Honey Mustard Chicken Casserole Recipe

When I tried making this honey mustard chicken casserole, I wasn’t expecting such a perfect combination of flavors in one dish. The creamy honey-mustard sauce, tender chicken, and the mix of vegetables and brown rice all came together to create a hearty and satisfying meal. 

I love how this casserole is comforting yet doesn’t feel too heavy, making it ideal for any season. Plus, it’s a dish that’s as easy to serve for a family dinner as it is for meal prep. Every spoonful felt like comfort food done right, and I can’t wait for you to make it too!

Credit: eatingwell

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or avocado oil)
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup unsalted chicken broth
• 2 10-ounce packages of frozen peas and carrots
• 2 8.8-ounce packages of microwaveable brown rice
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)

Note: This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.

Variations

No two casseroles have to be the same! Here are some ways to make this recipe your own:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and double-check all other ingredients for gluten content.
• Dairy-free: Substitute half-and-half with unsweetened almond milk and add a tablespoon of dairy-free butter for richness.
• Add crunch: Top with crispy onions, breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers for texture.
• Vegetable swaps: Replace peas and carrots with your favorite mixed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
• Grain alternative: Use cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of brown rice for a low-carb option.

You can also enjoy similar dishes like the Honey Mustard Chicken Bowl for a wholesome meal idea.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large skillet: Used for cooking the chicken and sauce.
• Baking dish (9×13 inch): Ideal for evenly baking the casserole.
• Mixing bowl: For combining the rice with the sauce and other ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps with stirring and transferring ingredients.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Casserole?

This casserole is a straightforward recipe that comes together nicely once you break it into steps. Here’s how you can make it.

Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bite-sized chicken pieces, the chopped onion, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Sauté the chicken until it’s just starting to brown. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes.

Once the chicken is browned, sprinkle the flour over it. Stir constantly for another minute to ensure there are no raw flour bits in the pan. Gradually add the half-and-half and chicken broth. Bring it all to a boil, stirring often to incorporate the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This forms the creamy, thickened sauce that will coat your casserole beautifully.

Assemble the Casserole

After stirring in the frozen peas and carrots, allow the skillet to simmer for a couple of minutes. Transfer everything from the skillet into a large mixing bowl. Now, add the microwaveable rice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, pepper, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly combined and the honey mustard flavor is evenly distributed.

Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and ensure that all the chicken and veggies are covered in the rich, creamy sauce.

Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the oven and cook until the dish is hot and bubbling around the edges. This usually takes 15–20 minutes. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for about five minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped scallions for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Credit: eatingwell

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish checks all the boxes for a delicious and easy meal. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Comfort in a dish: The creamy, tangy sauce makes this recipe irresistibly good.
• Health-conscious: Packed with lean protein, fiber, and wholesome ingredients.
• Family-friendly: A hit with adults and kids alike, perfect for weeknights.
• Make-ahead friendly: Easy to prep in advance and store for later.

For inspiration, check out this Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice recipe.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Casserole?

Presentation matters as much as taste! Here are a few serving ideas to elevate the dish:

• With a salad: Pair it with a side like mixed greens or a tangy vinaigrette salad for balance.
• Bread pairing: Serve with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to scoop up the creamy sauce.
• Make it a feast: Add roasted or grilled vegetables for a well-rounded dinner.
• Party perfect: Serve in small portions for a cozy comfort food addition to your buffet lineup.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you can expect from one serving of this casserole:

• Calories: 396
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 12g

Make Ahead and Storage

This casserole is ideal for meal prep and leftovers. You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time, bake it fully, and store it. Once cooled, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to four days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the whole casserole in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and warm it in the microwave or oven until it’s nice and bubbly.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some personal tips to help you make the best honey mustard chicken casserole every time:

• Don’t skip the mustard: It adds a tangy depth that balances the creamy sauce.
• Mix the rice thoroughly: This ensures it absorbs the flavors evenly.
• Go heavy on vegetables: Add extra frozen or fresh veggies for a nutrition boost.
• Double-check seasoning: Taste the sauce before baking to adjust the mustard or honey as needed.
• Use pre-cooked chicken: To save time, swap fresh chicken for shredded rotisserie chicken.

Can You Put Mustard in Chicken Casserole?

Yes, mustard is a wonderful addition to chicken casseroles! It provides tanginess that stands out against creamy or savory base flavors, and it pairs excellently with honey. This ingredient also enhances the overall flavor profile, making the dish mouthwatering and well-balanced. Dijon mustard, in particular, adds a refined flavor that complements protein and vegetables beautifully.

This honey mustard chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinner or as a make-ahead meal, this recipe promises to deliver flavor and warmth with every bite!

For more creative ideas, you might enjoy exploring Steak Recipes that offer bold flavors and variety.