Honey Dijon Chicken with Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta

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Description
This dish features perfectly cooked, tender chicken in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon glaze, paired with creamy lemon butter pasta and sautéed broccoli. The combination of savory chicken, citrusy lemon, and rich butter pasta makes for a satisfying, delicious, and balanced meal.

Origin
Honey Dijon chicken is a modern twist on the classic Dijon mustard chicken, with honey adding a touch of sweetness. Lemon butter pasta is a popular Italian-American dish, often paired with fresh vegetables like broccoli for a comforting yet light dinner option.

Ingredients with Quantities

For the Honey Dijon Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne work well)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 small head of broccoli, chopped into florets
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients

  • ½ cup heavy cream (for extra creaminess in the pasta)
  • ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (for crunch)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or basil (for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Honey Dijon Chicken:
    In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
    Once the chicken is cooked, pour the honey Dijon sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, coating the chicken evenly in the sauce.
    Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Keep the sauce in the pan to thicken slightly while you prepare the pasta.
  2. Make the Lemon Butter Broccoli Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. About 5 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the water to cook along with the pasta. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
  3. Sauté the Broccoli and Garlic:
    In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
    Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet, then toss to combine.
  4. Add Lemon Butter and Parmesan:
    Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce needs to loosen. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
  5. Serve:
    Plate the pasta, top with slices of honey Dijon chicken, and spoon extra sauce from the pan over the chicken and pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

  • If you want the chicken extra tender, marinate it in the honey Dijon sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creamy texture.
  • To make the dish spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pasta.

Recommendations
Pair this meal with a simple side salad of mixed greens or roasted vegetables. A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay will complement the flavors well. For a quick variation, swap the broccoli with spinach or kale.

Nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings, approximate)
Calories: 490
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 11g
Protein: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 720mg

This dish is a perfect combination of protein and veggies with a satisfying pasta base. If you want to add a little extra flavor, try incorporating some fresh herbs like thyme or basil into the pasta or chicken. Enjoy!

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