Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s big on flavor but low on fuss, Baked Honey Dijon Chicken should go straight to the top of your list. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken drenched in a luscious, tangy-sweet sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything. Whether you’re cooking for family or need an impressive entrée for guests, Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is the kind of dish that makes any night extraordinary—without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is how a short list of simple ingredients works together to create something irresistibly delicious. Each component plays an important role, from the boldness of the mustard to the fragrant hit of garlic and thyme.
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean, protein-rich centerpiece that cooks up moist and juicy in the oven.
- Dijon Mustard: This is the backbone of the sauce—look for a creamy, tangy Dijon that adds zippy depth and a subtle heat.
- Honey: Nature’s sweetener brings balance to the sharp mustard, giving the sauce its beautiful, caramelized finish.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken while keeping everything tender.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a splash, but it brightens up all the flavors and adds a faint fruity tang.
- Garlic: Three big, freshly minced cloves create layers of savory aroma and flavor that mingle perfectly with the sauce.
- Dried or Fresh Thyme: A pinch of dried or a handful of fresh—you choose! Thyme brings a fragrant, earthy note that elevates the dish.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken through and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black Pepper: Just a little gives the sauce its hint of background warmth without overpowering.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): This simple garnish adds a fresh, grassy pop of color and light herbal flavor.
How to Make Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s coming up to temperature, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray. Arranging the chicken breasts in a single layer here will ensure even cooking and loads of space for that incredible sauce to caramelize around the edges.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until everything is silky smooth and gorgeously golden. At this stage, dip a fingertip in—you’ll be rewarded with the perfect balance of zing, sweetness, and aromatic depth.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Pour that luscious sauce over the chicken breasts. Use tongs or your hands to really turn the chicken so every piece is coated on all sides. The goal is for each breast to soak up as much flavor as possible before it hits the oven. Smooth the tops and tuck any loose garlic and thyme bits over the chicken for extra infusion.
Step 4: Bake to Juicy Perfection
Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. The Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is ready when the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C at the center) and the sauce has bubbled and thickened, cloaking each piece in a glossy glaze. For even more golden flavor, baste the chicken once or twice with the pan sauce as it cooks.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once baked, spoon some of those amazing pan juices over each chicken breast to make every bite extra saucy. If you like, toss on a handful of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve right away—aromas alone will have everyone eager to dig in!
How to Serve Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch for Baked Honey Dijon Chicken. It adds a welcome brightness and a little visual flair, but you could also try thinly sliced green onions, a pinch of extra thyme leaves, or a dusting of cracked black pepper for a sharper bite.
Side Dishes
This chicken begs for simple sides that soak up all those rich, sweet-savory juices. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted baby carrots, buttery green beans, or a crisp, peppery arugula salad. Even a side of steamed rice will soak up every drop of the irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can slice the chicken breasts and fan them over a bed of greens for a gorgeous salad, or pile pieces onto toasted brioche for minimal-effort sandwiches. Serving the chicken on a family-style platter, drizzled generously with the pan sauce, makes for an impressive dinner-party centerpiece. Leftovers also work wonders tossed into a grain bowl with your favorite roasted veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (which is rare!), slide the chicken and its sauce into an airtight container once cooled. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days—just make sure to scoop up some of that flavorful sauce with each piece so reheating is even more satisfying.
Freezing
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal-preppers. Once cooled, wrap the chicken pieces individually (or together) with a bit of sauce in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and gently warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. For a speedy lunch, microwave in short bursts with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Take care not to overdo it—just heat until piping hot and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy in this recipe. You’ll just need to increase the baking time by about 5–10 minutes, depending on their size. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a meal prep superstar. You can store servings in individual containers with sauce and pair them with your favorite grains and veggies for grab-and-go lunches all week.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you like a thicker, more concentrated sauce, pour the pan juices into a small saucepan after baking and simmer over medium heat for a few minutes. Stir frequently until it reduces to your perfect consistency.
Does this recipe work well for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your Dijon mustard and vinegar labels to be sure if you have severe gluten sensitivity.
Can I assemble Baked Honey Dijon Chicken ahead of time?
You sure can. Mix the sauce and coat the chicken, then cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking. This makes it even better for busy evenings or easy entertaining.
Final Thoughts
If you need a no-fuss dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, and sure to gather everyone to the table, give Baked Honey Dijon Chicken a try. It’s a tried-and-true favorite that always lives up to its promise—simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
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Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the tangy taste of Dijon mustard with the sweetness of honey, creating a delicious glaze for tender chicken breasts. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Baked Honey Dijon Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken, coating both sides.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Spoon pan sauce over the chicken before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
- You can use chicken thighs, adjusting the bake time slightly.
- To thicken the sauce, simmer leftover pan juices on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
