Chicken fillet in honey mustard sauce with steamed vegetable garnish

Chicken fillet in honey-mustard sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Paired with a garnish of steamed vegetables, it makes for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Fillet:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or fillets)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Honey-Mustard Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard (optional, for added texture)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or white wine vinegar)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 teaspoons water (if using cornstarch)

For the Steamed Vegetable Garnish:

  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup baby carrots
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for tossing vegetables)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Honey-Mustard Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard (if using), soy sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried thyme.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 teaspoons of water and stir it into the sauce mixture. Set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken Fillets:

  • Season the chicken fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken fillets and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the honey-mustard sauce mixture.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • If using cornstarch, cook the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  • Return the cooked chicken fillets to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Steam the Vegetables:

  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the vegetables.
  • Fill a pot with a few inches of water and place a steamer basket over it. Bring the water to a boil.
  • Add the broccoli, baby carrots, and green beans to the steamer basket.
  • Cover and steam the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until tender but still crisp.
  • Season the vegetables with salt and pepper to taste. Toss with olive oil or butter, if desired.

5. Serve:

  • Place the steamed vegetables on plates or a serving platter.
  • Top with the chicken fillets and spoon extra honey-mustard sauce over the top.
  • Garnish with additional fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Enjoy your chicken fillet in honey-mustard sauce with a vibrant and nutritious steamed vegetable garnish! If you have any more questions or need further tips, just let me know.