There is something truly irresistible about the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in the Honey Mustard Chicken with Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken thighs or breasts infused with a vibrant honey mustard marinade, paired with a creamy, flavorful mayonnaise-based dipping sauce that elevates every bite. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for friends, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results with simple ingredients that excite your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey Mustard Chicken with Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring out rich flavor and wonderful texture. Every element works in harmony to create that perfect sweet-savory contrast, brightened by herbs and spices that make this dish anything but ordinary.
- Country Dijon mustard: Provides a smooth, robust mustard base that isn’t overpowering but adds depth.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a beautiful glaze to the chicken during cooking.
- Yellow mustard: Brings a classic tangy punch that complements the Dijon for complexity.
- Olive oil: Helps tenderize the chicken and gives a luscious finish when searing or grilling.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds an acidic brightness that balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh and finely chopped for aromatic, savory undertones.
- Fresh rosemary (or dried): Introduces a piney, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps with seasoning the meat evenly.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky warmth that adds dimension.
- Ground black pepper: For gentle heat and a bit of bite.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dipping sauce that smooths and enriches the tangy marinade flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Your choice for juicy meat that absorbs all the marinade goodness.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken with Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Marinade and Dipping Sauce
Begin by whisking together country Dijon mustard, honey, yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, finely chopped garlic, rosemary, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a medium bowl to create the marinade. In a separate bowl, take about one-third cup of this marinade and stir in the mayonnaise until smooth. Cover and chill this dipping sauce in the fridge while you prepare the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If you are using chicken breasts, it’s helpful to place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or a heavy skillet to ensure even thickness. This step guarantees the chicken cooks consistently and stays juicy.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Transfer the chicken pieces into a large gallon-sized zip-top bag and pour in the remaining marinade. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate it for anywhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours. This marinating time lets the flavors sink deep into the meat while keeping it tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken on Stovetop
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry gently with paper towels to get a better sear. Discard any leftover marinade from the bag. Heat a heavy-duty cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes without moving it. Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before serving with the mayonnaise dipping sauce.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken on Grill
If grilling, preheat to medium heat (around 350°F) and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Pat the marinated chicken dry, then lay it on the grill. Cover the grill and cook until lovely grill marks appear, roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Flip and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove it and let it rest for 5 minutes before enjoying with your homemade dipping sauce.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken with Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this Honey Mustard Chicken with Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe to another level. Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary or finely sliced green onions on top just before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika not only adds color but a fragrant hint that teases the senses. These little touches make every bite feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple and vibrant sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes to soak up any extra sauce, crisp green salads with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness, or even roasted seasonal vegetables for a hearty, wholesome meal. Rice pilaf or quinoa also complement the flavors with their mild, nutty profiles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, slice the cooked chicken and arrange it over a bed of arugula or mixed greens with drizzles of extra dipping sauce. You can also skew the chicken pieces for a fun appetizer platter or serve alongside warm artisan bread for dipping. The versatility of this Honey Mustard Chicken with Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe invites endless creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cooked chicken from this recipe can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dipping sauce separate in its own container to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. The mayonnaise-based dipping sauce is best made fresh but can be frozen as well; just expect a slight change in texture that can be fixed with whisking after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to prevent dryness, until warmed through, or heat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the meat juicy. Serve again with freshly stirred dipping sauce for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully in this Honey Mustard Chicken with Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe. Just make sure to pound the breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
Is the mayonnaise dipping sauce necessary?
While the chicken is flavorful on its own, the mayonnaise dipping sauce adds a luscious creaminess and tang that perfectly complements the tangy-sweet marinade, making for a truly indulgent experience.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for at least 30 minutes is sufficient to infuse great flavor, but letting it sit up to 4 hours in the fridge deepens the taste and tenderness even more.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your mustard and mayonnaise brands do not contain any gluten additives.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
No worries! Dried rosemary works just fine—use about half the amount of fresh rosemary called for. It still delivers that wonderful herbaceous flavor that enhances the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Mustard Chicken with Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. Its incredible harmony of sweet, tangy, smoky, and creamy flavors feels both comforting and exciting at the same time. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for dinner parties, family meals, or when you simply want to treat yourself. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll be so happy you did!
Print
Honey Mustard Chicken with Mayonnaise Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Mustard Chicken is a deliciously balanced dish combining the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard, enhanced by aromatic rosemary and smoked paprika. This recipe offers two cooking methods—stovetop or grilling—making it versatile and perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/4 cup country Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinade)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Dipping Sauce
- 1/3 cup marinade reserved
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Chicken
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade and Dipping Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, yellow mustard, 2 tablespoons olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, rosemary, salt, paprika, and pepper to create the marinade. Reserve 1/3 cup of this marinade and mix it with mayonnaise in a separate bowl to make the dipping sauce. Cover and refrigerate both until needed.
- Prepare Chicken: If using chicken breasts, place them between plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a gallon-sized zip-top bag, pour in the remaining marinade, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook on Stovetop: Remove the chicken from the marinade, pat dry with paper towels, and discard leftover marinade. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place chicken in the skillet and sear for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with the dipping sauce.
- Alternatively, Cook on Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat (around 350°F) and oil grates. Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry. Grill chicken covered for 6 to 8 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow resting for 5 minutes. Serve with reserved dipping sauce.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor; avoid exceeding 4 hours to prevent texture changes.
- Pounding chicken breasts helps ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- This recipe works with either chicken thighs or breasts depending on preference.
- The dipping sauce can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less mayonnaise.
- Leftover marinade should never be reused or served after raw chicken contact.
