Delicious Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice – Easy Dinner

Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to experience a culinary embrace, where the familiar comfort of perfectly cooked rice meets succulent chicken, all bathed in an irresistible glaze that sings with the perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard. Prepare to transform your dinner table with a dish that promises both elegance and ease, a true weeknight hero that feels incredibly special.

A Beloved Fusion of Flavors

While the precise origins of this delightful combination are difficult to pinpoint to a single culture, the synergy of honey and mustard has been cherished across various cuisines for centuries, often used to elevate meats and dressings. Our Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis recipe stands as a testament to this enduring appeal, embodying a modern classic born from simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s a celebration of how humble components can come together to create something truly extraordinary and universally loved.

People adore this dish for countless reasons. The tender chicken, often pan-seared or baked to golden perfection, absorbs the rich, aromatic sauce, delivering an explosion of flavor in every bite. The creamy texture of the rice provides a comforting counterpoint, making it a complete and satisfying meal. It’s remarkably convenient to prepare, yet impressive enough to serve guests, cementing its place as a staple in many households. I am confident that you, too, will quickly discover why this harmonious blend remains a timeless favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Honig Senf Hahnchen (Honey Mustard Chicken):
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5-2 lbs total), trimmed of any excess fat. I usually opt for plump breasts, but thighs work wonderfully too if you prefer dark meat for a richer flavor profile.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for searing. A good quality extra virgin olive oil always enhances the flavor.
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Don’t be shy, seasoning is key!
• For the Honey Mustard Marinade:
  • ½ cup good quality Dijon mustard. I find that a reputable brand makes a significant difference in the tangy bite.
  • ¼ cup whole grain mustard. This adds a lovely texture and a slightly different mustard flavor dimension.
  • ¼ cup honey. Pure, local honey is always my preference, offering a beautiful sweetness that balances the mustard perfectly.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake). This provides umami and a depth of savory flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is non-negotiable for me in almost any savory dish, and here it adds warmth and aroma.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. This brightens the sauce and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. For that subtle smoky undertone that elevates the chicken.
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme. A classic herb that pairs wonderfully with chicken and mustard.
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or water, for deglazing and creating a saucier finish.
• For the Reis (Rice):
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine). These varieties cook up fluffy and separate, perfect for soaking up the chicken’s delicious sauce.
  • 3 cups cold water. The precise ratio is crucial for perfectly cooked rice.
  • ½ teaspoon salt. To season the rice from within.
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, but highly recommended for richness and preventing sticking).
• For the Optional Side Dish (Green Beans):
  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed. Look for vibrant, crisp beans.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste.
• For Garnish (Optional):
  • Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped. A little green always makes the plate look more inviting.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This can brighten the finished dish beautifully.

Preparing the Honey Mustard Marinade

1. First things first, let’s get that incredibly flavorful honey mustard marinade ready. This is where the magic of our Honig Senf Hahnchen truly begins to unfold. In a medium-sized bowl, I like to combine all the marinade ingredients: the tangy Dijon mustard, the textural whole grain mustard, the sweet honey, the umami-rich soy sauce, the pungent minced garlic, the bright apple cider vinegar, the smoky paprika, and the aromatic dried thyme.
2. Whisk everything together thoroughly. I usually grab a wire whisk and really go at it until the mixture is completely smooth and well-emulsified. You want all those distinct flavors to meld into one harmonious sauce. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust. Does it need a little more honey for sweetness? A touch more vinegar for zing? Perhaps a pinch more salt and pepper? Remember, this marinade will impart the primary flavor to your chicken, so make sure it tastes fantastic on its own. It should be a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy with a delightful mustard kick.
3. Once you’re happy with the marinade’s flavor, set aside about ¼ cup of this glorious mixture. We’ll use this reserved portion later to create a luscious pan sauce to drizzle over our finished Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis. This little trick ensures you have enough sauce without cross-contaminating from the raw chicken.

