One Pan Honey Mustard Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken and marinate for at least one hour or overnight.
- Sear the chicken on medium-high heat for at least 3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pan, then sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about one minute.
- Deglaze the pan with beef broth, then add corn starch and mix.
- Add milk, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the broccoli and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan on top of the sauce, then bake in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, approximately 45 minutes, for super crispy skin and tender chicken.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet Broccoli
Honestly, who hasn’t stared into the fridge on a Tuesday night, utterly exhausted, wondering what on earth to make for dinner? I know I have. You’re tired, the kids are hungry, and the thought of dirtying a million pots and pans? Forget about it. That’s where this incredible honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli comes in, you know?
It’s one of those recipes that just saves the day. We’re talking juicy, perfectly tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, all coated in a vibrant, sweet, and tangy honey mustard sauce. And the best part? It all comes together in one pan. Seriously, one pan!
No more mushy broccoli, no more dry chicken, just a healthy honey mustard chicken and broccoli skillet that everyone at the table will love. I mean, it’s a quick win that boosts your cooking confidence, and honestly, that’s priceless on a busy weeknight.
Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pan Wonder
Let’s talk ingredients for this amazing honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli. You don’t need anything fancy, just good quality stuff, especially with spring produce hitting its peak at places like the Santa Monica Farmers Market or your local Ralphs.
You’ll want some boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken breasts tend to be a bit leaner, you know, for those high-protein goals. Then, of course, fresh broccoli florets. Really, spring broccoli is just so good right now.
For that dreamy sauce, we’re grabbing honey, some good quality Dijon mustard (I think Grey Poupon works perfectly), fresh garlic, a squeeze of bright lemon juice, and a splash of chicken broth. Don’t forget a little olive oil for cooking. That’s it, honestly!
Quick Guide: Making Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet Broccoli
Alright, so you’ve got your ingredients ready. The beauty of this honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli is how quickly it comes together. We’re aiming for that crisp-tender broccoli and juicy chicken all at once.
First, we’ll get that chicken searing. You want a really hot skillet, probably a cast iron if you have one, with a little olive oil. Get a nice golden brown crust on those chicken pieces. This is where flavor builds, you know?
While the chicken’s doing its thing, you’ll whip up that amazing honey mustard sauce. It’s just a quick whisk in a small bowl. Once the chicken is seared, you’ll add the broccoli and then pour over the sauce. Cover it, let it steam, and let those flavors meld. It’s just right.
Top Tips for a Perfect Skillet Meal
Achieving that perfect honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli isn’t hard, but a few tricks make all the difference. I’ve learned these over plenty of weeknight dinners, trust me.
First, don’t overcrowd your pan. I mean, it’s tempting to throw everything in, but giving your chicken and broccoli some space lets them brown and crisp instead of steam. If your skillet isn’t big enough, you can always cook the chicken in batches.
For the broccoli, here’s what I wish someone had told me years ago: add it to the pan with the chicken towards the end of the cook time, especially if the chicken needs longer. Broccoli roasts much faster than chicken, and we want it crisp-tender, not mushy, right? High heat really helps crisp it up, giving you that vibrant green color.
Always, always use a meat thermometer. This isn’t being fussy, it’s the difference between perfectly juicy chicken and dry, tough chicken. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. I mean, that’s just food safety 101, and honestly, it guarantees a great result every time.
If you’re using chicken breasts instead of thighs, which is totally fine for a healthy honey mustard chicken and broccoli skillet, just keep an eye on the cooking time. Breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. Adjust your time accordingly, maybe shave off a few minutes.
And for that gorgeous golden brown finish, broil the honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli during the last 2-3 minutes in the oven. Just watch it carefully, because honey can caramelize quickly, and you don’t want it to burn, you know?
Variations & Substitutions
One of the things I love about this honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli is how adaptable it is. You can totally make it your own based on what you have in the fridge or what your family prefers.
Instead of chicken breasts, you could easily use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken tenderloins. They’ll give you a slightly richer flavor, and you might need to adjust the cooking time just a little. Just remember that trusty meat thermometer!
If broccoli isn’t your only veggie love, swap it out! Green beans or asparagus would roast in about the same amount of time and taste amazing with the honey mustard sauce. For a heartier meal, you could add some diced sweet potatoes or Yukon potatoes. Just make sure the potatoes are cut into smaller pieces since they take longer to cook than the chicken and broccoli.
