30-Minute Honey Mustard Sautéed Chicken

Prep: 10 minCook: 20 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Honey Mustard Sautéed Chicken with Caramelized Onions

Tender chicken breasts seared golden and finished in a sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce with caramelized onions. The combination of Dijon and ground mustard creates depth while honey and brown sugar balance the tang. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special but quick. The one-pan method keeps cleanup simple while building layers of flavor as the sauce reduces and coats the chicken.

Gluten-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 4 chicken breast pieces, 6oz each
  • 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 1 ½ Tbsp honey
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp ground mustard
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • salt, to taste(optional)
  • black pepper, to taste(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat

  2. 2

    Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear until golden brown on both sides

  3. 3

    Remove chicken to plate and add butter and onions to same skillet

  4. 4

    Sauté onions until golden brown

  5. 5

    Whisk together stock, both mustards, brown sugar, honey and garlic in small bowl

  6. 6

    Pour sauce into skillet with onions and bring to boil

  7. 7

    Return chicken to skillet and cook until fully cooked through and sauce has thickened

  8. 8

    Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Don't overcook the chicken in the initial sear - it will finish cooking in the sauce

Tip 2

Let the sauce reduce properly to coat the chicken and concentrate flavors

Tip 3

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container

Make Ahead

Can prep sauce mixture up to 1 day ahead

Serve With

Serve immediately while hot with rice, pasta, or vegetables

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the chicken

Watch

Keep heat at medium to prevent burning the garlic and onions

Watch

Don't skip the initial sear to avoid bland, pale chicken

Substitutions

Vegan Options

maple syrup→
honey1:1vegan

slightly different flavor profile

Full guide →

General Alternatives

chicken thighs→
chicken breast1:1healthier

boneless thighs stay moister

Full guide →
vegetable broth→
chicken stock1:1vegetarian

lighter flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless thighs work great and stay more tender. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

What if my sauce is too thin?

Continue cooking uncovered to reduce the sauce, or mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with water and stir into the bubbling sauce.

How long will this keep in the refrigerator?

Store covered for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen sauce.