Welcome to my kitchen, where I’ll show you how to make Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Skillet Delight! This one-pan meal blends tender chicken thighs with sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, all served over fluffy rice. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for busy weeknights. Stick around to explore easy steps, flavor tips, and options to adapt the recipe to your taste. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth
Flavor Enhancers
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– Spices and herbs
Optional Garnishes
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 2 green onions for garnish
This dish starts with three main items: chicken, rice, and broth. The chicken thighs give a rich flavor. They are juicy and tender, making every bite a delight. Long-grain white rice adds heartiness. The broth brings life to the rice, infusing it with savory goodness.
Next, we have our flavor enhancers. Honey adds a sweet touch that balances the mustard’s tang. The Dijon mustard gives a nice kick to the dish. I also use spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika. These elevate the taste and aroma. Don’t shy away from herbs like thyme. They add depth to the dish.
For optional garnishes, I like to add frozen peas. They bring bright color and a slight sweetness. Green onions are perfect for a fresh finish. They add crunch and vibrancy to your plate.
If you want to see how to put this all together, check the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
To start, I sear the chicken in olive oil. I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, I add one tablespoon of olive oil. It’s important to let the oil get hot before adding the chicken. I season the chopped chicken thighs with salt and pepper for flavor enhancement. The chicken should cook for about 5-7 minutes. I stir it occasionally until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, I transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Cooking the Rice
Next, I focus on toasting the rice for added flavor. I add one cup of long-grain white rice to the skillet. The oil residue helps the rice absorb flavors. I toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring to prevent burning. This step boosts the nutty flavor, making the dish even better. After that, I pour in two cups of chicken broth. I bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is key for cooking the rice evenly.
Mixing the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the rice simmers, I prepare the honey mustard sauce in a separate bowl. I whisk together one-fourth cup of honey, one-fourth cup of Dijon mustard, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one teaspoon of dried thyme. This mixture adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. Once the broth simmers, I incorporate this sauce into the skillet. Finally, I return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, cover it, and reduce the heat to low. I let everything cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
To achieve tender chicken, start with good quality meat. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and cook evenly. Sear the chicken in hot oil until it is golden brown. This locks in flavor. Remember to not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
For perfectly cooked rice, toast it in the same skillet after the chicken. This step adds depth to the flavor. Once toasted, add chicken broth and let it simmer. Cover the skillet to trap steam. This helps the rice cook evenly.
Ingredient Sourcing
Find high-quality chicken at your local butcher or trusted grocery store. Look for fresh, plump thighs with no added water or fillers. If you have a farmer’s market nearby, check there for local options.
For mustard, Dijon is best for this recipe. It has a smooth, tangy flavor that pairs well with honey. You can also try whole grain mustard for a bit more texture. Always taste the mustard before using it. This way, you can adjust for your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Skillet with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. This adds color and crunch to your meal. Roasted broccoli or green beans are great choices.
For plating, you can serve directly in the skillet for a rustic feel. If you prefer individual plates, fluff the rice and add the chicken on top. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color. It makes the dish look inviting and fresh.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch up the chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey or pork instead. For a lighter option, use shrimp; it cooks quickly and adds great flavor.
If you want a vegan twist, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Both options soak up the sauce well and add protein. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so they cook properly.
Flavor Variations
You can make this dish more colorful by adding different vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots work great. Just chop them small and add them when you return the chicken to the skillet. They will cook nicely and add crunch.
To change the sauce, try using different mustards. Spicy brown mustard adds a kick, while honey barbecue sauce gives a sweet twist. You can also add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian flair.
Cooking Method Alternatives
If you prefer baking, you can make this dish in the oven. After mixing the rice, broth, and sauce, place it in a baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
For a slow cooker, add all the ingredients at once. Cook on low for about 4 hours or until the rice is tender. This method makes the flavors blend beautifully over time.
For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Skillet, you’ll likely have some tasty leftovers. To store them well, let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents odors from mingling in your fridge. Leftovers can last up to 3 days when stored correctly.
Reheating Tips
For reheating, you want to keep the chicken and rice juicy. The best method is to use the stove. Place the skillet over low heat and add a bit of chicken broth or water. Stir gently to avoid sticking. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer the microwave, cover the dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste.
FAQs
Common Questions
What can I serve with Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Skillet?
You can serve this dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Both options add freshness to your meal. Crispy bread also makes a great side. It helps soak up the sauce.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice. However, remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. You might need to increase the broth and cooking time too.
Recipe Adjustments
How can I make this dish spicier?
To make it spicier, add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also include chopped jalapeños. This adds heat without changing the dish’s flavor too much.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free mustard and chicken broth. Make sure to check the labels on all ingredients for hidden gluten.
Cooking Time Clarifications
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
Cooking the chicken takes about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be browned and cooked through.
What is the total cooking time for the dish?
The total cooking time is around 40 minutes. This includes prep and cooking time for the chicken and rice. You can find the full recipe for more details.
This blog post covered the making of honey mustard chicken and rice skillet. We explored ideal ingredients, including quality chicken and flavorful spices. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking the chicken and rice, plus tips for perfecting each part of the dish. We also discussed variations, storage, and answers to common questions.
