EDUCATION
7 minutes
Essential Takeaways
Manuka honey makes a delicious marinade and sauce ingredient for a range of foods, and in this recipe, we’re looking at baked chicken in honey mustard sauce.
A quick and easy recipe, you can add your own unique flavours and styles to impress friends and family.
Baked chicken in honey mustard sauce is a delightfully tasty and easy-to-make recipe that is sure to become one of your go-to dishes.
You can try experimenting with different types of mustards or choose to add in fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for a more personalised touch.
It’s quick and easy. So, let’s do it!
In this easy manuka honey mustard chicken recipe:
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Ingredients
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Mustard sauce preparation
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Cooking steps
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Serving suggestions
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Nutritional benefits
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Where to buy your manuka honey
Let’s get cooking.
Baked Chicken In Manuka Honey Mustard Sauce Ingredients
In this recipe, we will be using a handful of simple ingredients to create this delicious dish.
For the chicken:
For the chicken part of the recipe, you will need the following:
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Chicken breasts or tenderloins: Try to find boneless, skinless chicken pieces for easier preparation and cooking. The quantity depends on the number of servings you are planning to make.
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Salt and pepper: These are essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavour of the chicken.
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Fresh rosemary sprigs: These add a lovely fragrance to the dish and complement the honey mustard sauce well. If you don't have fresh rosemary, you can use dried rosemary, but use a smaller amount.
For the honey mustard sauce:
Now, let's gather the ingredients for the honey mustard sauce:
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Manuka honey: Use manuka honey for the best flavour and consistency in your sauce. The sweetness of the honey will balance the tanginess of the mustard.
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Dijon mustard: This type of mustard works best for this recipe, providing a smooth texture and a mild but distinctive flavour. If you don't have Dijon available, you can use wholegrain mustard or even yellow mustard as a substitute.
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Lemon juice: The acidity in the lemon juice helps tenderise the chicken and brighten the flavours of the dish.
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Basil, paprika, and parsley: These dried herbs add depth and complexity to the honey mustard sauce. Feel free to adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences.
Now that you've gathered all your ingredients, you're ready to move on to the next step: preparing and cooking your baked chicken in honey mustard sauce.
Making the Manuka Honey Mustard Sauce
To prepare the manuka honey mustard sauce, you'll need a few simple ingredients:
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Mustard (you can use a mix of Dijon, wholegrain, and yellow mustard for a more vibrant flavour)
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Olive oil
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Salt and pepper
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Paprika
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Dried rosemary
You’re going to make the sauce and cook the chicken in half of it, saving half to drizzle when serving.
This will help retain all the amazing health benefits of the manuka honey and achieve the same delicious, tangy sweet flavour.
Here’s how to make your manuka honey mustard sauce:
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In a small bowl, combine equal parts manuka honey and mustard. This will provide you with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
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Add a splash of olive oil for a bit of richness.
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Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, and adjust according to your preference.
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Once you've combined these ingredients, enhance your sauce with a lovely smokiness by adding a pinch of paprika.
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To give your honey mustard sauce a herbaceous note, include a pinch of rosemary.
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Stir your sauce well, ensuring that all the ingredients are well combined. Don't be afraid to taste it at this point and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning.
Now that your honey mustard sauce is ready, you can set it aside while you prepare your chicken.
When it's time to bake, simply coat your chicken tenderloins or breasts generously with the sauce. The flavours will not only make your chicken taste amazing but will also keep the meat tender and moist.
Remember, you can always experiment with the proportions and ingredients in your manuka honey mustard sauce to tailor it to your specific taste preferences.
Happy cooking!
Cooking the Chicken
Firstly, the preparation steps:
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Preheat your oven to 175℃ (347℉).
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Prepare your chicken breasts by seasoning them with salt and pepper.
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Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, which will help prevent the chicken from sticking to the dish during baking.
Now, let’s get cooking:
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Place your seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced to ensure even cooking. Pour half the manuka honey mustard sauce over the chicken, making sure to turn and coat each piece evenly. This will provide a nice, flavoursome crust as the chicken bakes.
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Add an extra layer of flavour by including some aromatic herbs in the baking dish. Sprigs of fresh rosemary or basil work particularly well. Position the herbs between the chicken breasts to infuse their flavours throughout the dish.
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on their thickness. Keep an eye on the chicken during the cooking process and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 74℃ (165℉).
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To achieve a beautiful golden brown colour and caramelised edges, finish the cooking process by broiling the chicken for the last 3-4 minutes.
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Drizzle the remaining sauce over your baked chicken as you serve.
Now that you have prepared your baked chicken in honey mustard sauce, all that's left to do is to enjoy the dish with some delicious sides.
Serving Suggestions for Your Manuka Honey Mustard Baked Chicken
In this section, we'll explore some tasty side dishes and drinks that pair well with baked chicken in honey mustard sauce.
Side dishes
Baked chicken in honey mustard sauce pairs well with various side dishes. Try adding one or more of the following to complement your chicken:
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Roasted vegetables: You can't go wrong with a medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. Tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting in a hot oven, they become delightfully crispy on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside.
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Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are always a hit, making them the perfect accompaniment for baked chicken in honey mustard sauce. For added flavour, consider adding some wholegrain mustard or chopped chives.
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Couscous salad: For a lighter option, try a refreshing couscous salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh herbs such as parsley or mint. This makes for a lovely contrast with the rich honey mustard sauce.
Drinks
Finding the right beverage to pair with your baked chicken in manuka honey mustard sauce can further enhance this delightful dining experience. Here are a few suggestions:
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White wine: A crisp and refreshing white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the flavours of the honey mustard sauce without overpowering the dish.
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Beer: If you prefer beer, opt for a light lager or a fruity wheat beer, which can provide a pleasant contrast to the richness of the sauce.
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Non-Alcoholic options: For a non-alcoholic pairing, consider a refreshing homemade lemonade with a hint of fresh mint, or an iced tea infused with peach or raspberry flavours.
Enjoy your baked chicken in honey mustard sauce alongside these delectable side dishes and beverages for a truly memorable meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Manuka Honey and Mustard Chicken
This scrumptious dish deliver a delightful blend of flavours while also providing a host of nutritional benefits. You'll be pleased to know that it's a balanced and wholesome meal choice.
Chicken
Firstly, chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein.
Protein contributes to muscle growth and repair, as well as supporting a healthy immune system. A serving of this dish, which consists of chicken breast, provides you with approximately 31 grams of protein.
Manuka honey
Honey adds a touch of natural sweetness that comes with its nutritional benefits.
Manuka honey is packed with antioxidants which are essential for maintaining overall health.
These antioxidants can help protect your body against damage caused by free radicals.
Mustard
By using Dijon and wholegrain mustard, you're not only enhancing the flavours but also gaining some essential nutrients.
Mustard seeds are known for containing selenium, which is crucial for a healthy metabolism and strong immune system. Also, mustard seeds possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for those with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
Olive oil
When used as a part of the manuka honey mustard sauce, olive oil is a star ingredient that contributes healthy fats to your meal.
Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which are known for promoting heart health and helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
To make this dish even more nutritious, you can serve it with a side of fresh vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, carrots, or a green salad.
These will provide you with additional essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Choose New Zealand Honey Co. Manuka Honey
For the best antibacterial and antioxidant properties that manuka honey has to offer, opt for New Zealand Honey Co.
Our pure, raw, monofloral manuka honey is exclusively produced and packaged in New Zealand. Graded to the strict UMF™ regulations, you know that you can trust what you’re getting in the jar.
We only deal with real.
Your wellness journey starts with a spoonful a day.
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