Years ago, I stood in my kitchen after a long day with just chicken, apples, and Dijon mustard. What I made—this honey mustard chicken and apples dish—became my go-to comfort meal. After tweaking flavors and techniques, I’ve perfected a quick, one-pan recipe that’s sweet, tangy, and foolproof. No fancy ingredients, no stress—just cozy, crowd-pleasing flavor. Let’s make dinner easy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Mustard Chicken and Apples dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick (30 minutes), made in one pan, and bursting with sweet, tangy, and savory flavor. Tender chicken meets caramelized tart apples in a foolproof, family-friendly meal that’s easy to adapt for any diet.
Ingredients
Every great recipe starts with the right ingredients—and this dish is no exception. Here’s what you’ll need to bring bold flavor and cozy comfort to your plate:
Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs recommended for juiciness)
Seasoning: A generous pinch of salt and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper.
Glaze :
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (sharp flavor base)
- 3 tbsp honey (golden sweetness)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For the Pan
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
- 2 sour apples (e.g., Boskop or Granny Smith; tartness balances richness)
- 2 tbsp butter (for caramelizing apples)
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme, or use ½ teaspoon of dried thyme as an alternative.
Liquid: 150 ml (⅔ cup) chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegan swaps)
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken and Apples | Step-by-Step Guide
Honey Mustard Chicken with Caramelized Apples Recipe is all about simplicity meets bold flavor. Follow these easy steps to create a restaurant-worthy dish at home—crispy chicken, caramelized apples, and a glossy sauce that ties everything together.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and prepping your ingredients to streamline the process.
- Core and thinly slice 2 tart apples (Boskop or Granny Smith work best).
- In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Pat 2 chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels (this helps achieve crispy skin) and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Spread the honey mustard sauce over all sides of the chicken pieces to coat thoroughly.
Pro Tip: For extra depth, let the chicken marinate in the glaze for 10–15 minutes while prepping the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges. Lift the cooked chicken out of the skillet and transfer it to a plate nearby.
Why This Works: Searing locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust. Avoid crowding the pan; cook in two rounds if necessary for even browning.
Step 3: Caramelize the Apples
Reduce the heat to medium. Melt 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet, then add the sliced apples and 1 sprig fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme). Let them cook for 4–5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until tender and lightly browned.
Pro Tip: Stirring too often prevents caramelization—let the apples sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes per side to build color.
Step 4: Bake Everything Together
Lift the cooked chicken and transfer it back to the skillet. Pour in enough broth to just cover the base of the skillet. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) and bake for 20–25 minutes. Baste with cooking juices halfway through to keep the chicken juicy and enhance apple flavor.
Why This Works: Roasting finishes cooking the chicken gently while reducing the sauce into a thick, glossy glaze.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once done, plate the chicken and apples, ladling the reduced sauce overtop. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of freshness. Serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or bread to enjoy the flavorful sauce.
Pro Tip: If the sauce feels too thin after baking, simmer it on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
Troubleshooting
- Too Sweet? Balance the glaze with an extra splash of apple cider vinegar.
- Tough Chicken? Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer (internal temp: 74°C/165°F for chicken breasts).
- Dietary Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan version, or use gluten-free mustard for celiac-friendly meals.
For more recipe ideas, explore our Dinner Category, where you’ll find a variety of delicious recipes and tips.
Pro Tips & Expert Advice
Confidence is key when mastering the Honey Mustard Chicken and Apples Recipe —learn how to nail every step while making it your own. These pro tips cover ingredient swaps, troubleshooting, storage hacks, and creative twists to elevate your dish.
Ingredient Swaps Made Simple
Flexibility is key when cooking for different diets or pantry limitations. Here’s how to adapt:
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas; swap honey for maple syrup.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Choose certified gluten-free mustard and broth (check labels for hidden additives).
- Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip starchy sides and serve over cauliflower mash or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Apple Substitutes: If Boskop or Granny Smith aren’t available, try Honeycrisp for sweeter results (adjust honey quantity slightly).
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even seasoned cooks hit snags—here’s how to fix them fast:
- Too Sweet? Balance the sauce with an extra splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
- Sauce Too Thin? Simmer on the stovetop for 2–3 minutes to reduce and thicken.
- Dry Chicken? Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer (chicken breasts are done at 74°C/165°F).
- Bitter Sauce? Reduce honey next time or add a pinch of salt to mellow flavors.
Storage & Meal Prep Hacks
Make life easier by prepping ahead or stretching leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Place cooled chicken and apples in a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave for best results.
- Freeze: Freeze chicken and apples separately in portioned bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Batch-Cook: Double the recipe and use half for dinner, half for lunches (pair with quinoa or greens).
- Repurpose Leftovers: Shred leftover chicken and toss with salad greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette for a quick lunch.
Flavor Boosters & Creative Twists
Take this recipe beyond basic with small upgrades that pack a punch:
- Add Heat: Stir ¼ tsp chili flakes into the glaze or drizzle sriracha over the finished dish.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans over plated servings for texture.
Herb Freshness: Finish with chopped parsley, chives, or microgreens to brighten the rich flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Honey Mustard Chicken and Apples
This dish shines whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd. Here’s how to serve it with style, simplicity, and a few creative twists to suit your vibe.
Classic Pairings That Never Fail
Keep it comforting with sides that soak up every drop of sauce:
- Starchy Staples: Serve over fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or warm baguette slices.
- Simple Greens: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts roasted alongside the chicken add depth.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Explore these flavorful dishes to expand your cooking repertoire and keep your meals exciting:
- Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce
A bold fusion of spicy and creamy flavors—perfect for satisfying comfort-food cravings with a kick. - Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe
A cozy, tomato-based soup with tender chicken and herbs, ideal for chilly evenings or quick weeknight dinners. - Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
Loaded with gooey cheese, savory garlic, and juicy chicken—great for lunch on the go or a casual dinner. - Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
A rich, creamy pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes and buttery chicken, guaranteed to impress family and guests.
Honey Mustard Chicken and Apples Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken :
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Glaze :
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 3 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Apples :
- 2 tart apples e.g., Granny Smith
Pan Base :
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil 2 tbsp butter
Aromatics :
- 1 sprig fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
Liquid :
- 150 ml ⅔ cup chicken broth
Instructions
Prep :
- Whisk glaze ingredients. Season chicken and brush with glaze. Core and slice apples.
Sear Chicken :
- Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet. Sauté chicken for 3–4 mins/side until golden. Remove.
Caramelize Apples:
- Melt butter, cook apples and thyme for 4–5 mins until softened.
Bake :
- Return chicken to pan. Add broth and bake at 180°C (356°F) for 20–25 mins. Baste juices halfway.
Serve :
- Plate with sauce, herbs, and sides like rice or bread.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber : 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 400mg
FAQs
Got questions? You’re not alone! Here’s everything you need to know to master this Honey Mustard Chicken and Apples Recipe with confidence:
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it first for even cooking. If you’re short on time, cook from frozen at a lower heat setting to avoid burning the outside while ensuring the inside cooks through.
How do I make this dish keto-friendly?
Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener, and serve over cauliflower mash instead of rice or potatoes. Ensure your mustard brand is gluten-free if following a strict keto diet.
Can I substitute the apples?
Stick to tart varieties like Granny Smith or Boskop for the best flavor contrast. Sweet apples like Fuji may overpower the sauce—adjust honey quantity slightly if using them.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Keep it classic with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. For lighter options, try roasted veggies, quinoa, or a simple green salad.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Bone-in thighs add extra juiciness. Increase baking time by 5–8 minutes to ensure the meat is fully cooked.