Easy Honey Mustard Mozzarella Chicken: A Delicious and Simple Recipe

This recipe for Easy Honey Mustard Mozzarella Chicken is a weeknight dinner winner! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and creamy mozzarella cheese creates a truly irresistible dish that the whole family will love. Best of all, it requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for busy evenings.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple and Quick:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The honey mustard sauce is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors that complements the chicken perfectly.
* **Easy to Customize:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The sweet and mild flavor of the honey mustard sauce is generally a hit with kids.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with rice, pasta, potatoes, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. About 4 medium-sized breasts are ideal.
* **Honey Mustard:** Use your favorite brand or make your own! A good quality honey mustard will make a big difference.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Fresh mozzarella slices are preferred for their creamy texture and mild flavor, but shredded mozzarella works too. Make sure it is low-moisture mozzarella to avoid a watery dish.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for browning the chicken. You can substitute with other cooking oils if preferred (e.g., avocado oil, canola oil).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the chicken and sauce.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
* **Paprika:** Adds a touch of smokiness and color.

## Equipment Needed

* **Large Skillet or Frying Pan:** A non-stick skillet is recommended to prevent the chicken from sticking.
* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the chicken.
* **Knife:** For slicing the chicken if needed.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Spatula or Tongs:** For flipping the chicken.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect Honey Mustard Mozzarella Chicken:

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
* If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly.
* Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.

**2. Sear the Chicken:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
* Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
* Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly cooked through. You don’t need to cook them completely at this stage, as they will continue to cook in the sauce.
* Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

**3. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:**

* In the same skillet (without cleaning it), reduce the heat to medium.
* Add the honey mustard to the skillet. The amount depends on your taste. For a stronger flavor, use more honey mustard. A good starting point is about 1/2 cup for 4 chicken breasts.
* Bring the honey mustard sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
* Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or a dash of Dijon mustard for extra tang.

**4. Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce:**

* Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the honey mustard sauce.
* Spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts to coat them evenly.
* Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. This is the best way to ensure that it is cooked safely and properly.

**5. Add the Mozzarella Cheese:**

* Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the lid from the skillet.
* Place slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the chicken.
* Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt for about 1-2 minutes. You can also place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese quickly, but be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning.

**6. Garnish and Serve:**

* Once the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from the heat.
* Garnish the chicken with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
* Serve the Honey Mustard Mozzarella Chicken immediately with your favorite sides.

## Serving Suggestions

This Honey Mustard Mozzarella Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Rice:** Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up the delicious honey mustard sauce.
* **Pasta:** Toss it with cooked pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti, for a comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Potatoes:** Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even sweet potato fries are excellent accompaniments.
* **Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or a simple side salad are healthy and flavorful options.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.

## Tips and Variations

* **Make Your Own Honey Mustard:** For a homemade honey mustard, combine equal parts honey and Dijon mustard. You can also add a touch of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.
* **Add Dijon Mustard:** For a more pronounced mustard flavor, add a tablespoon or two of Dijon mustard to the honey mustard sauce.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Experiment with other types of cheese, such as provolone, Gruyere, or Swiss.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sauté some sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the skillet before adding the chicken for extra flavor and nutrients.
* **Marinate the Chicken:** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
* **Use Chicken Thighs:** Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist during cooking.
* **Breaded Chicken:** For a crispy version, dredge the chicken breasts in breadcrumbs before searing them.
* **Creamy Sauce:** For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of cooking.
* **Lemon Juice:** Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* You can prepare the honey mustard sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* The chicken can be seasoned and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

## Storage Instructions

* Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving
* Protein: 35-45 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

## Recipe Card

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/2 cup honey mustard
* 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Fresh parsley, chives, or green onions for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add the honey mustard to the skillet.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it.
8. Cover the skillet and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
9. Place mozzarella cheese slices on top of each chicken breast.
10. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or green onions, if desired.
12. Serve immediately.

## Enjoy!

This Easy Honey Mustard Mozzarella Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!

## FAQs

**Q: Can I use shredded mozzarella cheese instead of slices?**
A: Yes, you can use shredded mozzarella cheese. However, fresh mozzarella slices tend to melt more evenly and have a creamier texture.

**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts. They may require slightly longer cooking time, so ensure they are cooked through.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: You can prepare the honey mustard sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken can also be seasoned in advance. However, it’s best to cook the chicken just before serving to maintain its texture and flavor.

**Q: How do I store leftovers?**
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat.

**Q: Can I freeze this recipe?**
A: Freezing is not recommended as the mozzarella cheese may change texture and become watery upon thawing.

**Q: What if my honey mustard sauce is too thick?**
A: Add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.

**Q: What if I don’t have olive oil?**
A: You can substitute olive oil with other cooking oils such as avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.

**Q: How do I make my own honey mustard?**
A: Combine equal parts honey and Dijon mustard. Add a touch of apple cider vinegar for extra tang.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?**
A: Absolutely! Sauté some sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms in the skillet before adding the chicken for extra flavor and nutrients.

**Q: The cheese isn’t melting properly, what can I do?**
A: Ensure the skillet is covered to trap heat and melt the cheese. If needed, you can place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two, watching closely to prevent burning.