This dish is a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and creamy. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a tangy honey mustard glaze, roasted until golden, then topped with melted cheese for a rich finish. Paired with crisp-tender roasted asparagus and a hint of lemon zest, it’s a wholesome, restaurant-worthy meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for guests. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roasted Asparagus:
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar (or a mix)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan for extra flavor
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and coat them thoroughly with the honey mustard marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Roast the Asparagus
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread the trimmed asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
- Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until tender and slightly crisp on the edges.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- While the asparagus roasts, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the marinated chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Top each chicken breast with shredded cheese and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
- Arrange the roasted asparagus on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Place the cheesy honey mustard chicken on top or alongside.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges or a drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with mashed cauliflower, roasted potatoes, or buttery rice.
- Add a side salad with vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.
- Serve leftovers sliced in wraps or sandwiches.
Tips & Variations:
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Use thighs: Boneless chicken thighs work just as well and stay extra juicy.
- Cheese swap: Try provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Vegetarian twist: Use thick slices of roasted cauliflower or tofu instead of chicken.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
This dish is a weeknight hero and a dinner party star all in one. Would you like a homemade honey mustard sauce recipe to bottle up for future meals?