If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you have to try this Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, with tender chicken breasts nestled in a rich sauce that’s elevated by the smoky goodness of crispy bacon. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and impressive meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve guests. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon Recipe has a role to play, contributing its unique flavor and texture to create a harmonious dish. These are common kitchen staples with a few must-have fresh items that bring everything together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon oil: For a perfectly crispy, golden sear on the chicken without sticking to the pan.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after simmering in the luscious sauce.
- 1 ½ ounces thick-cut bacon, diced: Adds smoky richness and crunchy bits to contrast the smooth sauce.
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped: Builds the flavor foundation with its sweetness and slight sharpness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Lends an aromatic kick that wakes up the whole dish.
- ¾ cup chicken broth: The base for deglazing the pan and creating a flavorful sauce.
- 1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard: Adds gentle tang and creaminess to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard: Provides texture and a sharp bite that complements the smooth mustard.
- Salt and Pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary: Infuses an earthy, pine-like aroma that elevates the dish’s flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons honey (or more to taste): Balances the mustard’s punch with natural sweetness for that perfect honey mustard harmony.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Begin by heating oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook each side until it’s beautifully browned. The goal here is not to cook the chicken through but to develop that delicious crust that will make your taste buds dance. After browning, remove the chicken and cover it on a plate to keep warm.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Bacon
Using the same pan—don’t drain or wipe it, because all that flavor is pure gold—add the diced bacon. Cook it for about a minute until some of the fat renders and the bacon starts to crisp up. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic next. Stir and sauté for about a minute until the onion softens and everything smells irresistible.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, bringing it to a boil while scraping up the browned bits stuck to the bottom. These little morsels pack serious flavor, so don’t skip this step! Stir in both the smooth and whole grain Dijon mustards. Season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a sauce that’s tangy and full-bodied.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken in Sauce
Add the fresh rosemary sprigs to the skillet followed by the seared chicken breasts. Cover the pan with a lid and let everything gently simmer for 6 to 10 minutes, turning the chicken once halfway through. This slow cook allows the chicken to soak up the sauce’s flavors while becoming perfectly tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), signifying the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken to a clean serving plate and keep it warm.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Bring the sauce to a boil and continue to cook until it reduces by half, intensifying the flavors and thickening the texture. Discard the rosemary sprigs, then stir in honey to add that signature sweet touch. Pour this luscious sauce right over the chicken and get ready to enjoy every mouthwatering bite.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make a big difference here. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or some thinly sliced green onions adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh hint that contrasts beautifully with the rich honey mustard sauce. If you want an extra touch of elegance, a lemon wedge on the side brightens the palate.
Side Dishes
This Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon Recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta are fantastic for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For something lighter, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add crunch and color. A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the dish wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced across the grain to reveal its juicy interior, fanned out on a platter with a drizzle of sauce over the top. For dinner parties, consider plating over a bed of herbed rice or quinoa, garnished with crispy bacon bits for that satisfying crunch. Present it family-style on a large dish where everyone can help themselves to seconds — this dish definitely deserves it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the cooked chicken and sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit dense at first.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon Recipe on hand longer, freezing is a great option. Place the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. For best texture, avoid freezing the dish with any delicate garnishes or sides.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave at intervals, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Heated this way, the chicken stays tender and the flavors remain vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken breasts will add extra flavor while cooking but may require a bit more time for the internal temperature to reach 165°F. Just make sure to check doneness carefully to avoid undercooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon Recipe is naturally dairy-free! It relies on oil for browning and mustard for creaminess, so you don’t need to worry about milk, butter, or cream in the sauce.
What can I substitute for fresh rosemary?
If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary works too, but use it sparingly since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. Alternatively, thyme or sage can provide a lovely herbaceous note that complements the dish nicely.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic or stir in a dash of hot sauce with the mustard to give the sauce a spicy kick without overpowering the sweetness of the honey.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and not dry?
Proper searing and gentle simmering in the sauce are key to juicy chicken. Also, avoid overcooking; monitoring the internal temperature and covering the pan during simmering helps retain moisture and infuse flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like an instant crowd-pleaser and personal favorite rolled into one. Its combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors creates something truly special without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. I promise once you try it, this recipe will become a go-to for dinners that satisfy both your taste buds and your soul.
Print
Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Mustard Chicken with Bacon is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce made with two types of Dijon mustard, honey, bacon, and fresh rosemary. The sauce is simmered to perfection, balancing savory, tangy, and sweet notes, making it ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
Aromatics and Sauce
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons honey (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Brown chicken: Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear each side until nicely browned, though not fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and cover on a plate to keep warm.
- Sauté aromatics: Without draining or wiping the skillet, add diced bacon and cook for about a minute until it begins to render fat. Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, approximately 1 minute.
- Deglaze pan: Pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release all the browned flavorful bits. Stir in both the smooth and whole grain Dijon mustards, then season the sauce with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken: Add fresh rosemary sprigs and the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Cover with a lid and gently simmer for 6 to 10 minutes depending on the chicken size, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking. Confirm doneness when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken to a clean serving plate and cover to keep warm.
- Finish sauce: Bring the sauce in the skillet back to a boil and reduce it by half until thicker and flavorful. Remove the rosemary sprigs, stir in honey to balance the tang of the mustard, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the sauce spooned generously over the chicken breasts.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for a richer flavor and better texture.
- Honey amount can be adjusted according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with white wine for a deeper flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
