Easy One-Pan Baked Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggies for a Quick Weeknight Meal

This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is a true kitchen hero, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort. It comes together effortlessly on just one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze – the perfect solution for busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a wholesome and delicious dinner, coated in a luscious, sweet, and tangy honey mustard sauce that the whole family will adore. Say goodbye to extensive prep and piles of dishes, and hello to a flavorful meal that’s perfect for meal prepping or serving right away!

Why You’ll Love This Effortless Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

There are countless reasons why this baked honey mustard chicken will become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s not just a meal; it’s a convenient, flavorful experience designed for modern living.

• One-Pan Wonder: The biggest advantage? Everything cooks on a single sheet pan! This significantly cuts down on both prep time and, more importantly, post-dinner cleanup. You’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your evening. It’s ideal for busy parents, students, or anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
• Irresistibly Delicious Sauce: The star of the show is undoubtedly the sweet and savory honey mustard sauce. This perfectly balanced blend of Dijon, grainy mustard, and honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, clinging to every piece of chicken and vegetable. It transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and a medley of nutritious vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts, this meal offers a balanced nutritional profile. It’s a great way to ensure your family gets a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and fiber without compromising on taste.
• Customizable for Any Palate: Whether you prefer different vegetables or a specific cut of chicken, this recipe is incredibly versatile. It provides a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your dietary needs or what you have on hand in your fridge. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonal produce!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is a dream come true for meal preppers. It reheats wonderfully, making it an excellent option for healthy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. Prepare a larger batch on Sunday, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-eat meals for days.
• Ready in 30 Minutes: From start to finish, this entire meal is ready in just half an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for those hectic weeknights when you need a satisfying and home-cooked meal on the table fast, without resorting to takeout.

Key Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for This Baked Chicken Dish

Crafting this delicious baked honey mustard chicken involves a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some convenient substitutions to make this recipe work for you, no matter what’s in your pantry.

• Olive oil: Essential for roasting the vegetables and chicken to a golden crisp. If olive oil isn’t your preference or readily available, you can easily swap it for another neutral cooking oil like avocado oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are ideal for quick cooking and a lean protein source. For a richer flavor and juicier texture, boneless skinless chicken thighs would also work wonderfully. Just be aware that cooking times might slightly vary as thighs can take a little longer. You could also use chicken tenderloins for an even faster cooking time.
• Yukon gold potatoes: These versatile potatoes have a naturally creamy texture and thin skin, making them perfect for roasting. If you’re looking for a slightly sweeter option, sweet potatoes or yams would be excellent alternatives, adding a different dimension to the dish. Red or russet potatoes, peeled and diced, would also be suitable.
• Carrots: Adding a natural sweetness and vibrant color, carrots are a staple in this sheet pan meal. For a change, consider using other root vegetables like butternut squash (cubed), parsnips, or rutabaga. These will roast similarly and absorb the delicious honey mustard flavors.
• Brussels sprouts: These cruciferous vegetables roast beautifully, becoming tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. If Brussels sprouts aren’t your favorite, or you’re simply looking to mix things up, green beans, asparagus, or broccoli florets are all fantastic substitutes that complement the chicken and sauce perfectly.
• Dijon and grainy mustard: The combination of these two mustards creates a depth of flavor that is both sharp and tangy, forming the backbone of our honey mustard sauce. While you can use regular yellow mustard, the flavor will be milder and less complex. For a more intense mustard flavor, consider adding a touch of dry mustard powder.
• Honey: This provides the essential sweetness that balances the mustard’s tanginess and helps create that beautiful caramelization. Agave nectar or maple syrup are excellent vegan-friendly alternatives that will also impart a lovely sweetness to the sauce. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of sweetness.
• Rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds a wonderfully aromatic, earthy note that pairs exceptionally well with chicken and potatoes. If fresh isn’t available, dried rosemary works fine (use about 1/3 the amount of fresh). Other aromatic herbs like thyme, sage, or marjoram would also be good choices, offering different but equally delicious flavor profiles.
• Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget these basic seasonings! They are crucial for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish. Adjust to taste.

How to Make Delicious One-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken

Creating this flavorful and easy honey mustard chicken is a straightforward process, designed for maximum taste with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for a perfect sheet pan dinner every time.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients for Even Cooking

Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The key to successful sheet pan meals is uniform chopping! Dice your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into approximate 1-inch pieces. Similarly, chop your Yukon gold potatoes and carrots into 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Slice your Brussels sprouts in half. Arrange all these prepped ingredients on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Signature Honey Mustard Sauce

While the oven heats up, prepare your incredible honey mustard sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, grainy mustard, honey, chopped fresh rosemary (or dried), and a pinch more of salt and pepper. Whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This sauce is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s thoroughly mixed.

Step 3: Initial Bake for Perfect Roasting

Place the baking sheet with the seasoned chicken and vegetables into your preheated oven. Bake for an initial 18 minutes. This first bake allows the vegetables to start softening and the chicken to begin cooking through, ensuring everything is tender and cooked evenly by the end.

Step 4: Drizzle and Toss with the Flavorful Sauce

Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven after 18 minutes. Now, evenly drizzle the prepared honey mustard sauce over the partially cooked chicken and vegetables. Using tongs or a spatula, toss everything gently on the pan to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated in the delicious sauce. This step allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to caramelize during the final bake.

Step 5: Finish Baking Until Golden and Thickened

Return the sheet pan to the oven and continue baking for another 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it during this final stage. The goal is for the sauce to thicken slightly and caramelize around the chicken and vegetables, creating a beautiful glaze. The chicken should be cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables should be fork-tender with slightly browned edges.

