Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Asparagus and Cheese
This dish is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and creamy. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a tangy honey mustard glaze and baked to juicy perfection, paired with roasted asparagus tossed in olive oil and topped with melted cheese. It’s a simple yet gourmet-quality meal that’s family-friendly, low-carb, and packed with protein and flavor.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Honey Mustard Sauce:
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey (or sugar-free honey alternative for low-carb)
1 tbsp whole-grain mustard (optional, for texture)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Asparagus:
1 bunch of fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
½ tsp garlic powder or lemon zest (optional)
½ cup shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment or foil.
2. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, whole grain mustard (if using), olive oil, vinegar/lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Sear Chicken (optional for better flavor)
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden. (You can skip this step and bake directly, but searing adds extra flavor.)
4. Bake Chicken
Transfer chicken to the baking dish. Brush generously with honey mustard sauce, reserving a little for drizzling later. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare & Roast Asparagus
While chicken bakes, toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread on a sheet pan and roast in the same oven for 12–15 minutes.
6. Add Cheese to Asparagus
In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle cheese over the asparagus and return to oven until melted and bubbly.
7. Serve
Plate the chicken with a side of roasted cheesy asparagus. Drizzle remaining honey mustard sauce over the chicken before serving.
Tips & Notes
For juicier chicken: Brine for 30 minutes beforehand or use chicken thighs.
Don’t overbake: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
Make it extra cheesy: Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Flavor boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the honey mustard sauce.
Meal prep friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
A: Yes! Grill the chicken over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side, basting with honey mustard.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and work just as well—adjust cook time to 25–30 minutes.
Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
A: With a sugar-free honey alternative and low-carb mustard, yes—it becomes keto-friendly.
Q: Can I use frozen asparagus?
A: You can, but fresh gives the best texture. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry before roasting.
Q: What cheese is best for the asparagus?
A: Mozzarella melts best; Parmesan adds a savory crunch; cheddar adds sharpness. Use what you like!
Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed cauliflower or garlic herb rice.
Add a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Pair with a glass of chardonnay or sparkling water with lime.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: ~420
Protein: 39g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 9g (from honey)
Sodium: ~550mg