Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: honey mustard chicken with cheese! This dish is a total crowd-pleaser and has become a staple in my home. It all started when I was experimenting with flavors, and I stumbled upon the perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard. Topping it with gooey, melted cheese just takes it over the top! The aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s baking is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts – boneless and skinless, the star of the show!
- 1/2 cup honey – this adds that delightful sweetness.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – for a zesty kick that balances the honey.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – your choice! I love using cheddar for its meltiness.
- Salt to taste – don’t be shy, it enhances all the flavors!
- Pepper to taste – a little sprinkle adds a nice hint of spice.
How to Prepare Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color.
- While the oven heats up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the honey and Dijon mustard until they’re well blended. This mixture is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it!
- Now, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is super important because it adds flavor to the chicken itself, not just the sauce.
- Next, take each chicken breast and coat it generously with the honey mustard mixture. Make sure every inch is covered—this is where all the deliciousness comes from!
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a baking dish, making sure they’re spaced out so they cook evenly. I like to line my dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but that’s totally up to you!
- Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each chicken breast. I mean, who doesn’t love a cheesy topping?
- Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Once it’s out, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices locked in, making every bite juicy and flavorful!
Nutritional Information
When you dig into this delicious honey mustard chicken with cheese, you might be curious about what’s in it. Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for one serving (1 chicken breast):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 35g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use. But overall, this dish packs a protein punch while keeping things on the lighter side! Perfect for a wholesome meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Bold flavors from the sweet honey and zesty mustard that everyone will adore.
- Cheesy goodness that takes it to the next level—who can resist that?
- Healthy chicken packed with protein, but still feels indulgent.
- Great for meal prep; leftovers are just as delicious!
Tips for Success
To ensure your honey mustard chicken with cheese turns out perfectly every time, here are a few of my favorite tips:
- For the juiciest chicken, try to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- If you love garlic, add minced garlic to the honey mustard mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with cheeses! Mozzarella gives a great stretch, while pepper jack adds a fun kick.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking is key—this helps keep it moist and tender.
- Don’t skip seasoning! A sprinkle of paprika or Italian herbs can elevate the dish even more.
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this honey mustard chicken with cheese! For a twist, try using different cheeses like feta for a tangy bite or gouda for a smoky flavor. You can also add veggies right into the baking dish—think sliced bell peppers, spinach, or even broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition. Feeling spicy? Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to give it a kick! And don’t hesitate to mix in some herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
This honey mustard chicken with cheese pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it alongside some roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli for a colorful plate. A fluffy bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes also complements the flavors perfectly, soaking up that delicious honey mustard sauce. You could even toss together a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Trust me, these sides will make your meal complete!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this delicious honey mustard chicken with cheese (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store them. Allow the chicken to cool completely, 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, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but I recommend the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option if you prefer dark meat. They’ll be just as juicy and flavorful, and the cooking time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on them.
What type of cheese works best?
I love using cheddar for its meltiness, but you can really go wild here! Swiss, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a little heat all work beautifully in this honey mustard chicken with cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it with the honey mustard mixture a few hours in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. This way, the flavors can meld together!
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon on hand, you can use yellow mustard or even whole grain mustard for a different texture and taste. Each will give a unique twist to your honey mustard chicken!
Can I grill this chicken instead of baking?
Yes! Grilling is a great alternative. Just marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for a bit, then grill until cooked through. You’ll get those lovely char marks and smoky flavor!
Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese: 7 Irresistible Secrets
- Temps Total: 40 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A flavorful dish featuring chicken coated in honey mustard and topped with cheese.
Ingrédients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey and Dijon mustard.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Coat each chicken breast with the honey mustard mixture.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of honey and mustard to your taste.
- Use any cheese you prefer.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or rice.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 450mg
- La graisse: 12g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 7g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 35g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 90mg
Mots-clés: honey mustard chicken with cheese
