Honey Mustard Chicken Bake with Crispy Potatoes and Turkey Bacon
Honey Mustard Chicken Bake delivers everything you want in a comforting dinner: tender chicken, golden potatoes, and a glossy sauce that clings to every bite. This dish transforms simple pantry staples into a deeply satisfying meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. The balance of sweet honey and sharp Dijon mustard creates a bold yet familiar flavor profile, while turkey bacon adds a savory edge that makes each forkful irresistible. If you love one-pan dinners that minimize cleanup without sacrificing taste, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your weekly rotation.
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Honey Mustard Chicken Bake with Crispy Potatoes and Turkey Bacon
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Description
Honey Mustard Chicken Bake is a one-pan dinner made with tender chicken thighs, golden potatoes, turkey bacon, and a rich honey Dijon sauce baked to perfection.
Ingredients
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 to 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
7 ounces turkey bacon, diced and divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 medium onion, finely diced
3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons milk
1/3 cup water
Fresh thyme leaves or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Place potatoes in boiling water and cook 5 minutes. Drain and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Cook half of the turkey bacon in an oven-safe skillet until crisp. Remove and set aside.
4. Sear chicken 3 minutes on one side and 2 minutes on the other. Remove and set aside.
5. Spoon 1 tablespoon rendered fat over potatoes and discard excess.
6. Sauté garlic and onion for 2 minutes.
7. Add broth, vinegar, and sugar. Simmer 2 minutes while scraping browned bits.
8. Stir in mustard, honey, thyme, milk, water, and cooked turkey bacon.
9. Return chicken and potatoes to skillet and spoon sauce over. Top with remaining turkey bacon.
10. Bake uncovered 40–50 minutes until chicken is cooked and potatoes are tender.
11. Rest 5 minutes before serving and garnish with herbs.
Notes
For extra tang, add a splash of vinegar before baking.
If sauce is too thin, simmer briefly on stovetop after baking.
Store leftovers refrigerated up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Easy Dinner Ideas
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Why Honey Mustard Chicken Bake Is the Ultimate One-Pan Dinner
There’s something powerful about a meal that cooks entirely in one skillet. Honey Mustard Chicken Bake simplifies dinner without compromising depth or texture. As everything roasts together, the flavors blend naturally, creating a rich sauce that coats the chicken and seeps into the potatoes.
The Comfort Appeal of Honey Mustard Chicken Bake
The combination of tender chicken thighs and hearty potatoes feels grounding and generous. As the sauce bubbles in the oven, it thickens slightly and develops complexity. The honey softens the sharpness of the mustard, while thyme adds a subtle herbal warmth that makes the kitchen smell incredible.
How Honey Mustard Chicken Bake Balances Sweet and Savory
A great sweet-savory dish never feels sugary or overwhelming. Here, Dijon mustard delivers bold tang, apple cider vinegar sharpens the edges, and a touch of sugar enhances the honey’s natural sweetness. Turkey bacon introduces smoky notes that cut through the richness and elevate the entire pan.
Why Honey Mustard Chicken Bake Works for Busy Weeknights
This recipe moves efficiently from stovetop to oven. A quick sear locks in flavor, and the oven finishes the job. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it offers maximum payoff. If you enjoy meals like creamy chicken with zucchini, you’ll appreciate how this dish also builds flavor in layers without unnecessary steps.
Ingredients That Make Honey Mustard Chicken Bake Irresistible
The success of this recipe lies in choosing the right ingredients and allowing each one to shine.
Choosing the Best Chicken for Honey Mustard Chicken Bake
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully because they remain juicy during baking. Their natural richness stands up to the assertive mustard sauce. While breasts can work, thighs provide superior tenderness and a deeper flavor.
Building Bold Flavor in the Sauce
Low-sodium chicken broth forms the savory base. Apple cider vinegar adds brightness, and Dijon mustard contributes structure and heat. Honey smooths everything out, while milk gives the sauce a silky finish. Fresh or dried thyme rounds it out with aromatic depth.
Potatoes and Turkey Bacon
Parboiling the potatoes before baking ensures they become creamy inside and crisp at the edges. Tossing them with a bit of rendered fat intensifies their flavor. Turkey bacon brings smoky complexity without overpowering the dish, creating contrast against the sweet glaze.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Bake Step by Step
This dish comes together in a rhythm that feels effortless once you begin.
Preparing the Potatoes
A brief boil jump-starts the cooking process and guarantees tender centers. After draining, tossing them in olive oil, salt, and pepper sets the stage for caramelized edges in the oven.
Searing the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Browning the chicken first builds a golden crust and leaves behind flavorful bits in the pan. Those browned bits dissolve into the sauce, enriching it naturally. Cooking the turkey bacon beforehand layers smoky notes throughout.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Once the sauce comes together in the skillet, the chicken and potatoes return to the pan. As it bakes uncovered, the sauce thickens and reduces slightly, coating everything in a glossy finish. The final texture feels luxurious yet balanced.
If you enjoy saucy skillet dinners like chicken and mushroom cream sauce, this baked version offers a similar richness with the added bonus of roasted potatoes in the same pan.
Tips to Elevate Your Honey Mustard Chicken Bake
Small adjustments can take this dish from excellent to unforgettable.
Getting Crispy Edges
Spread the potatoes evenly and avoid overcrowding. Giving them space allows heat to circulate, producing beautifully browned surfaces.
Adjusting Sweetness and Tang
If you prefer a sharper profile, add a splash more vinegar. For a slightly sweeter finish, drizzle a small amount of extra honey over the chicken before baking. Taste the sauce before transferring the skillet to the oven to ensure it aligns with your preference.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a spoonful of broth or water to loosen the sauce and maintain moisture.

FAQs About Honey Mustard Chicken Bake
Mary Berry honey mustard chicken
Mary Berry honey mustard chicken typically leans toward a creamier sauce with a more pronounced mustard flavor. This version keeps the sauce lighter while maintaining bold character and balance, making it ideal for a hearty family dinner.
Honey mustard chicken recipe Jamie Oliver
A honey mustard chicken recipe Jamie Oliver might highlight fresh herbs and rustic presentation. This baked variation embraces similar fresh elements but simplifies the process into a practical one-pan method that suits everyday cooking.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but reduce the baking time slightly to prevent drying. Breasts cook faster and benefit from careful monitoring.
How do I thicken the sauce if needed?
If the sauce seems thin after baking, remove the chicken and simmer the skillet briefly on the stovetop until it reduces further. Stir gently to maintain a smooth texture.
Conclusion: Why Honey Mustard Chicken Bake Belongs on Your Table
Honey Mustard Chicken Bake combines bold flavor, practical preparation, and comforting ingredients in a single skillet. It feels dependable yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
A Reliable Family Favorite
The familiar sweet-and-savory balance appeals to both adults and children, making it a dependable choice for shared meals.
Perfect for Entertaining or Meal Prep
Its golden finish and rich aroma make it presentation-worthy straight from the oven, while leftovers taste just as satisfying the next day.
A Flavor-Packed Classic You’ll Make Again
When a recipe delivers ease, texture, and depth in one pan, it earns a permanent spot in your rotation. This one does exactly that.
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