Looking for a fast, feel-good chicken dinner the whole family will devour? This Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese brings together the bold, tangy flavor of homemade honey mustard and gooey melted cheese—all in just one skillet.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a meal prep Sunday, or you’re just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish is a must-make
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Made with simple pantry staples
- Combines sweet, tangy, and cheesy flavors
- Minimal cleanup (just one skillet!)
- Perfect for kids, picky eaters & anyone who loves comfort food
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Dijon mustard – For a smooth, tangy base
- Whole grain mustard – Adds texture (optional)
- Honey – For the perfect sweetness
- Garlic – Fresh, minced
- Olive oil – For searing
- Paprika, salt, and pepper – Basic but bold seasoning
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend
- Chopped parsley or green onion – Optional garnish for a fresh pop
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
1. Season & Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden (not fully cooked yet).
2. Whisk the Sauce
In a bowl, mix Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, garlic, and water until smooth.
3. Simmer in Sauce
Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8–10 minutes until fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
4. Add Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over each piece. Cover again and cook 2–3 minutes until cheese melts beautifully.
5. Garnish & Serve
Top with parsley or green onions. Serve hot with your favorite sides!
Serving Ideas
Pair your honey mustard chicken with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice
- Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots
- Garlic toast or crusty bread to mop up the sauce
- Cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a thermometer for juicy results!
- Use freshly shredded cheese – It melts better than pre-packaged
- Want bubbly cheese? Broil for 1–2 mins at the end!
Variations & Substitutions
- Use pork chops or turkey cutlets
- Add cayenne or use hot honey for heat
- Make it creamy with a spoonful of Greek yogurt
- Swap for plant-based cheese to go dairy-free
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Dry Chicken: Don’t overcook your chicken! Thin chicken cutlets cook fast. Aim for just cooked through and tender.
- Burning the Sauce: The honey in the sauce can burn easily. Keep the heat on medium-low once the sauce is simmering to prevent scorching.
- Uneven Cheese Melt: Spread the cheese evenly over the chicken so it melts into a perfectly gooey layer, not just in clumps.
- Salty Sauce: Taste your sauce before adding salt, especially if your chicken broth or mustard is already salty.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs? A: Yes! Chicken thighs work great in this one-skillet honey mustard chicken. They’re less prone to drying out, but might need a few extra minutes to cook through.
Q: My sauce is too thin/thick. Fix? A: If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce. If too thick, whisk in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: What kind of cheese works best? A: Good melting cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a Monterey Jack blend are perfect for this cheesy chicken recipe.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: This dish is best fresh. However, you can make the sauce ahead and store it. Cooked honey mustard chicken leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but the cheese might not be as gooey when reheated.
Q: What sides go well with this dish? A: Steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, rice, or mashed potatoes are all excellent choices to soak up that delicious sweet and tangy chicken sauce.
Recipe Card
Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese
Juicy chicken simmered in a sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce and topped with melted cheese—all in one skillet! A quick, cheesy, comforting dinner in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~430 per serving
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp whole grain mustard (optional)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Season Chicken – Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear – In a large skillet, heat oil and sear chicken on both sides until golden (3–4 min each side).
- Make Sauce – In a bowl, whisk mustard, honey, garlic, and water.
- Simmer – Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and simmer 8–10 minutes or until cooked through.
- Add Cheese – Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover 2–3 minutes until melted.
- Serve – Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Storage Tips:
- Fridge: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Before adding cheese for best results
- Reheat: In a skillet with a splash of broth or water to stay moist