Want to make it a low carb or keto friendly meal? Just stick to the chicken and broccoli. If you’re looking for a gluten free option, this recipe already fits the bill, which is amazing! For more specific nutritional information or to tailor your meal to a low-carb diet, consider our guide on a healthy honey mustard chicken skillet.
Serving Suggestions for Your Skillet Dinner
This honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli is such a complete meal on its own, honestly. But if you want to round it out a bit, I’ve got some ideas that just work perfectly.
A simple side of fluffy white rice or quinoa would be lovely to soak up all that amazing sauce. Or, you know, if you’re feeling a little extra, some creamy mashed potatoes would be so good. For a lighter touch, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette would be just right, especially with spring in the air here in LA.
I also love to sprinkle the finished dish with a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives. It adds a pop of color and a refreshing bit of flavor that brightens everything up. It’s a quick dinner that looks impressive, I mean!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Let’s be real, leftovers are a lifesaver, especially with a busy weeknight meal like this honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli. You’ll want to store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 4-5 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
When you’re ready to reheat, you’ve got options. The microwave works in a pinch, but honestly, for the best results, especially if you want to regain some of that crispness in the broccoli, I’d recommend a toaster oven or even a regular oven. Just pop it in at around 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If it seems a little dry, you can add a tiny splash of chicken broth or water before reheating.
Can you freeze it? You probably can, but I think it’s best fresh or just refrigerated. Broccoli can get a bit soft after freezing and reheating, you know? If you do freeze it, make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container and reheat from frozen in the oven for a bit longer.
Troubleshooting Your Skillet Dish
Even with simple recipes, things can sometimes go a little sideways, and that’s okay! I’ve had my share of kitchen mishaps, honestly. Here’s a quick guide to fixing common issues with your honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Mistake: The chicken is dry.
Solution: You probably overcooked it. Always use a meat thermometer and pull the chicken when it hits 165°F (74°C). Boneless chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so be extra vigilant.
Mistake: The broccoli is mushy or soggy.
Solution: This happens if you add it too early or overcrowd the pan. Add the broccoli later in the cooking process, or if you’re using a smaller skillet, cook it in two batches to ensure it crisps up rather than steams.
Mistake: The sauce is too thin.
Solution: No worries! Just simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes after the chicken and broccoli are cooked. It’ll reduce and thicken up beautifully. You want it to coat the back of a spoon, you know?
Mistake: The honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli lacks flavor.
Solution: Did you skip the garlic? Or maybe not enough lemon juice? Don’t be shy with seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before searing. Fresh lemon juice really brightens up the whole dish, I mean.
Frequently Asked Questions
So, there you have it. A quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli recipe that’s going to become a weeknight staple, I promise. You’ll love the minimal cleanup, the amazing flavors, and how simple it is to get a wholesome meal on the table.
When you serve this, your family will ask for seconds, and you’ll feel so proud. It’s one skillet, about 30 minutes, and dinner is done. Go ahead and grab that broccoli on your next Trader Joe’s run. Snap a pic and tag me on social media, I love seeing your creations! For more inspiration, check out my Pinterest boards.
Source: Further Reading
How do I make honey mustard chicken and broccoli in one skillet?
You’ll sear the chicken first for that golden brown crust, then add the broccoli and the delicious honey mustard sauce. Cover and let it steam until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is crisp-tender. It’s a quick dinner, I promise!
What are some healthy variations for this honey mustard chicken and broccoli skillet?
For a healthy honey mustard chicken and broccoli skillet, stick with lean chicken breasts. You can also add other quick-cooking veggies like asparagus or green beans. Keep it low carb by skipping any starchy sides. It’s so good as is!
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh for this one pan recipe?
Yes, you totally can use frozen broccoli! I think it’s a great shortcut. Just be aware it might release a little more water, so maybe don’t cover the pan for as long, or let the liquid reduce at the end to keep your honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli from getting watery.
How long does leftover honey mustard chicken and broccoli keep in the refrigerator?
Leftover honey mustard chicken and broccoli will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It’s perfect for lunch the next day, honestly. Just make sure it cools completely before storing.
What sides go well with this quick honey mustard chicken and broccoli dinner?
This quick honey mustard chicken and broccoli dinner pairs wonderfully with a simple side of rice, quinoa, or even some creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, a fresh green salad is just right. It’s a complete meal, you know!
Can the chicken be cooked in an air fryer? If so, please indicate instructions.
Absolutely! You can air fry the chicken for this honey mustard chicken skillet broccoli. Toss the chicken with a little sauce, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until it reaches 165°F (74°C). Cook the broccoli separately, maybe roast it.