Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice

If you’re looking for a dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with the comfort of a hearty meal, Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice is your go-to recipe. This dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a luscious honey mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Paired with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare.

Honey Mustard Chicken is a beloved classic due to its simple ingredients and vibrant taste profile that appeals to all ages. What makes this particular recipe special is the homemade honey mustard sauce infused with a hint of garlic and a touch of paprika, offering depth and excitement to the familiar combo. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch, this recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing result. Plus, it’s a one-pan bake that minimizes cleanup time, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks.

Ingredients

For the Honey Mustard Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.2 lbs / 550g)
1/3 cup (113g) honey
1/4 cup (60g) Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (15ml) whole grain mustard (optional for texture)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon (5ml) apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon (1g) smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil or melted butter
For the Rice:
1 cup (190g) long-grain white rice
2 cups (480ml) chicken broth or water
1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit the chicken breasts in a single layer.
In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil to create the honey mustard sauce.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly.
Pour the rinsed rice into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Add the chicken broth or water along with the 1/2 teaspoon salt. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the salt.
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice, ensuring they are spaced slightly apart. Spoon half of the honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, saving the other half for later.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help steam the rice and keep the chicken moist during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and spoon the remaining honey mustard sauce over the chicken.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C) and the rice is tender.
If desired, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a nice caramelized finish on the honey mustard coating. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Once done, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if you like.
Serve the honey mustard chicken alongside or on top of the fluffy rice, spooning some of the flavorful pan juices over the dish.
Enjoy this delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice!

Recipe Information

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 50-55 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour
Servings: 4
Difficulty level: Easy

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, rinse the rice thoroughly to prevent it from becoming sticky.
Use chicken broth instead of water for cooking the rice to add extra flavor.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking or drying out.
Add a sprinkle of your favorite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the honey mustard sauce for an herby twist.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the microwave or stovetop.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1.2g

Conclusion

Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice is a wonderfully flavorful and easy meal that you can effortlessly whip up any day of the week. Its combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard perfectly complements the tender chicken and fluffy rice, making it a true crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Serve this dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Don’t forget to share your cooking experiences and any creative twists you try in the comments below—we love hearing from you! Happy cooking!