With these details, I hope you feel ready to create a tasty meal. Enjoy the cooking process and get creative with flavors!
![- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup long-grain white rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - Spices and herbs - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 green onions for garnish This dish starts with three main items: chicken, rice, and broth. The chicken thighs give a rich flavor. They are juicy and tender, making every bite a delight. Long-grain white rice adds heartiness. The broth brings life to the rice, infusing it with savory goodness. Next, we have our flavor enhancers. Honey adds a sweet touch that balances the mustard’s tang. The Dijon mustard gives a nice kick to the dish. I also use spices like garlic powder and smoked paprika. These elevate the taste and aroma. Don't shy away from herbs like thyme. They add depth to the dish. For optional garnishes, I like to add frozen peas. They bring bright color and a slight sweetness. Green onions are perfect for a fresh finish. They add crunch and vibrancy to your plate. If you want to see how to put this all together, check the Full Recipe. To start, I sear the chicken in olive oil. I heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, I add one tablespoon of olive oil. It’s important to let the oil get hot before adding the chicken. I season the chopped chicken thighs with salt and pepper for flavor enhancement. The chicken should cook for about 5-7 minutes. I stir it occasionally until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, I transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Next, I focus on toasting the rice for added flavor. I add one cup of long-grain white rice to the skillet. The oil residue helps the rice absorb flavors. I toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring to prevent burning. This step boosts the nutty flavor, making the dish even better. After that, I pour in two cups of chicken broth. I bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is key for cooking the rice evenly. While the rice simmers, I prepare the honey mustard sauce in a separate bowl. I whisk together one-fourth cup of honey, one-fourth cup of Dijon mustard, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and one teaspoon of dried thyme. This mixture adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. Once the broth simmers, I incorporate this sauce into the skillet. Finally, I return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, cover it, and reduce the heat to low. I let everything cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender. To achieve tender chicken, start with good quality meat. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and cook evenly. Sear the chicken in hot oil until it is golden brown. This locks in flavor. Remember to not overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. For perfectly cooked rice, toast it in the same skillet after the chicken. This step adds depth to the flavor. Once toasted, add chicken broth and let it simmer. Cover the skillet to trap steam. This helps the rice cook evenly. Find high-quality chicken at your local butcher or trusted grocery store. Look for fresh, plump thighs with no added water or fillers. If you have a farmer's market nearby, check there for local options. For mustard, Dijon is best for this recipe. It has a smooth, tangy flavor that pairs well with honey. You can also try whole grain mustard for a bit more texture. Always taste the mustard before using it. This way, you can adjust for your preference. Serve Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Skillet with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. This adds color and crunch to your meal. Roasted broccoli or green beans are great choices. For plating, you can serve directly in the skillet for a rustic feel. If you prefer individual plates, fluff the rice and add the chicken on top. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color. It makes the dish look inviting and fresh. {{image_4}} You can switch up the chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey or pork instead. For a lighter option, use shrimp; it cooks quickly and adds great flavor. If you want a vegan twist, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas. Both options soak up the sauce well and add protein. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so they cook properly. You can make this dish more colorful by adding different vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots work great. Just chop them small and add them when you return the chicken to the skillet. They will cook nicely and add crunch. To change the sauce, try using different mustards. Spicy brown mustard adds a kick, while honey barbecue sauce gives a sweet twist. You can also add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian flair. If you prefer baking, you can make this dish in the oven. After mixing the rice, broth, and sauce, place it in a baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. For a slow cooker, add all the ingredients at once. Cook on low for about 4 hours or until the rice is tender. This method makes the flavors blend beautifully over time. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. After enjoying your Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Skillet, you’ll likely have some tasty leftovers. To store them well, let the dish cool down to room temperature first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents odors from mingling in your fridge. Leftovers can last up to 3 days when stored correctly. For reheating, you want to keep the chicken and rice juicy. The best method is to use the stove. Place the skillet over low heat and add a bit of chicken broth or water. Stir gently to avoid sticking. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer the microwave, cover the dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best taste. What can I serve with Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice Skillet? You can serve this dish with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Both options add freshness to your meal. Crispy bread also makes a great side. It helps soak up the sauce. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use brown rice. However, remember that brown rice takes longer to cook. You might need to increase the broth and cooking time too. How can I make this dish spicier? To make it spicier, add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper. You can also include chopped jalapeños. This adds heat without changing the dish's flavor too much. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free mustard and chicken broth. Make sure to check the labels on all ingredients for hidden gluten. How long does it take to cook the chicken? Cooking the chicken takes about 5-7 minutes. You want it to be browned and cooked through. What is the total cooking time for the dish? The total cooking time is around 40 minutes. This includes prep and cooking time for the chicken and rice. You can find the full recipe for more details. This blog post covered the making of honey mustard chicken and rice skillet. We explored ideal ingredients, including quality chicken and flavorful spices. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking the chicken and rice, plus tips for perfecting each part of the dish. We also discussed variations, storage, and answers to common questions. With these details, I hope you feel ready to create a tasty meal. Enjoy the cooking process and get creative with flavors!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/a4659e46-1eb8-41a6-9ad2-9883bebd0dc1-250x250.webp)