Honey Mustard Chicken and Roasted Asparagus Salad

My Favorite Weeknight Friend

This honey mustard chicken recipe is my go-to. It feels like a hug on a busy night. The glaze is just two things: honey and mustard. You probably have them in your fridge right now. I love how the kitchen smells when it starts to cook. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

It is one of my top easy chicken breast recipes. Why does this matter? Because good food should not be hard. A simple meal can make everyone at the table happy. That is a big win for a weeknight. What is your family’s favorite quick weeknight meal? Tell me in the comments.

The Magic of a Simple Glaze

Let’s talk about that glazed chicken marinade. You just mix it in a bowl. Then you pour it over the chicken. The magic happens in the oven. The honey gets sticky and sweet. The mustard gives it a little tang. It is the perfect pair.

I learned this from my neighbor, Betty. She brought over a similar dish when my grandson was born. I still laugh at that. I was so tired, but that dinner tasted like heaven. It is a true American chicken recipe. Simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

Don’t Forget the Green Side

Now for the grilled asparagus. It could not be easier. Snap off the tough ends. They break at just the right spot. Toss them with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Then they go right on the pan with the chicken.

They get a little crispy. That is the best part. *Fun fact*: Asparagus grows so fast you can almost watch it! Grilling it brings out a nutty taste. It turns something green into something special. Do you like your veggies soft or with a little crunch?

The Salad That Fills You Up

This is not just any salad. It is a quinoa salad. Quinoa is a tiny seed. It cooks like rice. I use vegetable broth instead of water. It makes it so flavorful. This makes it a high protein quinoa dish.

Why does this matter? Protein helps keep you full and strong. Mix the fluffy quinoa with chopped parsley and lemon juice. It is fresh and light next to the rich chicken. It turns the meal into healthy dinner recipes you will crave.

Make Tomorrow Easier

This whole meal is wonderful for meal prep ideas. Cook extra chicken and quinoa on Sunday. Pack them for lunch all week. The flavors get even better after a day or two. It is like a gift to your future, busy self.

I always feel so proud when I open my fridge to a ready-made meal. It saves time and money. Do you like to meal prep? What is the first thing you make for the week ahead? Share your best tip with me.

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: First, make your glazed chicken marinade. Mix the honey, mustard, and olive oil in a bowl. Smell that sweet and tangy mix? Now, coat your chicken breast pieces well. Let them sit while you prep the rest. This is one of my favorite easy chicken breast recipes. (A hard-learned tip: Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes for the best flavor.)

Step 2: Next, cook your quinoa salad. Rinse one cup of quinoa under cold water. Cook it in two cups of vegetable broth until fluffy. This makes a perfect base for high protein quinoa dishes. I love how it soaks up all the good juices. Do you rinse your quinoa? Share below!

Step 3: Time for the grilled asparagus! Toss your asparagus with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Lay them on a hot grill or pan. You want them bright green with a little char. The smell is amazing. This side turns any meal into healthy dinner recipes.

Step 4: Now, cook your honey mustard chicken recipe. Grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken until golden. That glaze will get sticky and delicious. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This makes the juiciest American chicken recipes for quick weeknight meals.

Step 5: Finally, assemble your meal prep ideas. Fluff the quinoa and chop the parsley. Slice the cooked chicken. Arrange everything on a big platter. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. Doesn’t that look wonderful? A complete, beautiful dinner is ready.

Creative Twists

Swap quinoa for couscous. It cooks even faster for super quick weeknight meals.Use the marinade as a dressing. Thin it with lemon juice for your quinoa salad.Add sliced strawberries. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with the glazed chicken marinade.Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Serve this honey mustard chicken recipe family-style on a big platter. Pile the quinoa salad high next to the grilled asparagus. For a fresh touch, add extra lemon wedges. This is one of those healthy dinner recipes that feels special. You could also pack leftovers for lunch—a top meal prep idea! Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Honey Mustard Chicken Fresh

Let’s talk about storing this lovely salad. Keep the chicken, asparagus, and quinoa in separate containers. They stay fresher that way. Your fridge will keep them good for about three days.

You can freeze the cooked chicken for a month. I remember freezing my first batch. I was so proud to have a future easy dinner ready! Thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or a pan. This keeps it from drying out. Add a splash of water or broth. It makes all the difference.

Batch cooking this is a wonderful time-saver. Making two chickens takes little extra effort. It means a healthy dinner is ready on a busy night. This matters because it keeps you from choosing less healthy options.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

We all face little problems in the kitchen. Here are three easy fixes. First, is your chicken dry? You likely cooked it too long. Use a meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork away.

Second, is your quinoa soggy? You may have used too much broth. The ratio is one part quinoa to two parts liquid. I once made a very mushy batch! Let it steam with the lid off after cooking.

Third, is your asparagus limp? It might be old. Look for firm, bright green stalks. Snapping the ends off removes the tough part. This matters because fresh ingredients give you the best flavor.

Solving these small issues builds your confidence. You learn what to look for. This turns cooking from a chore into a joy. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

How to make honey mustard dressing for salad

Mix two parts honey with one part Dijon mustard. Add a squeeze of lemon juice. Whisk in olive oil until it looks creamy. Season with a little salt and pepper. This simple glaze is perfect for your honey mustard chicken recipe. It also makes a great salad dressing. You can adjust the sweetness to your taste.

What are the best seasonings for roasted chicken?

Salt and pepper are the most important. Then add garlic powder and paprika. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary are wonderful. For this glazed chicken marinade, use the honey mustard mix. It creates a delicious, sticky coating. These seasonings make easy chicken breast recipes special. They work for many American chicken recipes.

Can you eat asparagus raw in a salad?

Yes, you can eat young, thin asparagus raw. Just wash it well. Slice it very thinly with a knife. It adds a nice, crisp texture. For this salad, I prefer it grilled. Grilled asparagus has a sweeter, deeper flavor. It is a star in many healthy dinner recipes. *Fun fact: Asparagus is related to onions and garlic!*

What sides go well with chicken and asparagus salad?

This quinoa salad is a complete meal. For more sides, try crusty bread or a simple fruit salad. A cool cucumber salad would also be nice. The quinoa itself is a fantastic high protein quinoa dish. It makes the meal very filling. This combo is ideal for quick weeknight meals.

How to meal prep chicken salad for the week

Cook your chicken and quinoa. Roast your asparagus. Let everything cool completely. Store them in separate airtight containers. Keep the dressing in a small jar. Assemble your salad each day. This keeps the greens from getting soggy. It is one of my favorite meal prep ideas. You will have a healthy lunch ready in minutes.

Healthy substitutes for mayonnaise in chicken salad

Use plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy swap. Mashed avocado also works well. It adds good fats. For this recipe, the honey mustard dressing is a perfect, lighter binder. These swaps cut calories but keep flavor. They help make your high protein quinoa dishes even healthier. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this honey mustard chicken. It is a true favorite in my home. The mix of sweet and savory is just right. It feels like a treat but is good for you.

I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me how it went for you. Your stories make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy cooking!

—Grace Hollander.

Roasted Chicken and Asparagus Salad with Honey Mustard

Author: Grace Hollander Cooking Method:Grilling Courses:Lunch Main

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 25 minutesRest time: Total time: 40 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:420 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Tender grilled chicken marinated in a savory honey mustard glaze, served with a side of perfectly seasoned grilled asparagus, and a refreshing quinoa salad.

Ingredients

• 4 whole chicken breast
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1 whole lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch pepper
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Toss the asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, grilled asparagus, chopped fresh parsley, and juice from half the lemon. Toss to combine.
6. Serve the sliced honey mustard chicken over the quinoa and asparagus salad. Garnish with lemon wedges from the remaining lemon half.

Notes

For a complete meal, serve with a side of mixed greens. The quinoa salad can be served warm or cold.

Keywords:Chicken, Asparagus, Quinoa, Salad, Honey Mustard, Healthy