Marinating the Chicken to Perfection

1. Now that our marinade is ready, it’s time to introduce it to our chicken. Place your trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a large, shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. I personally prefer a resealable bag as it allows for maximum contact between the chicken and the marinade with minimal fuss.
2. Pour the main portion of your honey mustard marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. I like to massage the bag (or turn the chicken in the dish) to ensure every nook and cranny is drenched in the flavorful goodness. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with that signature Honig Senf flavor!
3. Cover the dish or seal the bag, making sure to press out as much air as possible if using a bag. Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator. For optimal flavor and tenderness, I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. However, if you have the luxury of time, 2 to 4 hours is even better. You can even marinate it overnight (up to 12 hours) for an incredibly flavorful and tender result. Just be mindful not to over-marinate with acidic ingredients for too long, as it can sometimes change the chicken’s texture.
4. While the chicken is marinating, this is an excellent time to prepare your rice or any side dishes, getting a head start on the full Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis experience.

Cooking the Fluffy Rice Component

1. Let’s get our fluffy rice ready to accompany our delicious chicken. I always start by rinsing the rice. This step is often overlooked but it’s really important for removing excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming gummy and ensures those beautiful, separate grains we all love. Place the long-grain white rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it under cold running water for about 1-2 minutes, or until the water runs clear.
2. Transfer the rinsed rice to a medium-sized saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add the 3 cups of cold water and the ½ teaspoon of salt. If you’re using butter, now is the time to add that tablespoon for extra richness and to help prevent sticking.
3. Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. As soon as it starts boiling vigorously, give it a quick stir to make sure no rice is sticking to the bottom of the pot. Then, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting possible, cover the pot tightly with its lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for exactly 15 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the lid! Peeking lets out steam, which is essential for proper cooking.
4. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat, but keep the lid on. Let the rice rest, still covered, for another 10 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to redistribute and finish cooking the rice, making it perfectly tender and fluffy.
5. Once rested, carefully remove the lid. Using a fork, gently fluff the rice. You’ll see those beautiful, separate grains. Set the rice aside, keeping it warm, or transfer it to a serving bowl, ready for the main event: our Honig Senf Hahnchen.

Searing and Simmering the Honig Senf Hahnchen

1. When your chicken has finished marinating, remove it from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come slightly closer to room temperature. This promotes more even cooking. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a very important step! Dry chicken sears, wet chicken steams. You want a beautiful golden crust on your chicken.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot but not smoking. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot pan. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
3. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust. This initial sear locks in the juices and creates a wonderful texture. It’s truly what makes the chicken pop in our Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis.
4. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a clean plate. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
5. Reduce the heat to medium. If your pan looks a bit dry, you can add another tiny splash of olive oil. Pour in the ¼ cup of chicken broth or water you’ve set aside. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These “fond” bits are packed with flavor and will contribute immensely to our pan sauce. This is called deglazing, and it’s a technique that adds incredible depth.
6. Once the pan has been deglazed and the liquid is simmering, pour in the ¼ cup of reserved honey mustard marinade from earlier. Stir it into the deglazing liquid. Let it come to a gentle simmer, allowing it to slightly thicken for a minute or two.
7. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the simmering honey mustard sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the chicken gently simmer for another 8-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. I always recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting is crucial for juicy chicken! It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much more tender and flavorful bite. While the chicken rests, the sauce in the pan will continue to simmer and thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it reduce a bit more over low heat, or even whisk in a tiny slurry of cornstarch and water (about 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water) and simmer until desired consistency is reached.

Quick and Fresh Side Dish

1. While the chicken is resting, let’s quickly prepare our green beans, or whatever green vegetable you’ve chosen. For green beans, I like to steam them or quickly sauté them.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender-crisp – still vibrant green with a slight bite. If you prefer them softer, you can add a tablespoon or two of water and cover the pan for a few minutes to steam them.

Bringing It All Together: Serving Our Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis

1. Now for the best part – plating our beautiful Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis! On each plate, create a generous bed of that fluffy, perfectly cooked rice you prepared earlier. The rice acts as a wonderful canvas for the flavors to come.
2. Carefully slice your rested honey mustard chicken breasts into thick, appealing pieces, or serve them whole if you prefer. Arrange the chicken artfully over the rice. The golden-brown sear and the succulent interior will look incredibly inviting.
3. Spoon that glorious honey mustard pan sauce generously over the chicken and rice. This sauce is the heart of the dish, coating every bite with its sweet, tangy, and savory goodness. Don’t be shy; every grain of rice should have a chance to mingle with this incredible sauce.
4. Arrange a portion of your vibrant green beans (or other chosen side) alongside the chicken and rice. The freshness and slight crunch of the vegetables will provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the main course.
5. Finally, for an added touch of freshness and color, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives, if using. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving can also awaken all the flavors and add a final bright note.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis. This dish is truly a symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. I just know you’re going to love it!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the delicious culmination of our culinary journey together. I truly hope that as you’ve read through this recipe, you’ve felt the same excitement and anticipation that I do every time I prepare this incredible dish. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors that truly dances on the palate. This recipe for Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis isn’t just another weeknight dinner idea; it’s a genuine revelation, a dish that consistently receives rave reviews whenever I serve it.

