Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make chicken dish that packs bold flavor with minimal effort? This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe is the perfect solution! The sweet and tangy combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates a flavorful glaze that coats tender chicken breasts, which are then baked to juicy perfection. With just a handful of ingredients and quick prep time, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or even meal prep. Serve it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal everyone will love.

Keep reading to discover the full recipe, including ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making this easy, flavorful dish.

this Recipe

What is Baked Honey Dijon Chicken?

Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a simple, yet flavorful dish where chicken breasts or thighs are coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made from honey, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. The chicken is baked in the oven, allowing the glaze to caramelize and form a delicious coating. The combination of honey’s natural sweetness and Dijon mustard’s sharp, tangy flavor makes this dish irresistible. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy, and the best part is, it’s quick to prepare with minimal cleanup!

Ingredients List for Baked Honey Dijon Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious honey Dijon chicken dish:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Honey Dijon Sauce:

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (optional)

Ingredient Notes:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well, but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful dish. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can also be used if you adjust the cooking time.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard is ideal because it has a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with honey. However, if you prefer, you can substitute it with spicy brown mustard or whole-grain mustard for a different texture and taste.
• Honey: Use any honey you have on hand, but darker varieties like buckwheat honey will lend a deeper flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic punch to the sauce, but if you prefer, you can skip it for a milder flavor.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary or thyme can be added to enhance the flavor, but dried herbs will work as well.

Substitutions and Variations

This easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe is very flexible, so you can make changes to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitution ideas and variations:

Substitutions:

• Chicken: You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re fully cooked. Pork chops also work well with this honey Dijon glaze.
• Dijon Mustard: If you don’t have Dijon mustard, spicy brown mustard or even yellow mustard can be used, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Honey: Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a different, yet equally delicious, sweetness. You can also use agave syrup or coconut sugar for a low-glycemic alternative.

Variations:

• Spicy Honey Dijon Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick of heat.
• Herb-Crusted: Mix some breadcrumbs with fresh herbs and sprinkle over the chicken for a crispy, herb-crusted version.
• Bacon-Wrapped: For an indulgent twist, wrap each chicken breast in a slice of bacon before brushing with the honey Dijon sauce. The bacon will add a smoky flavor and extra juiciness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). This seasoning helps add depth of flavor to the chicken before applying the glaze.

Step 3: Make the Honey Dijon Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic until well combined. The sauce should be smooth and slightly thick. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding a pinch of salt or pepper.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the honey Dijon sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Use a spoon or brush to spread the sauce evenly across the top.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you're using chicken thighs, they may need an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time.

Step 6: Optional Broiling

For an extra caramelized finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley if desired. Serve the chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

How to Cook Baked Honey Dijon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Season Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Make the Sauce: Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic until smooth.
4. Coat the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the dish and pour the honey Dijon sauce over the top.
5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
6. Broil (Optional): For extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
7. Serve: Garnish and serve with your favorite sides!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them for perfectly baked honey Dijon chicken:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooking can result in dry, tough chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally, and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s done.
• Not Using Enough Sauce: Don’t be stingy with the sauce! The honey Dijon glaze is key to this dish, so make sure each piece of chicken is generously coated.
• Skipping the Broil: If you want a beautiful caramelized finish, don’t skip the broiling step. It adds extra flavor and texture to the dish, but be careful not to burn it!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can elevate your meal, especially when serving guests. Here are some tips for serving your Baked Honey Dijon Chicken:

How to Serve Baked Honey Dijon Chicken:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a complete meal.
• Over Rice or Quinoa: The honey Dijon sauce tastes amazing when spooned over rice or quinoa, making it the perfect base for this dish.
• With Mashed Potatoes: For a classic pairing, serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes to balance the tangy glaze.

Presentation Ideas:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Family-Style: Serve the chicken in the baking dish straight from the oven for a rustic, family-style meal.
• Individual Plates: Plate each chicken breast with a drizzle of the extra honey Dijon sauce and garnish for a more formal presentation.

Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Make Extra Sauce: Consider doubling the honey Dijon sauce if you want extra to drizzle over your sides like rice or vegetables.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays juicy and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may need an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover baked honey Dijon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze baked honey Dijon chicken. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store

it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

4. What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can substitute it with spicy brown mustard, yellow mustard, or even whole-grain mustard for a different texture.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and honey Dijon sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then bake it when you're ready. Just make sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before baking.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The sweet and tangy honey Dijon glaze adds so much flavor to tender chicken breasts or thighs, making it a dish everyone will love. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular on your dinner menu. Try it tonight and watch it disappear from the plates!

Print