Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Simple: This dish comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, making it a great option for busy nights.
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates a perfectly sweet and tangy flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish, and it pairs well with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Healthier Option: Baking the chicken helps keep it tender and moist without the extra calories from frying.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. In a bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil. Coat the chicken with this mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place it in a baking dish and brush both sides with more of the honey Dijon sauce. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired, and serve with your favorite sides like steamed veggies, rice, or a salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Option: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs, like rosemary or parsley, for added flavor.
- Honey Substitute: If you prefer, you can swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great option and will stay even juicier.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just make sure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
It’s not recommended to freeze marinated chicken as the texture may change after thawing, but you can freeze the cooked chicken.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors with juicy baked chicken. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a special treat, this recipe is sure to impress with minimal effort!
Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken combines the perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard to create a flavorful and juicy chicken dish. With minimal ingredients and effort, this baked chicken is a quick, healthy, and delicious option for dinner. Serve it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. In a bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil. Coat the chicken with this mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place it in a baking dish and brush both sides with more of the honey Dijon sauce. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired, and serve with your favorite sides like steamed veggies, rice, or a salad.
Notes
- Spicy Option: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
- Herb Variation: Try using rosemary or parsley for added flavor in the marinade.
- Honey Substitute: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness.
