Easy Honey Mustard Chicken & Potatoes: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner

Transform your dinner routine with this irresistible honey mustard chicken and potatoes – a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that come together in one pan. This recipe takes classic comfort food to new heights with its golden, sticky glaze and tender vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Vegetables

  • 6 chicken thighs (approximately 900g/2 lbs)
  • 500g (1 lb) Yukon gold potatoes, quartered
  • 2 medium carrots (200g/7 oz), chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Honey Mustard Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon (15g) Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (3g) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) smoked paprika
  • 60ml (1/4 cup) chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat: Set your oven to 190°C (375°F). Position the rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chicken broth until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Season: Place the chicken thighs, quartered potatoes, and chopped carrots in a large bowl. Pour the honey-mustard sauce over them, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
  4. Arrange: Transfer everything to a large baking dish (9×13 inches), arranging the chicken skin-side up. Pour any remaining sauce over the top.
  5. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the pan juices.
  6. Check: The dish is ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  7. Rest: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Resting Time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 385
  • Protein: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Servings: 6

Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Choose similar-sized potato pieces for even cooking.
  2. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for up to 4 hours.
  3. Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
  4. Don’t skip the basting – it creates a beautiful glaze and keeps the chicken moist.
  5. For crispier chicken skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Chicken Options: Use bone-in chicken breasts, drumsticks, or boneless thighs (adjust cooking time accordingly)
  • Potato Varieties:
  • Red potatoes
  • Baby potatoes (leave whole)
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Mustard Choices:
  • Whole grain mustard for extra texture
  • Regular yellow mustard for milder flavor
  • Spicy brown mustard for more heat
  • Additional Vegetables:
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Parsnips
  • Pearl onions
  • Green beans (add in last 15 minutes)

Common FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes for boneless breasts to prevent drying.

Q: Why aren’t my potatoes cooking as fast as the chicken?
A: Cut potatoes into smaller, uniform pieces and ensure they’re not stacked on top of each other.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating:
  • Oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes
  • Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, though this may affect the texture
  • Freezing:
  • Can be frozen for up to 2 months
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator
  • Best consumed fresh as freezing may affect the sauce’s texture
  • Meal Prep:
  • Mix sauce up to 3 days ahead
  • Cut vegetables the day before
  • Store components separately until ready to cook

This Honey Mustard Chicken & Potatoes recipe is a delicious twist on traditional roasted chicken. The sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce creates a gorgeous glaze while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful. It’s an excellent choice for busy families, and the one-pan preparation means minimal cleanup. Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.