Go Back

Honey Mustard Chicken Meal Prep - Easy, Flavor-Packed Lunches for the Week

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken and Marinade: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, see notes below)
  • 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard (optional, for texture)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Vegetables: 1 pound green beans, trimmed (or broccoli florets)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, sliced into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Carbs (choose one): 3 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • or 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
  • Finishing Touches (optional): Chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges
  • Red pepper flakes for heat

Method
 

  1. Make the marinade: In a bowl, whisk Dijon, whole-grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add chicken to a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour in about two-thirds of the marinade. Reserve the remaining third in the fridge for glazing. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 12 hours.
  3. Prep the sides: If using rice or quinoa, cook according to package directions. If using potatoes, toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  4. Preheat the oven: Set to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment for easier cleanup.
  5. Arrange the pan: Spread vegetables on half the sheet pan. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. If using potatoes, add them now and plan for a slightly longer cook time.
  6. Add the chicken: Shake excess marinade off the chicken and lay pieces on the other half of the pan. Discard used marinade.
  7. Roast: Bake for 18–22 minutes for thighs (15–20 for breasts), until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. If potatoes are on the tray, they may need 25–30 minutes total—start them 10 minutes earlier or cut them smaller.
  8. Glaze and finish: Brush the reserved marinade over the hot chicken. Return to the oven for 2–3 minutes to set the glaze, or switch to broil for 1–2 minutes for caramelized edges. Watch closely.
  9. Rest and slice: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Slice if using breasts; thighs can stay whole or be chopped into bite-size pieces.
  10. Assemble meal-prep boxes: Divide rice/quinoa/potatoes among 4–5 containers. Add vegetables and chicken. Spoon any pan juices over top. Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon if you like.