Honey Dijon Chicken Skillet

Featured in: Family Table Meals

This Honey Dijon Chicken Skillet brings together juicy chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, and honey. The sauce is enriched with garlic, apple cider vinegar, and aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary, creating a balanced sweet and tangy flavor profile.

The cooking process is straightforward: sear the chicken until golden, build the sauce in the same pan, and simmer everything together until the chicken reaches the perfect doneness. The result is a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

Serve this versatile skillet with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. For added richness, finish with a splash of heavy cream. The gluten-free preparation makes it accessible to various dietary needs.

Updated on Sun, 18 Jan 2026 11:59:00 GMT
Golden-brown chicken breasts simmering in a glossy honey Dijon sauce, garnished with fresh thyme and rosemary in a skillet. Pin it
Golden-brown chicken breasts simmering in a glossy honey Dijon sauce, garnished with fresh thyme and rosemary in a skillet. | cozyitri.com

The kitchen smelled like garlic and something golden bubbling away when my neighbor knocked on the door holding a jar of her homemade whole-grain mustard. She insisted I try it in something simple, so I grabbed chicken from the fridge and honey from the cupboard. What happened in that skillet became the dinner I make whenever I need something fast but special. The sauce thickened into this glossy, tangy-sweet glaze that clung to every bite. I've been hooked ever since.

I made this for a Tuesday night dinner when my sister came over unannounced. She walked in as I was spooning that glossy sauce over the chicken, and I watched her face change from skeptical to curious. By the time we sat down, she was scraping her plate clean and texting me for the recipe before she even left. It became our little tradition: she'd show up, I'd make this, and we'd talk until the dishes were done.

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Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs): Pat them completely dry before seasoning so they get that beautiful golden crust in the skillet.
  • Dijon mustard: This is the backbone of the sauce, bringing sharpness and depth that balances the sweetness of the honey.
  • Honey: Use a good quality honey since its flavor really shines through, and it helps create that gorgeous glaze.
  • Whole-grain mustard: Those little seeds add texture and a gentle pop of flavor that makes the sauce feel rustic and homemade.
  • Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic blooms in the hot skillet and fills your kitchen with the best smell.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Just a tablespoon cuts through the richness and brightens everything up.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: It loosens the sauce and adds a savory base without making things too salty.
  • Fresh thyme leaves: The earthiness of thyme pairs beautifully with mustard, but dried works in a pinch.
  • Fresh rosemary, finely chopped: A little goes a long way, so chop it fine so it doesn't overpower.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: Season generously before searing to build flavor from the start.
  • Olive oil: Use enough to coat the pan well so the chicken gets an even, golden sear.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A handful of green at the end makes the whole dish look and taste brighter.

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Instructions

Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Dry chicken sears better and locks in more flavor.
Sear Until Golden:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and don't worry if it's not cooked through yet.
Bloom the Garlic:
Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the same skillet, and sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells incredible. Be careful not to let it burn or it'll taste bitter.
Build the Sauce:
Stir in the Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth, whisking everything together until smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and watch it start to thicken slightly.
Add the Herbs:
Toss in the fresh thyme and rosemary, stirring them into the bubbling sauce. The herbs will bloom and fill your kitchen with warmth.
Simmer the Chicken:
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of that glossy sauce over the tops. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F.
Thicken and Finish:
Remove the lid, turn the heat up just a touch, and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken into a beautiful glaze. Spoon it over the chicken one more time before serving.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top if you have it. Serve the chicken with plenty of that glossy sauce spooned over each piece.
Juicy Honey Dijon Chicken Skillet with tender herbs, ready to serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy weeknight dinner. Pin it
Juicy Honey Dijon Chicken Skillet with tender herbs, ready to serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy weeknight dinner. | cozyitri.com

One night I served this over a pile of creamy mashed potatoes and my husband looked up mid-bite and said it tasted like something we'd order on a date night. That's when I realized this recipe had become more than a quick dinner. It was the dish that turned ordinary evenings into something worth remembering, the kind of meal that made everyone slow down and actually talk.

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What to Serve It With

I usually spoon this over jasmine rice because it soaks up every drop of that tangy-sweet sauce. Mashed potatoes are incredible too, especially if you make them buttery and soft. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans add a little crunch and balance out the richness. Sometimes I just tear into a warm baguette and use it to mop up the plate.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce back up. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky. I've even sliced cold leftovers onto a salad and it was just as delicious.

Ways to Make It Your Own

If you want extra richness, stir in a couple tablespoons of heavy cream at the very end and watch the sauce turn luscious. Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat, just add a few extra minutes to the simmer time. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a gentle kick that plays beautifully with the honey. You can even toss in some sliced mushrooms or shallots when you sauté the garlic for extra depth.

  • Try stirring in a tablespoon of grainy mustard at the end for even more texture.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten everything up.
  • Double the sauce if you're serving this over pasta, it coats every strand perfectly.
Perfectly cooked Honey Dijon Chicken Skillet featuring a sweet and tangy glaze, fresh parsley garnish, and steam rising from the pan. Pin it
Perfectly cooked Honey Dijon Chicken Skillet featuring a sweet and tangy glaze, fresh parsley garnish, and steam rising from the pan. | cozyitri.com

This dish has become my go-to whenever I want to feel like I'm really cooking without spending the whole evening in the kitchen. It's proof that simple ingredients and a hot skillet can turn into something that feels like a small celebration.

Recipe Q&A

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and provide extra juiciness and flavor. Increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

After the chicken is cooked through, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream for a creamier consistency.

What are good side dish pairings?

Rice, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully. The sauce pairs excellently with starches that can soak up the flavors. A lightly oaked Chardonnay also works well as a beverage pairing.

Is this truly gluten-free?

As written, yes. However, always verify that your chicken broth and mustard labels are certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten or be processed in shared facilities.

How long does this keep as leftovers?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium-low heat in a skillet or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble ingredients in advance, but cook just before serving for the best texture. If making ahead, store the sauce separately and reheat with fresh chicken for optimal results.

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Honey Dijon Chicken Skillet

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce with fresh thyme and rosemary.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to Cook
25 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created by Liam Carlson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Info No Dairy, Wheat-Free

Ingredient List

Protein

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, approximately 1.5 pounds

Sauce

01 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
02 1/4 cup honey
03 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
06 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Seasonings and Herbs

01 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
02 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
03 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

01 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish

01 Fresh parsley, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken breasts and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.

Step 03

Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Build Sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Whisk ingredients together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 05

Add Herbs and Chicken: Add fresh thyme and rosemary to the sauce. Return seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece to coat evenly.

Step 06

Simmer Chicken: Cover the skillet and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 07

Finish Sauce: Remove lid and increase heat slightly. Simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the sauce to desired consistency.

Step 08

Plate and Serve: Arrange chicken on serving plates and drizzle with honey Dijon sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

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Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Tongs
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Notice

Inspect every component for allergens. Consult your doctor if you're uncertain.
  • Contains mustard
  • May contain sulfites from vinegar and Dijon mustard

Nutrition (per portion)

Intended as guidance only. Speak with a healthcare expert for advice.
  • Energy (kcal): 325
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Proteins: 36 g

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