Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

Ever have those nights where you crave something that’s both sweet and savory but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen? Let me introduce you to my go-to honey mustard chicken recipe, a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious and guarantees you’ll be licking your fingers clean. 🍯🍗

I enjoy making meals that are straightforward yet delicious, like my Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken. The dish centers around tender chicken, which is (really) hard to mess up.

And then there’s the glaze, which has the potential to be either too sweet or too mustardy (not in a good way). Fortunately, this recipe has neither problem.

What it does have is a delightful blend of flavors, which, combined with the chicken, makes a dinner that’s perfectly satisfying.

Ingredients

• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor.

  Low in calories.

• Honey: Natural sweetener, provides a subtle sweetness and deep flavor.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy fats, enhances texture and moisture.
• Garlic: Rich in flavor, known for antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
• Lemon Juice: Adds freshness and acidity, tenderizes the chicken.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this

1. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a tiny dish, stir together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and thyme until well mixed.

3. Add salt and black pepper to taste on both sides of the chicken breasts.

4. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish.

5. Evenly pour the mustard-honey blend over the chicken, taking care that every piece is well covered.

6. Enclose the baking dish in aluminum foil.

7. Preheat the oven to the desired temperature. Bake in this temperature-controlled space for 20 minutes.

8. Take off the foil and cook for another 10-15 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and golden brown. You can tell it’s done when the internal temp hits 165°F (75°C).

9. Take the chicken out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

10. If you wish, you can garnish with parsley that has been freshly chopped. Then, serve right away. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Spoon or small whisk
4. Baking dish
5. Aluminum foil
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Meat thermometer (optional, for checking internal temperature)

FAQ

• Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
  Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but the cooking time will increase. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Can I substitute the Dijon mustard with another type of mustard?
  While Dijon adds a unique flavor, you can use whole-grain mustard or yellow mustard in a pinch, but it will alter the taste slightly.
• Is there a way to make this dish spicy?
  Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Marinating the chicken longer can enhance the flavors.
• What sides go well with this dish?
  This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.
• How can I store leftovers?
  Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on a stovetop or in the oven to avoid drying out.
• Can I freeze this dish?
  Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1/4 cup Dijon mustard ➔ Substitute with 1/4 cup yellow mustard or whole grain mustard.
1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar ➔ 1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons canola oil or avocado oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried Oregon or dried basil

Pro Tips

1. Marinate for Enhanced Flavor To deepen the flavor of the chicken, consider marinating it in the mustard-honey mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more thoroughly.

2. Sear for a Caramelized Crust Before baking, quickly sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to create a caramelized crust. This adds texture and enhances the flavor of the chicken.

3. Use a Meat Thermometer To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This prevents overcooking and retains juiciness.

4. Experiment with Herbs Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or other herbs like sage or oregano while baking to infuse the chicken with additional aromatic flavors.

5. Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess Modify the honey and lemon juice ratio according to your taste preference. For a less sweet sauce, reduce the honey amount slightly; for more tanginess, add extra lemon juice or even a splash of apple cider vinegar.