This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of roasted chicken with the subtle sweetness of honey mustard, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. The roasted potatoes add a crispy, golden texture, while the kale brings a vibrant pop of green, creating a balanced, one-pan dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious.
The simplicity of this recipe is one of its best features. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also requires minimal cleanup just one sheet pan! It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you can easily adjust the veggies based on what you have on hand, making it a versatile and customizable meal for any occasion.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 lb small potatoes, halved
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
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2 cups kale, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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In a large bowl, mix olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, coating them well with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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Spread the halved potatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Place the chicken thighs on the same sheet pan, skin-side up.
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Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Toss the chopped kale in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and add it to the sheet pan for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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Serve the chicken, potatoes, and greens together, drizzling with the remaining honey mustard sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal
Servings: 4 servings
Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken with Potatoes and Greens
One-pan meals are often the answer to a busy day, and this honey mustard sheet pan chicken with potatoes and greens offers everything you need: delicious flavors, ease of preparation, and minimal cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this dish is a game-changer when you’re craving something hearty yet healthy. The combination of tender chicken thighs, crispy roasted potatoes, and vibrant kale, all drizzled in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, makes for a satisfying meal that requires little more than an oven and a few simple ingredients.
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of this honey mustard sheet pan chicken lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The chicken thighs, with their juicy and tender meat, pair beautifully with the crispy golden potatoes, which are roasted to perfection. Kale, a nutrient-dense leafy green, adds a fresh, slightly bitter element that contrasts with the sweetness of the honey mustard sauce. The sauce itself is what truly brings this dish together, with its tangy Dijon mustard, smooth honey, and a hint of acidity from apple cider vinegar. The result is a satisfying dish that appeals to a variety of tastes and preferences, while remaining quick and easy to prepare.
The Convenience of Sheet Pan Meals
Sheet pan meals have gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They are one of the simplest and most efficient ways to prepare a complete meal. Not only do they save you time, but they also minimize the mess, as everything cooks on a single baking sheet. This eliminates the need for multiple pots and pans, which means less time spent on cleanup after you’ve enjoyed your meal.
In this recipe, the chicken thighs, potatoes, and kale are all placed on the same baking sheet, reducing the hassle of managing several dishes at once. Simply toss the ingredients with the marinade, place them on the sheet pan, and let the oven work its magic. With little effort, you’ll have a beautifully cooked dinner ready to serve.
Customizing the Dish
One of the best aspects of sheet pan meals is their versatility. This honey mustard chicken with potatoes and greens is no exception, allowing for many variations based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen. If you prefer boneless chicken breasts, feel free to swap them in; just be mindful of the cooking time, as they will cook faster than bone-in thighs. You could also opt for other vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes, depending on what you like or have on hand.
For those who follow specific dietary restrictions, this recipe is easily adaptable. If you’re looking for a low-carb version, you could substitute the potatoes with cauliflower or another low-carb vegetable. If you want to make the dish vegan, swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and make sure to use a vegan-friendly honey substitute.
Additionally, you can adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you enjoy spicier food, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey mustard sauce. For an extra savory punch, you can throw in a couple of garlic cloves or a pinch of smoked paprika.
The Health Benefits
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Chicken thighs are an excellent source of protein, and when paired with kale, a superfood rich in vitamins A, C, and K, this meal becomes a great option for boosting your immune system. Kale is also high in antioxidants, which help protect the body from harmful free radicals. The potatoes, although starchy, provide fiber and important minerals such as potassium. Combined, these ingredients create a well-rounded meal that will leave you feeling full and satisfied without the guilt.
The honey mustard marinade, while simple, adds flavor and depth without overwhelming the dish. The Dijon mustard provides a mild tanginess, while the honey adds a natural sweetness. The apple cider vinegar balances the sauce with a bit of acidity, and the olive oil helps everything come together smoothly. When paired with the roasting process, the marinade helps to caramelize the chicken, creating a beautifully golden exterior.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
This honey mustard sheet pan chicken is perfect for meal prepping. If you have a busy week ahead, you can make a large batch of this recipe and store it in the refrigerator for easy lunches and dinners. The chicken and potatoes can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days, and the kale can be kept separately to avoid wilting. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat everything in the microwave or a hot oven for a quick and healthy meal.
If you want to store the dish for a longer period, consider freezing the chicken and potatoes. After cooking, allow them to cool completely, and then place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven for a crisp finish.
Serving Suggestions
This honey mustard sheet pan chicken with potatoes and greens is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it can also be paired with a side dish for a more substantial meal. Consider serving it with a side of rice or quinoa to round out the meal, or add a simple salad to increase the vegetable intake. For a lighter option, a side of roasted or steamed vegetables would complement the flavors of the chicken and potatoes without overpowering the dish.
For those who love to entertain, this sheet pan meal also works well for a casual dinner party. You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve a crowd, and the one-pan cooking method makes it a low-maintenance option when hosting.
Conclusion:
This honey mustard sheet pan chicken with potatoes and greens is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. The ease of preparation, balanced flavors, and versatility make it an ideal dish for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this one-pan meal is sure to impress with its combination of savory chicken, crispy potatoes, and fresh greens. With just a few tweaks, you can adapt this dish to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it a versatile go-to meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
No matter how you choose to prepare it, this honey mustard sheet pan chicken with potatoes and greens is a dish you’ll return to again and again. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s the kind of meal that makes cooking a joy rather than a chore. So, give it a try and enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this easy, healthy, and satisfying recipe!