Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken

This creamy honey mustard chicken with crispy bacon comes together in under half an hour and always leaves everyone asking for seconds. The tender seared chicken is coated with a silky honey mustard sauce, finished with crisp bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I love that it works just as well for a quick weeknight family dinner as it does for casual entertaining, especially since it can be made gluten-free and dairy-free if needed.

Personal note I first tried this as a meal prep lunch and it quickly turned into a request from friends at every potluck. The combination of flavors is always a hit and it is secretly so quick to make.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking Thighs stay juicier but breasts work beautifully too
• Diced bacon: Adds saltiness smoky crunch and big flavor Choose rashers with less fat and a smokier profile for depth
• Honey: Natural sweetness that balances the mustard Use a good quality mild honey for best results
• Whole grain mustard: Provides tang and texture I find the seeds add a rustic note to the creamy sauce
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic builds savory richness Use firm heavy cloves for best flavor
• Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling and adds richness Go for extra virgin for the best taste
• Salt: Highlights all the other flavors Adjust to taste especially since bacon brings saltiness
• Cream: Light or reduced fat options give silkiness without heaviness Swap in coconut cream or omit for dairy free
• Milk: Skim reduced fat or full fat all work well Almond milk makes a great dairy free swap but be sure you like the taste
• Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for that luscious finish Mix well with water before adding so you avoid lumps
• Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top to add a bright fresh pop Choose flat leaf for maximum flavor and a pretty finish

Step by Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Combine honey whole grain mustard minced garlic olive oil and a pinch of salt in a large shallow dish Add the chicken and turn to coat Let this sit for at least five minutes the flavors will start to work into the chicken as you prep the rest

Crisp the Bacon:

In a large nonstick skillet cook diced bacon over medium heat until it is deeply crisp and golden Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon onto a plate lined with paper towel so it stays crunchy

Sear the Chicken:

Using the same pan with the rendered bacon fat add the marinated chicken pieces Sear on both sides for about three minutes per side just until the outside is golden and caramelized You do not want to cook the chicken through yet

Make the Sauce:

Pour any remaining honey mustard marinade into the pan Add cream and milk then gently stir everything together Let it come just to a simmer over medium heat so the sauce starts to infuse with all the flavors and the chicken finishes cooking through about three minutes

Remove and Rest the Chicken:

Carefully transfer the chicken pieces to a warm plate This will give you room to thicken the sauce

Thicken the Sauce:

Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl until fully smooth Pour that mixture into the simmering pan sauce Stir constantly for about one minute The sauce will turn silky and glossy

Finish and Serve:

Return the chicken to the pan Turn each piece so it gets fully coated in the thickened sauce

Top and Garnish:

Sprinkle the crisp bacon all over and finish with a generous shower of chopped parsley Serve straight from the pan for a cozy presentation

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I always look forward to the scent of garlic sizzling in bacon fat it reminds me of cooking with my mom on chilly evenings when we needed something both warm and comforting My favorite part is watching the sauce bubble up glossy and golden and sneaking a crispy bacon bit before serving

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container Store in the refrigerator for up to three days Be sure to store the bacon bits separately if you want to keep them extra crisp You can reheat gently in a skillet over low heat adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed

Ingredient Substitutions

Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness or swap in turkey breast for a lighter option For dairy free use almond milk or coconut milk and omit the cream part The sauce is flexible so you can even use Dijon mustard if you prefer it over whole grain

Serving Suggestions

This is delicious spooned over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery rice For a lighter meal serve it over steamed green beans roasted broccoli or a fresh garden salad The salty sweet sauce pairs especially well with roasted carrots and tender asparagus

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Cultural and Historical Context

Honey mustard sauces have become a classic in American comfort food drawing from old fashioned sweet and savory pairings Bacon lends a touch of smoky Southern charm and the whole dish echoes the family style meals I remember from Sunday dinners growing up

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I make the sauce creamier?

Increase the amount of cream or use full-fat milk for a thicker, richer result. Simmer until reduced to your liking.

→ Can I prepare this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute almond milk for cream and regular milk, but ensure you enjoy the almond flavor as it affects the sauce.

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Skinless thighs provide juicy texture, but breasts are a leaner alternative and work well if not overcooked.

→ How can I ensure chicken stays tender?

Briefly sear both sides and avoid overcooking; let the chicken finish in the sauce to stay moist and flavorful.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Steamed broccoli, green beans, fresh salad, or starches like pasta, rice, or potatoes pair perfectly.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, ensure you use certified gluten-free cornstarch and double-check bacon and mustard for gluten-containing additives.