Crispy, tender, and glazed to perfection—this Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken is a bold blend of southern inspiration and modern simplicity. With its crunchy cornflake coating and sticky-sweet hot honey mustard sauce, this dish packs layers of flavor and texture into every bite. Roasted Brussels sprouts add an earthy contrast and crispy edges that bring the whole plate together.
Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. All the components roast on a single sheet pan, making it a stress-free solution when time is short but your cravings are big. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, one thing’s for sure: everyone will ask for seconds.
Full Recipe:
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2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
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1 large egg
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3 cups cornflakes, crushed
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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Salt, to taste
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1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
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1–2 shallots, sliced
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3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Hot Honey Mustard Sauce:
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1/3 cup honey
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
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1–2 teaspoons hot sauce, to taste
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt, to taste
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
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In a large bowl, toss the chicken with the egg.
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In another bowl, mix crushed cornflakes, flour, and a pinch of salt. Dredge the chicken pieces in the mixture until well coated.
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Arrange the chicken on one half of the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
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On the other half of the pan, toss the Brussels sprouts and shallots with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Roast for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
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While baking, mix together all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Warm briefly if needed to soften the mixture.
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Remove the pan from the oven and reduce oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Spoon sauce over chicken pieces and toss sprouts with another tablespoon of oil.
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Return the pan to the oven for 3–5 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble and caramelize.
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Season with extra salt to taste before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 619 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Allure of Sheet Pan Dinners
Sheet pan dinners have become a kitchen staple for home cooks looking to balance flavor, convenience, and minimal cleanup. Among the myriad of sheet pan creations, one standout is the Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken with Crispy Brussels Sprouts. This dish is more than just a trendy one-pan meal—it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that captures the essence of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
The concept of sheet pan cooking appeals to both novice and experienced cooks. It simplifies the cooking process by allowing all the ingredients to roast together on one pan, harmonizing flavors while saving time. The bonus? Fewer dishes to wash after a hearty meal. But what makes this recipe shine isn’t just its convenience—it’s the perfect blend of southern comfort, bold flavor, and satisfying crunch.
Why This Chicken Dish Stands Out
Hot honey and mustard might not be the first pairing that comes to mind, but it’s a dynamic combination that delivers contrast and complexity. The sauce is a luscious fusion of honey’s natural sweetness with the tangy depth of Dijon and grainy mustard, elevated by the heat of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. This isn’t your average honey mustard—it’s got a southern soul and a modern flair.
The star of the show is the chicken, which gets oven-baked to golden perfection with a crisp cornflake crust. This approach gives you all the crunch and satisfaction of fried chicken without the mess or extra oil. Cornflakes not only bring texture, but they also add subtle sweetness and a nutty flavor that plays beautifully against the sharpness of the mustard sauce.
A Nod to Southern Inspiration
This recipe has clear roots in southern cuisine, particularly in its use of bold sauces and crispy textures. Hot honey chicken is a staple in many southern kitchens, often deep-fried and served with waffles or biscuits. Here, that inspiration is carried into the oven with a healthier, streamlined twist.
The use of cornflake breading instead of traditional flour or breadcrumbs is reminiscent of “oven-fried” recipes that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. It’s a technique that yields fantastic results without a deep fryer, staying true to the flavors while aligning with modern health-conscious preferences.
The Dijon mustard adds a European element, balancing the southern heat with a tangy French touch. This fusion of flavors and culinary traditions is what gives the dish such universal appeal—it feels familiar yet exciting, indulgent but sensible.
The Role of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts have experienced a culinary glow-up in recent years, transforming from a dreaded childhood vegetable to a restaurant favorite. In this recipe, they’re halved and roasted alongside the chicken until they reach crispy, caramelized perfection.
Their slight bitterness contrasts wonderfully with the sweet and spicy chicken, acting as both a flavor and texture foil. The high heat of the oven encourages browning and crisping, resulting in little bites of golden, roasted goodness. Shallots are added into the mix for a touch of sweetness and depth, rounding out the flavor profile.
This veggie component isn’t just filler—it’s essential to the balance of the meal. It elevates the sheet pan from being just “protein-focused” to a well-rounded, nutritious dish.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Although the dish is satisfying on its own, it pairs beautifully with starchy sides like creamy polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a simple buttered rice. These sides help soak up any extra sauce and offer a mild backdrop to the bold flavors of the chicken and sprouts.
For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette would contrast the warm, spicy tones of the main dish. Or, serve with roasted sweet potatoes for an extra pop of color and natural sweetness that complements the hot honey glaze.
The dish also works well as meal prep. The chicken stays crispy when reheated in the oven, and the Brussels sprouts maintain their texture if stored properly. It’s a recipe that holds up beautifully over a few days, making it ideal for lunches or busy weeknights.
Customizing the Flavor Profile
One of the strengths of this recipe is its flexibility. The hot honey mustard sauce can be customized based on your preferred spice level—use more or less hot sauce, adjust the honey to suit your taste, or experiment with different types of mustard. Dijon offers a smooth, mild tang, while whole grain mustard brings texture and visual appeal.
You can also substitute the protein. Boneless skinless chicken thighs offer more moisture and richness, while chicken tenders make the recipe more kid-friendly. For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with cauliflower florets or extra-firm tofu, keeping the same coating and roasting method.
Not a fan of Brussels sprouts? Try using broccoli, carrots, or even zucchini. The key is choosing vegetables that can roast well at high temperatures without turning mushy.
The Beauty of Balance: Texture, Flavor, Simplicity
At its core, this dish is about achieving balance. The textures range from crunchy to tender, while the flavors span sweet, spicy, tangy, and savory. It’s this harmony that makes the recipe a crowd-pleaser, appealing to a variety of palates and dietary needs.
Despite its elevated flavor, the simplicity of the process keeps it grounded. You’re not dealing with complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Just pantry staples, a few fresh elements, and a reliable baking sheet.
Even better, the visual presentation is stunning. Golden-crusted chicken, roasted green sprouts, and glossy honey mustard glaze create a colorful and appetizing plate that looks like it came from a high-end kitchen.
Why It’s a Weeknight Winner
Time is precious, especially on weeknights. This recipe respects that. It comes together quickly, bakes in under 30 minutes, and delivers a meal that feels much more indulgent than the effort required to make it. Plus, cleanup is minimal—just one pan and a couple of bowls.
It also scales easily. Feeding two? Halve the recipe. Serving a crowd? Double it and use two sheet pans. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a dinner, or prepping meals for the week, this recipe adapts without stress.
Conclusion: A New Comfort Food Classic
The Sheet Pan Hot Honey Mustard Chicken isn’t just another internet-famous meal—it’s a recipe that earns its place in your regular rotation. With its roots in classic comfort food, a modern healthy twist, and a bold sauce that keeps you coming back for more, it embodies everything we love about contemporary cooking.
This dish proves that flavor doesn’t have to be complicated, and that a single pan can create something truly special. It’s proof that a home-cooked meal can be easy, impressive, and irresistibly delicious—all at once.
If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine, impress your guests, or just treat yourself to something comforting and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time.