If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly easy to pull together, then this Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken cubes enveloped in a luscious, tangy honey mustard sauce, perfectly complemented by fluffy long-grain rice that soaks up every bit of that deliciousness. This dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and slightly tangy, making it a comforting yet exciting dinner for any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe, it will earn an easy spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe starts with simple, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from creating the rich sauce to adding body and texture to the chicken and rice.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed into 1-inch pieces, these offer the perfect tender bite that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and brown the chicken, adding depth of flavor and preventing sticking.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a subtle sharpness when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a fragrant kick that complements the mustard’s tang.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: Provides a fluffy, separate texture that absorbs the sauce without getting mushy.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Cooks the rice with savory richness, boosting the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the sharpness of the mustard.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: The star ingredient for that classic tangy mustard punch.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Adds umami and a gentle saltiness to deepen the sauce complexity.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Provides a bright acidity that lifts the honey mustard flavor.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: A subtle herb note that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and beautiful color to the dish.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Salt to taste: You’ll adjust this to balance the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh garnish that brings a pop of color and brightness.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by tossing the chicken cubes in a bowl with half a teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. This simple step enhances the meat’s natural flavor and prepares it to absorb the sauce fully. Don’t rush here — seasoning every piece ensures each bite is flavorful.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended. This sauce is the magical element that ties the whole dish together with its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it gently until it softens and turns translucent—that usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic and let it cook for an additional minute, releasing that wonderful aroma that signals great flavor is on its way.
Step 4: Brown the Chicken and Simmer in Sauce
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to your skillet and cook them until they’re browned on all sides, around 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in juices and adds a bit of texture. Once browned, pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken and onions, stirring well to coat every piece. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let everything simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Cook the Rice
While your chicken simmers, rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear—this prevents it from getting sticky. In a separate saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil, add the rice, reduce to low heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The rice will absorb all that savory broth and come out perfectly fluffy.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Once both components are ready, gently fold the cooked rice into the skillet with your honey mustard chicken. Stir everything carefully so you don’t mash the rice, but ensure the flavors meld together beautifully. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You’re now ready to serve this comforting dish.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a gorgeous burst of color and a touch of herbal freshness that balances the richness of the chicken and rice. You could also add a few thin lemon slices alongside for a zesty bite if you want to brighten things up even more.
Side Dishes
This Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed broccoli or a crisp green salad to add some crunch and contrast. Roasted carrots or sautéed green beans also complement the dish’s warm flavors without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve this dish in a large, beautiful serving bowl to showcase all those gorgeous colors and textures. Alternatively, plate it individually with a neat scoop of the rice alongside a generous helping of the chicken and sauce, topped with parsley. Adding a drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce on the side invites guests to add more if they wish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. The dish should keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes beautifully. Portion your Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. This makes for a fantastic ready-to-go dinner on a busy night.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If microwaving, cover the dish and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help maintain the moisture and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of long-grain white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a bit more chewiness. Just remember to adjust the cooking time since brown rice generally takes longer to cook and requires more liquid.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free, like tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check any store-bought ingredients for gluten content. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Definitely. Chicken thighs are juicier and may add a richer flavor to the dish. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they cook through.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
If you love a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the honey mustard sauce is a great way to kick up the spice level without overpowering the other flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and cook it later?
You can prepare the sauce and chop the ingredients ahead of time, then assemble and cook when you’re ready. For best texture, it’s ideal to cook the chicken and rice fresh, but prepping in advance certainly saves time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and brings a wonderful harmony of sweetness, tang, and savoriness that’s simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your friends or family — it’s truly a recipe that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Print
Honey Mustard Chicken Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Mustard Chicken Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breast cubes simmered in a tangy honey mustard sauce, paired with fluffy long-grain rice. This dish combines savory, sweet, and zesty flavors for a comforting and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken cubes with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated.
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, dried thyme, paprika, and start with 1/4 teaspoon salt, adjusting to taste. Set aside the sauce for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken cubes to the skillet, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the chicken on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken and onions, stirring well to coat everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken simmers, rinse the long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a separate saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains.
- Combine and Serve: Gently fold the cooked rice into the skillet with the honey mustard chicken, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the dish immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for garnish to add brightness and color to the dish.
- If desired, substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more juiciness.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rinsing rice helps prevent it from becoming sticky.
- You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or peas during the simmer step for added nutrition.