Step 6: Garnish, Serve, and Savor!

Once baked to perfection, remove the sheet pan from the oven. If you like, garnish with a sprinkle of extra fresh rosemary for an added burst of aroma and color. This baked honey mustard chicken and veggies is now ready to be enjoyed! You can serve it immediately for a warm, comforting dinner, or divide it into meal prep bowls for healthy and convenient meals throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delicious one-pan honey mustard chicken.

Can you marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce?

You absolutely can marinate the chicken in the sauce if you wish! While it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe, as cooking it with the sauce for 2-3 minutes at the end still imparts plenty of flavor, marinating can deepen the taste. If you choose to marinate, allow the chicken to soak in a portion of the sauce (reserve some for drizzling later) for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor penetration. Ensure you discard any marinade that came into contact with raw chicken if you don’t cook it.

Can I use another cut of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is quite flexible! Boneless skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative, offering a richer flavor and often staying juicier than breasts. Chicken tenderloins would also work well and cook even faster. If using bone-in or skin-on chicken, keep in mind that the cooking time will increase significantly, and you may want to adjust the oven temperature for a longer, slower bake to ensure even cooking. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

As written, this recipe is not strictly keto due to the honey in the sauce and the starchy vegetables (potatoes, carrots). However, you can easily adapt it to be keto-friendly! To make it keto, you’ll need to use a keto or sugar-free honey mustard sauce (which typically uses a sugar substitute) and swap out the starchy vegetables for low-carb alternatives. Great keto-friendly vegetable options include broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, or bell peppers. This adaptation allows you to enjoy the delicious honey mustard chicken flavor while adhering to your dietary needs.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To keep your chicken moist and tender, there are a few key tips: 1) Don’t overcrowd the sheet pan, as this can steam the chicken instead of roasting it. 2) Cut chicken pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking. 3) The timing in this recipe is designed to prevent overcooking the chicken; adding the sauce towards the end also helps keep it juicy. 4) Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken breasts are done at 165°F (74°C). Cooking beyond this temperature can lead to dry chicken.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables for convenience. However, they contain more moisture than fresh vegetables. If using frozen, it’s best to thaw them first and pat them thoroughly dry to prevent a watery result. You might also want to roast them for an extra 5-10 minutes during the initial bake to ensure they are properly cooked and slightly caramelized.

Serving Suggestions for Your Honey Mustard Chicken

This baked honey mustard chicken with roasted vegetables is a complete and satisfying meal all on its own. The combination of protein and carbs from the potatoes, plus the fiber from the various vegetables, makes for a well-rounded dinner. However, if you’re looking to expand your meal or offer more variety, here are some fantastic side dish options that pair perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavors of this dish:

• Potatoes: Since the recipe already includes roasted potatoes, you might consider contrasting textures with mashed potatoes for a creamy element, or elegant scalloped potatoes for a richer side.
• Grains: A simple bed of fluffy white or brown rice is always a welcome addition, soaking up any extra sauce. For a lighter, low-carb option, cauliflower rice is an excellent choice.
• Salads: A refreshing and light quinoa salad or a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can provide a lovely contrast to the warm, savory chicken and vegetables. The freshness of a salad balances the richness of the main course beautifully.
• Bread: Serve with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious honey mustard sauce. Garlic bread or a simple dinner roll would be fantastic.
• Additional Green Veggies: If you want even more greens, a simple side of steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a crisp garden salad would round out the meal perfectly.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This honey mustard chicken recipe is absolutely ideal for meal prepping, making your weeknights (or lunch breaks) incredibly easy. Here’s how to properly store and reheat your delicious leftovers to maintain freshness and flavor:

• To Prep Ahead: If you’re looking to get a head start, you can dice your chicken, potatoes, and other veggies in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. You can also mix up the honey mustard sauce and keep it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to cook, simply combine everything on a sheet pan and follow the baking instructions.
• To Store Leftovers: Once cooked and cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover baked honey mustard chicken and vegetables into airtight containers. Glass meal prep bowls are excellent for this, as they are microwave and oven safe, and help keep food fresh longer. Store these containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• To Reheat:
  • Microwave: For a quick reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the chicken and veggies in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely (or vent the container) and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. The added water helps to create steam, keeping the chicken from drying out.
  • Oven/Toaster Oven: For a crisper result, especially for the vegetables, reheat the leftovers in an oven or toaster oven. Place the chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. This method helps to revive some of the texture.
  • Stovetop: You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny bit of olive oil or water until warm. This is great for making sure the chicken gets heated through evenly.

  The honey mustard sauce may thicken further upon cooling; if desired, you can loosen it with a tiny bit of water or broth when reheating.

Essential Meal Prep Tools for Efficiency

To make your cooking and meal prepping experience even smoother, having the right tools can make all the difference. These are some of our recommended essentials for this baked honey mustard chicken and beyond:

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on storing the leftovers. They’re not only great for organization and food safety but also allow for easy reheating in the microwave or oven, and they’re environmentally friendly.
• For high-quality protein, I get all my free-range chicken from Butcher Box, conveniently delivered to me frozen. Using quality ingredients can significantly enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your meals.
• A good quality, large sheet pan is indispensable for this recipe. A sturdy, non-warping pan ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial for perfectly roasted chicken and vegetables.
• Parchment paper makes cleanup virtually nonexistent. It prevents food from sticking and makes transferring food a breeze.
• A sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board are essential for efficiently chopping your chicken and vegetables into uniform pieces, ensuring everything cooks evenly.