Cheesy Honey Mustard Chicken

Introduction:

This Cheesy Honey Mustard Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken smothered in a creamy honey mustard sauce, crispy bacon bits, and melted cheese. It’s the perfect comfort meal for a cozy dinner and pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes this dish irresistible!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half & half)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season and Sear the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
   • Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown (it will finish cooking in the oven).
3. Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and heavy cream.
   • Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
4. Add Cheese and Bacon:
   • Sprinkle shredded cheese and bacon bits over each piece of chicken.
5. Bake the Chicken:
   • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F or 75°C).
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh salad.
• Drizzle extra honey mustard sauce on top for extra flavor!

This Cheesy Honey Mustard Chicken is a crowd-pleaser with its rich, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Enjoy! 🍗🧀✨