It was a busy Tuesday evening, and my usual routine was starting to wear thin. As I rummaged through the pantry, I was determined to escape the fast-food trap and create something special. That’s when the idea of Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken popped into my mind. With the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, this dish promised to turn my ordinary weeknight dinner into a delightful feast.
Using the unique tang of wholegrain mustard combined with the luscious sweetness of honey and a kick from organic sweet chilli sauce, this recipe is a game-changer for family meals. It’s simple enough for a novice cook but impressive enough to make you feel like a culinary superstar. Plus, the juicy chicken thighs soak up that glossy sauce beautifully, making every bite a satisfying experience.
Serve this delightful dish over fluffy steamed rice and crisp green beans, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will make you rethink dinner on hectic nights!
Why is Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken a Must-Try?
Easy to Prepare: This dish is a breeze to throw together, making it perfect for even the busiest of weeknights.
Flavor Fusion: The blend of honey, mustard, and sweet chilli sauce creates a unique taste that your family will crave.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option, expanding your meal possibilities.
Healthy Dinner Choice: Packed with protein and fresh veggies, this dish lets you enjoy comfort food without the guilt.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table, turning any ordinary night into a special occasion! Use it as a wonderful base with various serving suggestions for a personalized touch.
Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken Thighs – Juicy and packed with flavor; swap for chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic adds a delightful aroma that elevates the dish.
For the Sauce
• Plain Flour – Thickens the sauce beautifully; cornstarch can be used for a gluten-free alternative.
• Wholegrain Mustard – Adds tanginess and depth; consider Dijon mustard for a smoother flavor profile.
• Honey – Introduces natural sweetness; use maple syrup for a vegan-friendly substitute.
• Chicken Stock – Provides a savory backbone to the sauce; low-sodium stock is great for health-conscious cooks.
• Organic Sweet Chilli Sauce – Brings a perfect balance of sweet and heat; adjust based on your spice tolerance.
For the Sides
• Green Beans – A crunchy vegetable that pairs wonderfully, or substitute with broccoli or asparagus for variety.
• Steamed Rice – The ideal base for soaking up that luscious sauce; quinoa makes for a great gluten-free alternative.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan-forced ovens). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and keeps it juicy.
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Heat Oil: In an ovenproof pan, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This will give the chicken a nice sear.
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Brown Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the pan, seasoning them to taste. Brown them for about 4 minutes on each side until they develop a lovely golden color. Then, transfer them to a plate.
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Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, throw in your minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This adds a wonderful aroma to your dish.
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Mix Flour: Sprinkle in the plain flour and stir until it’s well combined with the garlic. This will help thicken your sauce later on.
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Add Sweetness: Pour in the honey and both types of mustard. Mix well until you create a smooth, homogenous sauce filled with flavor.
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Stir in Stocks: Gradually add the chicken stock and organic sweet chilli sauce to your mixture, stirring gently until it begins to simmer. This step builds the delicious sauce you’re after.
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Return Chicken: Place the browned chicken thighs back in the pan. Be sure to spoon the luscious sauce generously over the top for maximum flavor.
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Bake to Perfection: Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
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Serve Warm: Once done, serve your Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken hot, alongside fluffy steamed rice and vibrant green beans for a delightful meal.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with these exciting twists and substitutions!
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Vegetarian: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a satisfying vegetarian meal that still packs a flavor punch.
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Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch instead of plain flour to thicken your sauce, making this dish friendly for gluten-sensitive diners.
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Different Mustards: Experiment with a variety of mustards; try spicy brown mustard or honey mustard for a sweeter alternative.
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Citrus Boost: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the sauce for a zesty contrast that will brighten up the flavors beautifully.
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Extra Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha to ramp up the spice level for those who crave some heat.
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Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with agave syrup for a lower-calorie sweetener that keeps the flavors intact.
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Nutty Finish: Toss in some toasted sesame seeds before serving for an inviting crunch that complements the dish delightfully.
