Introduction
If you’re a fan of comfort food that combines savory, sweet, and creamy textures, look no further than this recipe for Honey Mustard Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes. The tender chicken bites, coated in a luscious honey mustard sauce, provide a balance of tangy and sweet flavors, perfectly paired with the rich, buttery, and garlic-infused mashed potatoes. This dish is a surefire way to elevate a cozy dinner, whether you’re cooking for family or having a relaxed night in.
With a perfect harmony of flavors, this dish is easy to make and takes minimal effort while delivering maximum satisfaction. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step preparation for this delightful, hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Honey Mustard Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard (or yellow mustard if preferred)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for added tang)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure the seasoning coats each piece evenly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and remove it from the pan. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and paprika. Mix until the sauce is well combined and starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce, making sure every piece is well-coated.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken absorbs some of the sauce and becomes slightly caramelized.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- While the chicken cooks, place the peeled and quartered potatoes along with garlic cloves in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes and garlic, then season with a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the hot pot. Allow them to steam for a minute to release excess moisture.
Step 5: Mash and Cream the Potatoes
- Add the butter, heavy cream, and sour cream (if using) to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with additional cream if needed.
- Stir in chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken Choice: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier result.
- Honey Mustard Balance: Adjust the sweetness of the honey mustard sauce by increasing or decreasing the honey and mustard based on your taste preference.
- Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water.
- Potato Type: Yukon Gold potatoes are creamy and buttery, while Russets provide a fluffier texture. Choose according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Honey Mustard Chicken Bites directly over a generous scoop of Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes on each plate. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or chives. Pair this dish with steamed
green beans, a crisp side salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots to add color and balance to the meal. A slice of warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls can help soak up any extra sauce, making every bite satisfying.
Tips
- Prepping Ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for a few hours before cooking to intensify the flavor. Just be sure to set some sauce aside separately if you choose this method.
- Garlic Tip: Roasting the garlic cloves before adding them to the mashed potatoes will give a milder, sweeter flavor. If you prefer a subtle garlic taste, roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until soft.
- Creamy Potatoes: For the creamiest mashed potatoes, use a potato ricer or food mill instead of a traditional masher to eliminate any lumps.
- Healthier Alternatives: Substitute the heavy cream with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Adding a Kick: If you like a hint of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey mustard sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to maintain the chicken’s tenderness.
- Freeze the Potatoes: Mashed potatoes can be frozen if you make a large batch. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months and reheat with a splash of cream.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes is a classic comfort food dish that combines savory and sweet elements in perfect harmony. The tender chicken, glazed in a rich and tangy sauce, sits beautifully atop a bed of creamy garlic-infused potatoes, creating a satisfying and balanced meal. Whether you’re serving this to family or friends or enjoying it as a cozy solo dinner, this dish is sure to be a favorite.
The ease of preparation, coupled with its bold flavors, makes it a reliable go-to recipe for any time you crave something hearty and delicious. The customization options—from varying the sweetness of the sauce to adjusting the creaminess of the potatoes—give you the freedom to make it uniquely yours.
Serve it with your favorite side dishes, pour yourself a glass of wine, and indulge in a homemade meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant!
PrintHoney Mustard Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Honey Mustard Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup whole grain mustard (or yellow mustard if preferred)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for added tang)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to ensure the seasoning coats each piece evenly.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and remove it from the pan. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and paprika. Mix until the sauce is well combined and starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet. Toss them in the sauce, making sure every piece is well-coated.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken absorbs some of the sauce and becomes slightly caramelized.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- While the chicken cooks, place the peeled and quartered potatoes along with garlic cloves in a large pot. Add enough cold water to cover the potatoes and garlic, then season with a pinch of salt.
- Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and garlic, then return them to the hot pot. Allow them to steam for a minute to release excess moisture.
Step 5: Mash and Cream the Potatoes
- Add the butter, heavy cream, and sour cream (if using) to the potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with additional cream if needed.
- Stir in chopped chives or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sodium: 780mg
- Protein: 38g