Honey Mustard Cajun Chicken
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Honey Mustard Cajun Chicken
This Honey Mustard Cajun Chicken combines juicy, tender chicken with a bold sauce that's sweet, tangy, garlicky, and slightly spicy. Honey balances the heat of Cajun seasoning while Dijon mustard adds a delicious savory tang.
The chicken cooks quickly in one skillet, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are very thick, carefully pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, Cajun seasoning, and chicken broth. Set aside.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
4. Add the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the honey mustard mixture into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Finish Cooking the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cover loosely and simmer for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Finish the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the heat and stir the butter into the sauce until melted and glossy. Taste and adjust the Cajun seasoning, mustard, or honey if desired.
7. Serve
Spoon the honey mustard Cajun sauce generously over the chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or sliced green onions and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking. Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to how spicy you like your chicken. Don't cook the honey sauce over very high heat because the honey can caramelize and burn. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without becoming dry.
Storage
Store leftover Honey Mustard Cajun Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chicken with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, buttered noodles, roasted broccoli, green beans, asparagus, corn, or a simple green salad. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up the extra honey mustard sauce.
Recipe Variations
Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option, add sliced bell peppers or onions to the skillet, or stir a little hot sauce into the honey mustard mixture for extra heat. Add a splash of heavy cream for a creamy version, or finish with chopped parsley, green onions, or fresh thyme.
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