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Herbal Infusion: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can be sprinkled on top, bringing a fragrant freshness that enhances the overall experience.
What to Serve with Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken?
Transform your meal into a feast full of delightful contrasts that will make your taste buds sing.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness balances the honey’s sweetness, creating a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
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Crispy Roasted Broccoli: The crunch of roasted broccoli adds a perfect, healthy contrast to the juicy chicken, bringing a burst of color to your plate.
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Garlicky Green Beans: Sautéed in olive oil, these vibrant green beans enhance the meal with their freshly roasted flavor while retaining their delightful crunch.
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Zesty Quinoa Salad: Brighten your dinner with a refreshing quinoa salad loaded with herbs and veggies, providing a light counterpoint to the rich flavors of the chicken.
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Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet and creamy rice is an excellent vessel for soaking up the sauce, adding a delightful tropical twist to your meal.
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Sweet Potato Wedges: Crispy outside and tender inside, sweet potato wedges offer a natural sweetness that echoes the delicious glaze of the chicken.
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Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish’s sweet and spicy notes, making your meal feel extra special.
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, treat yourself with a rich chocolate mousse; its velvety texture will contrast delightfully with the flavors of your main dish.
Storage Tips for Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the chicken to cool before sealing to retain moisture.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Make sure to portion out the sauce to avoid freezer burn.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes to preserve the tenderness of the chicken, or microwave for a quicker option.
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Make-Ahead: You can prepare the Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken but wait to bake until you’re ready to serve to keep it fresh and delicious!
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken is an ideal candidate for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce up to 24 hours in advance, allowing those flavors to deepen beautifully. Additionally, you can chop the garlic and prepare the sauce components (flour, honey, mustards, chicken stock, and sweet chilli sauce) ahead of time, refrigerating them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply brown the marinated chicken, combine it with the prepared sauce, and bake as directed. This way, your meal will be just as delicious while saving you precious time during the week!
Expert Tips for Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken
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Brown the Chicken: Ensure to brown the chicken thighs properly to lock in flavor and moisture for a deliciously rich taste.
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Check Cooking Time: Adjust the baking time according to the size of your chicken pieces; always ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
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Use a Heavy Pan: A heavy-bottomed ovenproof pan is essential for even heating, preventing any burnt spots in your delightful sauce.
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Substitution Savvy: Take advantage of ingredient substitutions to personalize the dish; for example, using tofu can create a delicious vegetarian Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken.
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Control Spice Levels: The sweetness of the organic sweet chilli sauce can be adjusted based on your preference for spice; don’t hesitate to taste and tweak!
Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Look for chicken thighs that are moist and have a slight sheen. They should be firm to the touch and have no dark spots or discoloration. Fresh thyme has a mild flavor that pairs perfectly in this dish, enhancing the overall taste.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Store any leftover Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing to help retain moisture.
Can I freeze Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the chicken to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as directed.
How can I reheat the chicken to keep it juicy?
I often recommend reheating in the oven! Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F), place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps to maintain its tenderness.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting plain flour with cornstarch. Additionally, for a vegan option, swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use maple syrup instead of honey. Always check your organic sweet chilli sauce for potential allergens.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If you find your sauce too thick, don’t worry! Simply add a bit more chicken stock or water to thin it out, stirring continuously over low heat until it’s back to your desired consistency. This step will help ensure the sauce remains luscious and perfect for serving over rice.
Savory Honey Mustard Chilli Chicken for Busy Weeknights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 200°C (or 180°C for fan-forced ovens).
- In an ovenproof pan, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs, season to taste, and brown for about 4 minutes on each side.
- Transfer browned chicken to a plate.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle in the plain flour and stir until well combined.
- Pour in honey and both mustard types, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add chicken stock and sweet chilli sauce, stirring until it simmers.
- Return chicken thighs to the pan, spooning sauce over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve warm with steamed rice and green beans.