Description
This is comfort food that doesn’t apologize. Imagine juicy chicken breasts smothered in a tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce, topped with melty cheese and crispy bacon. It’s like your favorite sandwich turned into a dinner-worthy masterpiece. It’s bold, gooey, a little sticky in the best way — and totally doable on a weeknight. No deep frying, no fancy techniques, just honest-to-goodness flavor that hits all the right notes. If honey mustard anything is your weakness, get ready to meet your new obsession.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt + pepper
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional but amazing)
For the Sauce:
– 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
– Salt + pepper to taste
For Topping:
– 4–6 strips cooked bacon, chopped
– 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar (or Colby Jack, Swiss — your call)
– Fresh chopped parsley for a little green magic (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (or just use a regular one and transfer to a baking dish later). Sear the chicken on both sides for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Don’t cook it through yet — it’ll finish in the oven.
Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayo, olive oil, and vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust — more honey if you want sweeter, more mustard if you’re feeling tangy.
Step 4: Smother That Chicken
Pour the sauce all over the chicken. Top with shredded cheese and sprinkle on the bacon.
Step 5: Bake & Melt
Pop it in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken hits 165°F inside and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want the top extra golden, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch it closely!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and prepare to watch people go quiet with joy.
Notes
– Mashed potatoes or baked potatoes are excellent sauce-soakers
– Rice, quinoa, or buttery noodles work too
– Serve with steamed green beans, broccoli, or a fresh side salad to balance all that richness
– Want a sandwich moment? Pile it onto a toasted brioche bun with lettuce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~520 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Protein: ~42g