Introduction
This Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Asparagus and Cheese is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The succulent chicken breasts are coated in a rich honey mustard glaze.
while the roasted asparagus adds a vibrant, slightly smoky crunch. Paired with crispy roasted potatoes and topped with melted cheese, this dish makes for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
4 tbsp honey
3 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
500g asparagus
4 medium potatoes, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting. You’ll need a baking sheet to arrange your chicken, potatoes, and asparagus, so have that ready.
Begin by preparing the potatoes, as they take a little longer to cook. Toss the diced potatoes in a tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and paprika for added flavor.
Spread them evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded, and set them aside.
Next, prepare the chicken breasts. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
Whisk them well until fully combined to create a smooth glaze. Place the chicken breasts on the baking.
sheet and coat them generously with the honey mustard mixture. Set the chicken aside and prepare the asparagus.
For the asparagus, trim the tough ends and arrange the spears on the same baking sheet as the chicken and potatoes.
Drizzle the asparagus with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of paprika over the asparagus for an added layer of flavor.
Now, place the entire baking sheet into the oven and roast everything for about 25-30 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through.
and the potatoes will become tender and golden. Check the chicken for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken, potatoes, and asparagus are done, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the chicken. Place the baking sheet back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese.
has melted and become bubbly and golden. The combination of the melted cheese and honey mustard glaze will create a deliciously rich topping for the chicken.
After everything is ready, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
This will allow the juices in the chicken to redistribute, keeping it moist and tender. Serve the honey mustard chicken with the roasted potatoes and asparagus for a complete, satisfying meal.
How to Make Variations
If you want to make this recipe your own, there are a few easy variations you can try. For example, you could swap the honey for maple syrup to add a different kind of sweetness.
This subtle change will give the chicken a slightly different flavor profile that pairs well with the tanginess of the Dijon mustard.
If you’re a fan of spicy food, try adding some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard glaze.
This will give the dish a nice kick, balancing out the sweetness with heat. For a richer flavor, consider swapping out the olive oil for butter when roasting the potatoes and asparagus, adding a creamy, savory undertone to the dish.
For a twist on the cheese topping, you can use a blend of cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or a spicy pepper jack.
Each variety will bring a unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment. Alternatively, you can skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version of the dish.
For a vegetarian alternative, substitute the chicken with portobello mushrooms. The mushrooms will absorb the honey mustard glaze and provide a meaty.
texture without the need for poultry. You could also use tofu as a protein-rich, plant-based alternative.
If you’re looking for a carb-free version, replace the potatoes with cauliflower. Roasting cauliflower florets with the same seasonings as the potatoes will give you a lower-carb.
veggie-packed alternative that complements the chicken beautifully.
To make this dish even heartier, you can add a side of quinoa or couscous for a filling and nutritious accompaniment.
These grains will soak up the flavors of the honey mustard glaze, creating a well-rounded meal.
Lastly, if you prefer a more smokey flavor, consider grilling the chicken and asparagus instead of roasting them.
The grill will add a nice charred flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish, giving it a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
Tips
One important tip to keep in mind when making this dish is to make sure the chicken breasts are evenly coated with the honey mustard mixture.
For an even glaze, consider using a brush or spoon to coat the chicken thoroughly before roasting. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
When roasting potatoes, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. The potatoes need room to roast evenly and become crispy on the outside.
If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure the best texture for the potatoes.
If you’re short on time, consider using pre-diced potatoes and pre-trimmed asparagus.
This can save you some preparation time and make the meal come together even faster without compromising flavor.
For the best results, use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for the most robust flavor. Fresh garlic adds a depth of taste that brings out the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the mustard.
Don’t skip the cheese! While optional, the melted cheese on top of the honey mustard chicken adds richness and an extra layer of indulgence to the dish. It’s also a great way to tie everything together and make it more comforting.
If you prefer your asparagus to be more tender, you can blanch it in boiling water for a couple of minutes before roasting. This step softens the asparagus and helps it cook more quickly in the oven.
Lastly, make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period helps retain the juices in the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful when you slice into it.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Asparagus and Cheese is a dish that combines a variety of flavors and textures in the most satisfying way.
With tender chicken, flavorful honey mustard sauce, roasted vegetables, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone.
Whether you make it as is or experiment with variations, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for a special occasion. Enjoy!