?

To make a yellow mustard marinade for chicken, replace the Dijon mustard with yellow mustard. You can then add other ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and brown sugar, to create a deliciously tangy sauce. Be creative and adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences!