Recipes

Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken

By Martha

Everyday Kitchen Bliss!

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This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a winner for busy weeknights when you need something that’s both delicious and low on prep. With a sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and lightly savory, this recipe brings the best out of humble chicken breasts. The honey and Dijon mustard combine to create a caramelized glaze that clings to each piece, giving you tender bites in every forkful. Serve it with a side of roasted veggies, fluffy rice, or a fresh green salad, and you have a wholesome meal everyone will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe is easy enough for weeknights.
  • Kid-Friendly: The balance of sweet honey with tangy mustard makes it appealing to all ages.
  • Versatile: Pairs well with almost any side, from rice to salad to mashed potatoes.
  • Great Leftovers: Perfect for meal prepping or packing for lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup Dijon mustard – This adds the tangy kick that makes the sauce irresistible.
  • 1/4 cup honey – Provides natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil – For richness and added moisture.
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic gives a bit of depth and savoriness.
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste – Season as you like for extra flavor.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, optional) – A hint of earthiness that complements the honey and mustard.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Adds color and freshness to the finished dish.

How to Make Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Honey Dijon Sauce
    In a small mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir well until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and thyme, if using, to taste. The mixture should be slightly thick and creamy.
  2. Coat the Chicken
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish large enough to lay them flat in a single layer. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated on all sides. Use a spoon or brush to distribute the sauce evenly.
  3. Bake the Chicken
    Cover the baking dish with foil to help retain moisture as it cooks. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and use a spoon to baste the chicken with the sauce in the dish. This helps to deepen the flavor as the sauce starts to caramelize. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  4. Serve and Enjoy
    Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve the chicken warm alongside your choice of roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Helpful Tips:

  • Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This enhances the flavor and makes the chicken extra tender.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C). This keeps the meat juicy without drying it out.
  • Make Ahead: The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a stir before using to recombine the ingredients.
  • Serve Suggestions: Try this chicken with roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, or even a light couscous salad for a delicious and balanced meal.

Details:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (+optional marinating time)
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.):

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fat: 10g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. They may need an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time, depending on thickness.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can substitute yellow mustard, though the flavor will be a bit milder. Add a little bit of ground mustard powder if you want to keep some of the tanginess.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze baked honey Dijon chicken. Place it in an airtight container, and it will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out the chicken.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other tasty, easy-to-make chicken dishes:

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is sure to become a household favorite with its tender texture and delicious flavor. It’s simple enough for beginner cooks yet flavorful enough to impress. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re looking for an easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on taste—your family will love it!

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Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken


  • Author: Martha

Description

This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a winner for busy weeknights when you need something that’s both delicious and low on prep. With a sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and lightly savory, this recipe brings the best out of humble chicken breasts. The honey and Dijon mustard combine to create a caramelized glaze that clings to each piece, giving you tender bites in every forkful. Serve it with a side of roasted veggies, fluffy rice, or a fresh green salad, and you have a wholesome meal everyone will enjoy!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/3 cup Dijon mustard – This adds the tangy kick that makes the sauce irresistible.
  • 1/4 cup honey – Provides natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil – For richness and added moisture.
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic gives a bit of depth and savoriness.
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors and balances the sweetness.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste – Season as you like for extra flavor.
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, optional) – A hint of earthiness that complements the honey and mustard.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Adds color and freshness to the finished dish.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Honey Dijon Sauce
    In a small mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir well until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and thyme, if using, to taste. The mixture should be slightly thick and creamy.
  2. Coat the Chicken
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish large enough to lay them flat in a single layer. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated on all sides. Use a spoon or brush to distribute the sauce evenly.
  3. Bake the Chicken
    Cover the baking dish with foil to help retain moisture as it cooks. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and use a spoon to baste the chicken with the sauce in the dish. This helps to deepen the flavor as the sauce starts to caramelize. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  4. Serve and Enjoy
    Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve the chicken warm alongside your choice of roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

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