Looking for a flavorful, family-friendly dinner that’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to please?
This Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese recipe is the perfect solution. It’s a simple skillet dish that combines the tangy sweetness of honey mustard with melty cheese for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking to switch up your dinner routine, this dish checks all the boxes.
Let’s get started.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese
There’s a lot to love about this dish beyond the delicious flavor. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- A perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors
- Great for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup
- Picky-eater and kid-approved
- Uses pantry staples you probably already have
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients:
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs both work well
- Mustard – A combination of Dijon and whole grain mustard adds flavor and texture
- Honey – Balances the tanginess of the mustard with a touch of sweetness
- Garlic – For depth of flavor
- Olive oil – Used for searing
- Paprika, salt, and pepper – Basic seasonings to enhance the chicken
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend
- Fresh herbs – Optional garnish like parsley or green onions for a fresh finish
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese
Here’s a quick overview of how this dish comes together in under 30 minutes:
- Sear the chicken
Season your chicken and sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown on both sides. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet—just browned. - Mix the sauce
While the chicken is searing, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, garlic, paprika, and a touch of water to make a smooth sauce. - Simmer in the sauce
Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken and reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly. - Add the cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chicken. Cover the skillet again and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and gooey. - Finish and serve
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F
- Let the chicken rest – Rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices
- Use fresh shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting
- Broil at the end (optional) – For golden, bubbly cheese on top, place the skillet under a broiler for 1–2 minutes
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy honey mustard chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
- Mashed potatoes or garlic herb rice
- Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots
- Cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
- Crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the sauce
Variations and Substitutions
Want to customize this dish? Here are a few easy swaps and upgrades:
- Use pork or turkey – Thin pork chops or turkey cutlets also work well with the sauce
- Make it spicy – Add a dash of cayenne or swap in hot honey for a kick
- Go creamy – Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamier version
- Dairy-free option – Use plant-based cheese alternatives for a lactose-free meal
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This recipe is perfect for meal prep or leftovers:
- Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze – Freeze chicken and sauce before adding cheese for best texture when reheated
- Reheat – Warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stovetop?
Yes. After searing the chicken, transfer it to a baking dish, pour over the sauce, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella, provolone, or a Colby Jack blend also melt beautifully and add great flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and partially cook the chicken ahead. Assemble everything in a baking dish and refrigerate until ready to finish cooking.
Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard optional for texture
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be cooked through yet.
Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), honey, garlic, and water until smooth.
Add Sauce and Simmer
- Pour the sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 8–10 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Add Cheese
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over each piece of chicken. Cover again and cook for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve
- Remove from heat, garnish with parsley or green onions if desired, and serve immediately.