There’s something so comforting about a dish like Cheesy Honey Mustard Chicken that blends gooey melted cheese with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce — and that’s exactly what this cheesy honey mustard chicken recipe delivers every single time. I first discovered this cheesy honey mustard chicken during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but impressive for my family. The combo of juicy chicken, a luscious honey mustard glaze, and ooey-gooey cheese felt like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re a busy parent, a home cook looking to impress, or just craving delicious cheesy honey mustard chicken, this recipe is a keeper.
What I love most is how it uses simple pantry staples — honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and cheese — making it accessible for everyone. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile whether you prefer boneless chicken breasts or thighs. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a perfect fit for weeknight dinners or meal prepping ahead. For inspiration on other hearty meals, you might want to check out some spicy chicken recipes for dinner or quick and easy chicken caprese sandwich.
And if you want to get creative with your weeknight dinners, why not explore KaiRecipe’s Dinner Magic board on Pinterest to discover more quick and easy dinner ideas that fit right into your busy lifestyle?
In This Guide
Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken with Cheese
This Cheesy Honey Mustard Chicken dish nails the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory thanks to its luscious honey mustard sauce paired with rich melted cheese. It’s one of those rare recipes that’s both indulgent and surprisingly easy to prepare—perfect for a busy evening when you want to serve up delicious cheesy honey mustard chicken without the stress. Whether you’re craving cheesy chicken dinner ideas or simply want an easy honey mustard chicken recipe, this version fits the bill perfectly.
As a one skillet chicken recipe, this cheesy honey mustard chicken keeps cleanup minimal and is very kid-friendly—picky eaters usually come back for seconds! Plus, you likely already have most of the honey mustard sauce ingredients on hand, making this a pantry-friendly option for weeknight dinners. The best part? It works wonderfully with either boneless chicken breasts or thighs, giving you flexible choices based on what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this cheesy honey mustard chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (adds a smoky depth)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard (optional for texture and flavor)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce slightly)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish)
Pro tip: You can add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy honey mustard chicken twist or swap in your favorite cheese blend. This is truly a flexible recipe perfect for adapting to your taste and pantry staples.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep and Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. This simple step adds flavor and helps develop a beautiful golden crust. - Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked. This locks in the juices and creates that delicious texture we love. - Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the chicken is searing, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, minced garlic, and water in a bowl. This sauce is where all the magic happens — sweet, tangy, and garlicky all at once! - Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, simmering for 8–10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce will thicken slightly and coat the chicken beautifully. - Add the Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each chicken piece. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes. If you want a golden bubbly topping, pop the skillet under a broiler for 1-2 minutes — just keep a close eye! - Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Want a quick idea? Pair this cheesy chicken with garlic herb rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal. For more dinner ideas, check out this crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe.
Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture
- Don’t overcook the chicken: It’s juicy when it hits 165°F internal temp. Use a meat thermometer for precision.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts best: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Let chicken rest: A quick 5-minute rest helps juices redistribute, making it more tender.
- Broil for a golden cheese crust: Just a minute or two under the broiler adds a delicious finishing touch.
- Add garlic for depth: Minced garlic in the sauce amps up the flavor wonderfully.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy honey mustard chicken pairs perfectly with:
- Mashed potatoes or creamy cauliflower mash
- Garlic herb rice or quinoa
- Steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots
- Crusty bread or garlic toast for soaking up extra sauce
Looking for more chicken and vegetable dinner ideas? Check out our collection of super easy chicken lo mein recipes for a tasty twist!
Variations and Substitutions
- Add spice: Stir in cayenne or use hot honey for a spicy honey mustard chicken.
- Make it creamy: Stir Greek yogurt or sour cream into the sauce after simmering.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter meal.
- Protein swaps: Use turkey cutlets as an alternative to chicken for a lean option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze cooked chicken and sauce (before adding cheese) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
- Cheese may not melt as beautifully when reheated, so consider adding fresh shredded cheese before warming.
For meal prep ideas, try batch cooking this dish and serving it with rice or veggies throughout the week!
Ready to Try This Delicious Cheesy Honey Mustard Chicken?
Give this recipe a whirl and let me know how it turns out! Share your tweaks, photos, or favorite sides in the comments below or tag us on social media. And don’t forget to explore more easy meals like the quick and easy chicken caprese sandwich, the comforting crockpot chicken and dumplings recipe, or the flavorful super easy chicken lo mein.
For more inspiration, Follow KaiRecipe on Facebook for more delicious recipes, and Explore KaiRecipe’s Pinterest for creative cooking ideas.
And if you’re hunting for dinner ideas that come together fast and taste amazing, don’t miss the Dinner Magic board on Pinterest — your next favorite meal is just a click away!
Recipe FAQs
Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?
Absolutely! After searing, bake at 375°F covered with sauce and cheese for 20–25 minutes.
What cheeses work best?
Cheddar and mozzarella melt beautifully and provide great flavor. Provolone and Colby Jack are also good options.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and partially cook the chicken, then refrigerate and finish cooking just before serving.

Cheesy Honey Mustard Chicken: The Perfect Sweet and Tangy Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
There’s something so comforting about a dish that blends gooey melted cheese with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce — and that’s exactly what my Cheesy Honey Mustard Chicken delivers every single time. Whether you’re a busy parent, a home cook looking to impress, or just craving something delicious without a fuss, this recipe is a keeper.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (adds a smoky depth)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard (optional for texture and flavor)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce slightly)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or green onions (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Pat your chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
- Whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, minced garlic, and water in a bowl.
- Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, simmer for 8–10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each chicken piece. Cover and let cheese melt for 2–3 minutes. For a golden bubbly top, broil for 1–2 minutes (watch closely!).
- Sprinkle with parsley or green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer for perfect juiciness. Freshly shredded cheese melts best. Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking for tenderness. Broiling adds a delicious golden crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: cheesy honey mustard chicken, honey mustard chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken