Honey Dijon Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Penne
Honey Dijon Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Penne
🌟 Why You’ll Love It:
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Balanced flavors: tangy, sweet, savory, creamy
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Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
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Veggie-packed and family-friendly
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A full meal in one bowl!
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
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1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced or cubed
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2 tbsp Dijon mustard
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2 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt & pepper to taste
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½ tsp paprika (optional)
For the Pasta:
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8 oz (225g) penne pasta
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2½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
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1 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp flour
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1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
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½ cup chicken broth (or water)
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¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Optional: ¼ tsp nutmeg for added warmth
🍽️ Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken (optional but flavorful):
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In a bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Toss the chicken in the sauce to coat.
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Let sit for 15–30 minutes (or skip if short on time).
2. Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
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Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions.
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Add broccoli during the last 3–4 minutes of boiling.
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Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes), flipping as needed.
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Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
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In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
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Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.
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Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth. Stir until thickened (3–5 minutes).
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Add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Stir until smooth.
5. Assemble:
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Add cooked pasta and broccoli to the sauce. Stir to coat.
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Return chicken to the pan and toss everything gently together.
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Heat for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
6. Serve:
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Plate with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of herbs (parsley or thyme).
🧀 Optional Additions:
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Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce
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Swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli
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Use grilled or air-fried chicken for a lighter option
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Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
❓ Q&A: Honey Dijon Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Penne
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Make and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Q: What kind of pasta can I use?
A: Penne works well, but so do:
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Rigatoni
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Rotini
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Shells
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Gluten-free or whole wheat pasta
Q: Can I use a store-bought honey mustard instead?
A: You can, but homemade honey-Dijon gives better flavor balance. If using bottled, taste before adding to make sure it’s not too sweet or vinegary.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes:
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Use a dairy-free milk (unsweetened almond, oat, or soy)
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Use vegan butter and skip the cheese, or use vegan Parmesan
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Thicken with cornstarch instead of flour if needed
Q: How do I keep the sauce from getting lumpy?
A: Add milk slowly to the butter-flour roux while whisking constantly. If it lumps, strain or blend it smooth.
Q: Can I bake it as a casserole?
A: Yes! After assembling, pour everything into a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
Q: Is this kid-friendly?
A: Definitely! Kids love the creamy pasta and sweet chicken combo. You can skip the garlic and paprika for milder flavor.
Q: What can I serve with it?
A:
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls
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A simple green salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted carrots or asparagus
