One-Pot Honey Mustard Chicken and Veggie Dinner

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and half the dried thyme.
2. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, red onion, and carrots to the same pot. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly softened.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth until well combined.
5. Return chicken to the pot, nestling it among the vegetables. Pour the honey mustard sauce evenly over the top.
6. Add the red bell pepper and zucchini around the chicken. Cover the pot and let everything simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and vegetables are tender.
7. Remove the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce, stirring occasionally.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread if desired.

Chef tips

• If you don’t have Dijon mustard, yellow mustard is a good substitute but will result in a milder tang.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results; adjust cooking time by 5 minutes longer for thighs.
• For a lower sugar option, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons and add a splash of extra chicken broth.
• If the sauce is too thick at the end, stir in a little more chicken broth to reach your preferred consistency.