Quick Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice | 30-Minute Weeknight Favorite

This Quick Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice is a simple, flavor-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights! Juicy chicken is coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, then served over fluffy white rice. It’s a one-pan wonder made with pantry staples, and it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.


Introduction: The Perfect Sweet & Savory Combo

Honey and mustard are a classic pairing—sweet, spicy, tangy, and creamy all at once. While often used as a dressing or dip, this golden duo shines in warm dishes too, especially with chicken. In this recipe, you’ll quickly pan-sear chicken and coat it in a glossy honey-mustard glaze, served over rice for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.

It’s ideal for:

  • Busy weeknights

  • Family meals

  • Lunchboxes or meal prep


Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients:

  • Chicken breast: Lean and high in protein. Dice into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking.

  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.

  • Mustard: Use a mix of Dijon (for sharpness) and classic yellow mustard (for balance).

  • Soy sauce: Adds umami and balances the sweetness.

  • Garlic: Adds depth and savoriness.

  • Rice: White, jasmine, or basmati rice—neutral and perfect for soaking up the sauce.

For Cooking & Seasoning:

  • Neutral oil (like canola or sunflower)

  • Salt & pepper

Optional Add-ons:

  • Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

  • Chili flakes for heat

  • Lemon juice for brightness


Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

  • Bring 2 cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt.

  • Add 1 cup of rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes.

  • Turn off heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.

2. Sauté the Chicken

  • Cut 500g (about 1 lb) of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

  • Season with salt and pepper.

  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet.

  • Cook chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • 3 tablespoons honey

  • 2 tablespoons mustard (1 tbsp Dijon + 1 tbsp classic)

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1–2 minced garlic cloves

  • Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes, 1 tsp lemon juice

4. Cook the Sauce

  • Pour sauce into the same pan over medium heat.

  • Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Combine Chicken with Sauce

  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan.

  • Stir well to coat every piece in the glaze.

  • Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through and glossy.

6. Serve

  • Spoon rice onto plates.

  • Top with honey mustard chicken.

  • Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of lemon juice.


Tips & Variations

Cooking Tips:

  • Don’t overcook the chicken—just until it’s golden and cooked through.

  • Let the sauce simmer gently to avoid burning the honey.

  • Use a nonstick or stainless-steel pan for best results.

Variations:

  • With veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the pan.

  • Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms.

  • Low-carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed veggies instead of rice.

Ingredient Swaps:

  • Honey → Maple syrup or agave

  • Chicken → Shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein

  • Mustard → All Dijon or all yellow, depending on taste


FAQ: Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store chicken and rice separately in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

2. Can I use store-bought honey mustard?

Yes, but homemade sauce is fresher and more balanced. You can still use bottled honey mustard in a pinch.

3. Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and work great.

4. What’s the best rice to use?

Jasmine or basmati rice is perfect, but plain long-grain or brown rice also works well.

5. Is this gluten-free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free soy sauce (like Tamari) and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

6. How do I make it spicy?

Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

7. Can I freeze it?

The cooked chicken and sauce freeze well. Let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat and serve over freshly made rice.


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    Schnelles Honig Senf Hähnchen mit Reis | Einfaches 30-Minuten Abendessen

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    Juicy chicken coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, served over fluffy rice. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

    • Author: Maya Lawson
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Total Time: 30 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 500g chicken breast, cubed

    • Salt & pepper

    • 1 tbsp oil

    • 3 tbsp honey

    • 2 tbsp mustard (1 tbsp Dijon + 1 tbsp yellow)

    • 2 tbsp soy sauce

    • 12 garlic cloves, minced

    • 1 cup rice

    • Optional: chili flakes, green onions, sesame seeds

    Instructions

    1. Cook rice according to package directions.

    2. Season chicken, sauté in oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

    3. Mix honey, mustard, soy sauce, and garlic in a small bowl.

    4. Add sauce to the pan and simmer 1–2 minutes.

    5. Return chicken to the pan and coat in sauce. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

    6. Serve over rice and garnish as desired.

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