Introduction
When you want something hearty, healthy, and totally craveable, this Honey-Mustard Chicken with Asparagus Farrotto delivers. Juicy chicken tenders glazed in a sweet-and-spicy honey-mustard sauce are served over a rich, risotto-style farro packed with tender asparagus and fresh herbs.
It’s the kind of meal that looks fancy—but is surprisingly easy to throw together any night of the week.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a sucker for anything that hits sweet, savory, creamy, and fresh all in one dish. This recipe does it all:
- Farrotto gives risotto vibes, but with more texture and fiber.
- Chicken tenders cook quickly and stay juicy.
- The honey-mustard glaze is spicy-sweet magic.
- A handful of fresh parsley makes it feel springy and light.
If you enjoy cozy one-pan meals like our Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole, this recipe will fit right into your rotation.
Ingredients
Farrotto:
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup farro
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus 1 cup reserved)
- 1 bunch (1 lb) asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground pepper
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 tbsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth (reserved from earlier)
Instructions
1. Toast and Cook the Farro
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the farro and cook, stirring frequently, until toasted (about 2 minutes).
Pour in 3 cups broth, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover.
Cook until farro is tender and chewy—about 30 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken tenders with dry mustard, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken, flipping once, until golden and cooked through (6–8 minutes total).
Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Sauté the Asparagus
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and chopped asparagus.
Season with remaining salt and pepper.
Cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes, until bright green and tender-crisp.
Add to the cooked farro and stir together until creamy (about 2 minutes).
4. Make the Sauce
To the same skillet, add honey, crushed red pepper, and 1 cup broth.
Scrape up browned bits and simmer until the sauce reduces by half (about 2–3 minutes).
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sticky glaze.
5. Finish and Serve
Stir fresh parsley into the farrotto.
Spoon the farro onto plates and top with honey-mustard glazed chicken.
Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with more herbs if desired.
Tips for Success
- Dry mustard powder gives the chicken a deep tangy base flavor—don’t skip it!
- If farro finishes cooking early, keep it covered to stay warm.
- Want extra creaminess? Stir in a tablespoon of butter or grated Parmesan before serving.
- For meal prep, store chicken and farro separately to avoid sogginess.
Variations & Substitutions
- Sub quinoa or brown rice for farro (adjust cooking time accordingly).
- Use green beans or zucchini instead of asparagus in the summer months.
- Add a squeeze of lemon over the top for brightness.
- Make it vegetarian with chickpeas or tofu in place of the chicken.
What to Pair It With
Serve this dish with light sides or pair it with another wholesome main:
- A Light Tangy Chicken Salad if you want to offer a second protein
- Easy Turkey Wings for a Southern-style dinner night
- Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage as an extra veggie side
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake for a brunch-to-dinner crossover meal
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the farro creamy.
- Not ideal for freezing due to the asparagus texture.
Final Thoughts
This Honey-Mustard Chicken with Asparagus Farrotto is your new one-pan dinner obsession. It’s sweet, savory, and full of wholesome texture—perfect for spring, meal prep, or when you want something fresh without fuss.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac on Instagram or comment below. Let’s cook something great together!
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