Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice: A Sweet & Savory One-Pan Favorite
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice is the answer. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory — tender chicken simmered in a luscious honey-mustard sauce and served over fluffy rice that soaks up every golden drop.
This one-pan dish brings together pantry staples for a meal that tastes like something from a cozy café but takes less than 40 minutes to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a Sunday family meal, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe licking the plate clean).
Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken
- One pan = easy cleanup. The rice cooks right in the same pan with the sauce and chicken.
- Balanced flavor. The honey brings natural sweetness, the mustard adds tang, and garlic adds depth.
- Wholesome comfort food. Packed with protein and fiber, yet feels indulgent.
- Kid-friendly. Even picky eaters love the golden, glossy sauce.
- Meal prep friendly. Keeps well for lunches or leftovers.
The Secret to the Perfect Honey Mustard Sauce
The real magic here is in the sauce.
It’s a harmonious mix of honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, garlic, and chicken broth, finished with butter for a silky finish. It’s sweet and tangy, but not too much of either — the perfect middle ground.
The sauce caramelizes slightly as it cooks, coating every grain of rice and tender piece of chicken in a shiny, delicious glaze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds (about 700 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or chunks)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
For the Honey Mustard Sauce
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard (or extra Dijon if preferred)
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and warmth)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional, for umami depth)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
To Finish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (optional, for brightness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, garlic, paprika, and soy sauce. Adjust sweetness or tang to your taste — more honey for sweetness, more mustard for zing.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the same skillet (no need to clean it). Stir for 1–2 minutes to coat the grains in any leftover oil and browned bits — this step gives the rice extra flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and stir in all of the honey mustard sauce. Mix until evenly combined, scraping up any caramelized bits from the pan.
Step 5: Simmer Everything Together
Add the chicken back to the pan. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18–20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in butter for extra creaminess. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together the honey mustard sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Sear the chicken in olive oil until lightly golden; remove and set aside.
- Toast the rice in the same pan for 1–2 minutes.
- Add broth and honey mustard sauce; stir well.
- Return chicken to the pan; cover and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Fluff rice, stir in butter, and garnish with parsley and lemon.
Notes
Pro Tips for Success
- Use good mustard. Dijon mustard adds tangy depth — skip yellow mustard for this recipe.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Sear lightly; it will finish cooking with the rice.
- Rest before serving. Let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to steam and fluff.
- Adjust the balance. Too tangy? Add a little honey. Too sweet? Add a splash of vinegar or lemon.
- Creamier option: Stir in ¼ cup cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
Flavor Variations
- Creamy Honey Mustard Chicken: Add ¼ cup heavy cream before simmering for a luxurious sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of chili flakes or hot honey.
- Sheet Pan Version: Roast chicken and drizzle with the sauce over cooked rice for a simpler prep.
- Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli at the end for color and nutrition.
- Honey Mustard Tofu or Shrimp: Swap the chicken for a vegetarian or seafood version — the sauce pairs beautifully with both.
Why This Recipe Works
The rice cooks in the same pan as the chicken, soaking up the honey mustard sauce and chicken broth. This method locks in flavor, eliminates extra dishes, and creates a creamy, cohesive texture without needing extra butter or cream.
Every bite delivers perfectly seasoned chicken, tender rice, and that addictive balance of sweet and tangy sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice alongside:
- Steamed green beans or asparagus
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic butter roasted carrots
- Crusty bread to mop up the sauce
And for drinks? Try a glass of iced tea, lemon water, or a light white wine for the perfect pairing.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Add a splash of chicken broth or water and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- To freeze: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 465
- Protein: 34g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 16g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
This meal is balanced, protein-rich, and satisfying — a wholesome way to end a busy day.
The Story Behind the Dish
Honey and mustard might seem like opposites, but they’re culinary soulmates. The natural sweetness of honey mellows the sharpness of mustard, while the mustard enhances the honey’s floral notes. Together, they create a sauce that’s bright, balanced, and deeply comforting.
This recipe takes that classic pairing and turns it into a hearty one-pan meal with rice — simple, nourishing, and family-friendly.
It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something special; just a few pantry staples and a good skillet.
Why You’ll Make It Again and Again
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Deliciously saucy and satisfying
- Perfect for meal prep
- A family favorite — guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Once you try this Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice, it’ll become a go-to comfort dish for every season.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice is the kind of meal that turns ordinary nights into something warm and memorable. With its creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce coating tender chicken and fluffy rice, it’s pure comfort in every bite.
Quick, wholesome, and bursting with flavor, this is one of those timeless recipes you’ll keep in your rotation — because it’s easy to make and impossible not to love.
