Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes

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Introduction

This delightful honey mustard chicken dish brings together sweet and savory flavors in perfect harmony, paired with nutritious roasted asparagus and hearty potatoes for a complete, balanced meal. The combination of golden honey and tangy Dijon mustard creates a glossy glaze that caramelizes beautifully on tender chicken breasts, while the roasted vegetables develop deep, concentrated flavors through simple preparation. This recipe offers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

For the Honey Mustard Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each)
  • 4 tablespoons honey
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Roasted Vegetables:

  • 500g (1.1 lbs) fresh asparagus, tough ends trimmed
  • 4 medium potatoes (about 600g), cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving (Optional):

  • ½ cup shredded cheese (such as Parmesan or cheddar)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Set aside 2 tablespoons of the mixture for basting later.

2. Marinate the Chicken

  1. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable bag.
  2. Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).

3. Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss potato chunks with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread potatoes on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Roast for 15 minutes while you prepare the asparagus.

4. Add the Asparagus

  1. Toss asparagus with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and seasonings.
  2. After 15 minutes, remove baking sheet from oven and add asparagus to the potatoes.
  3. Use a spatula to mix vegetables together and return to oven.

5. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove chicken from marinade (discard used marinade) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Brush reserved honey mustard glaze over chicken.
  4. Transfer skillet to oven with the vegetables and cook for 12-15 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

6. Add Cheese (Optional)

  1. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle cheese over chicken if using.
  2. Return to oven until cheese melts.

7. Serve

  1. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  2. Arrange roasted vegetables on plates with chicken.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Cooking Tips

For Perfect Chicken:

  • Pound thicker chicken breasts to even ¾-inch thickness for uniform cooking
  • Pat chicken dry before marinating for better browning
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing

Vegetable Variations:

  • Substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes
  • Add cherry tomatoes during last 5 minutes of roasting
  • Try broccoli or green beans instead of asparagus

Sauce Enhancements:

  • Add 1 teaspoon soy sauce for depth
  • Include ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for complexity
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard for texture

Nutritional Information

This balanced meal provides:

  • Lean protein from chicken
  • Fiber and vitamins from asparagus
  • Complex carbohydrates from potatoes
  • Healthy fats from olive oil

Approximate per serving:

  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 42g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 7g

Conclusion

This honey mustard chicken with roasted vegetables is a complete meal that satisfies all the senses. The sweet-savory glaze transforms simple chicken breasts into something special, while the roasted potatoes and asparagus provide satisfying texture contrasts. The optional cheese topping adds richness, making this dish versatile enough for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions.

What makes this recipe particularly valuable is its adaptability. The cooking method ensures juicy chicken every time, and the vegetable components can be easily swapped based on seasonality or preference. The honey mustard marinade works equally well with other proteins like salmon or pork, making this a technique worth mastering.

Perfect for meal prep as leftovers reheat beautifully, this dish will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation. It’s proof that with quality ingredients and simple techniques, you can create restaurant-worthy meals at home with minimal effort. The balance of flavors, textures, and nutrition makes this a meal you can feel good about serving to both family and guests.

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