Why is this a must-try, you ask? Well, let me count the ways! First, there’s the unbeatable combination of sweet and tangy, perfectly balanced by the savory richness of the chicken. The honey caramelizes beautifully, creating a slightly sticky, incredibly flavorful glaze that coats every piece of tender chicken. Then, the mustard adds that essential piquant kick, cutting through the sweetness and adding a delightful depth that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile that belies its simple preparation, making you look like a gourmet chef with minimal effort. Furthermore, the accompanying rice soaks up all those magnificent juices, ensuring every bite is infused with the sauce’s magic. It’s incredibly satisfying, comforting, and yet feels wonderfully fresh and exciting all at the same time.

Elevate Your Plate: Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

While the combination of chicken and rice is a classic for a reason, don’t hesitate to explore different ways to serve and customize your Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis. For a complete and vibrant meal, I absolutely love pairing this dish with some bright green vegetables. Think steamed broccoli florets or crisp green beans, perhaps lightly tossed with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of sea salt. A simple side salad, featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette, also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken. If you’re looking to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce, a slice of crusty artisan bread on the side would be absolutely divine.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, inviting you to put your own spin on it. If you prefer a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce will give it a wonderful warmth without overpowering the other flavors. For those who love a touch of garlic, a couple of extra cloves, minced and sautéed with the chicken, would be a fantastic addition. Feeling adventurous with your protein? While chicken breasts are fantastic, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work beautifully, offering an even juicier texture. You could even experiment with pork tenderloin, sliced into medallions, for a different take.

As for the ‘mit Reis’ part, feel free to swap it out for other grains if you fancy a change. Fluffy couscous, nutty quinoa, or even a creamy polenta could make excellent alternatives, each offering a unique texture and flavor pairing. For an all-in-one sheet pan meal, consider adding chopped vegetables directly to the pan with the chicken during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even chunks of sweet potato would roast beautifully in the same flavors, creating an even easier cleanup and a more colorful dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbiness right before serving. The possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination!

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

Now, it’s your turn! I’ve shared my passion for this exquisite recipe, and I truly believe it deserves a place at your table. Don’t just read about it; experience it! Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let the wonderful aroma of honey and mustard fill your kitchen. I promise you, the joy of creating this dish, and the even greater joy of savoring its incredible flavors, will be a truly rewarding experience. This isn’t just food; it’s comfort, it’s flavor, and it’s an invitation to gather around the table and make memories.

And when you do create your own rendition of this delightful chicken, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please, share your experience. What did you love most about it? Did you try any of the variations, or did you come up with your own brilliant twist? Snap a photo, share your thoughts, and let’s celebrate the joy of home cooking together. Your feedback and creations truly inspire me and the entire cooking community. So, go forth, cook, and enjoy every single mouth-watering bite of your very own Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis. Happy cooking!

Honig Senf Hahnchen Mit Reis (Honey Mustard Chicken with Rice)

Succulent honey mustard chicken served with fluffy rice, an easy and elegant weeknight dinner featuring a perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
20 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 500 g chicken breast fillets, cut into strips
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp mustard (medium-hot or sweet)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 60 ml chicken broth or water
• 250 g Basmati or Jasmine rice
• 500 ml water (for rice)
• 1 tsp salt (for rice)
• Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh lemon juice (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a bowl, combine honey, mustard, soy sauce, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk well. Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade for the pan sauce. Place chicken strips in a dish or bag, pour remaining marinade over, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
2. Step 2
   Rinse rice under cold water until clear. In a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine rinsed rice, 500ml water, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
3. Step 3
   Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken strips dry and sear for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden-brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside. Reduce heat to medium. Deglaze pan with 60ml chicken broth/water, scraping up browned bits. Stir in the reserved ¼ cup marinade and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Return chicken strips to pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
4. Step 4
   Serve honey mustard chicken strips over a generous bed of fluffy rice. Spoon pan sauce generously over chicken and rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.