Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Asparagus is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of honey and the tanginess of mustard with juicy chicken and tender roasted asparagus. It’s perfect for a quick dinner, and it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Here’s the recipe:
Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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3 tbsp Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard, if preferred)
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tsp dried thyme (optional, for extra flavor)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Roasted Asparagus:
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1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
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1/4 tsp lemon zest (optional, for extra zing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for both the chicken and asparagus.
2. Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using).
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Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well-coated.
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Marinate for at least 15-30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have time.
3. Roast the Asparagus:
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While the chicken is marinating, prepare the asparagus.
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Lay the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Toss to coat evenly.
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Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and slightly browned on the edges. Toss halfway through for even cooking.
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(Optional) Sprinkle some lemon zest over the asparagus once it’s done for a fresh burst of flavor.
4. Cook the Honey Mustard Chicken:
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While the asparagus is roasting, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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If you prefer, you can bake the chicken in the oven for the last 10 minutes of the asparagus roasting time, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Serve:
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Once the chicken is cooked and the asparagus is roasted, serve the honey mustard chicken alongside the roasted asparagus.
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Garnish with fresh parsley or additional thyme for a pop of color.
Tips:
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For extra sweetness: Add a splash of maple syrup or brown sugar to the honey mustard marinade for an even sweeter flavor.
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Vegetable alternatives: You can easily swap asparagus for roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
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Grilled chicken option: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken instead of pan-searing or baking it.
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Make ahead: You can marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even the night before to enhance the flavors.
How to Serve:
This meal goes wonderfully with a side of rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious honey mustard sauce. You can also add a light salad for freshness to balance the richness of the chicken.
This Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Asparagus is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a family-friendly and healthy dinner option that’s quick to prepare and easy to clean up! Enjoy!