Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

The Tastiest Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe Ever Made

Craving a delightful baked honey dijon chicken that promises to wow your taste buds?

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Mustard adds a zesty kick that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Tender meat gets coated with a glossy, irresistible glaze that seals in all the delicious goodness.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will find this recipe surprisingly easy to master.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time.

Serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Is A Weeknight Winner

  • Quicken Weeknight Dinners: Prepare a mouthwatering meal in less than an hour with minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for busy households craving delicious home-cooked food.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping herbs, adjusting spice levels, or adding vegetables to create a personalized dish that suits individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet honey, tangy dijon mustard, and savory seasonings for a restaurant-quality chicken recipe that will impress family and guests with its rich, complex taste profile.
  • Healthy Protein Power: Enjoy a nutritious chicken dish packed with lean protein, minimal added fats, and a balanced blend of natural ingredients that support wellness and satisfy hunger.

Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein in this delightful dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Dijon Mustard, White Wine Vinegar, Soy Sauce: A harmonious blend that creates a sweet, tangy, and savory marinade that perfectly coats and enhances the chicken's flavor.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Dried Thyme, Salt, Black Pepper: A classic combination of herbs and spices that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the chicken.
Cooking Preparation:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to coat the chicken, prevent sticking, and promote even browning during the baking process.

How To Make Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F. Grab a baking dish and lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Oil the Chicken

Gently massage chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring each piece gets a shiny, even coating.

Step 3: Create Zesty Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • White wine vinegar
  • Soy sauce

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Season the Meat

Sprinkle these seasonings directly onto chicken:
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Softly press the seasonings into the chicken to help them stick.

Step 5: Coat with Marinade

Pour the honey dijon sauce over the seasoned chicken, making sure each breast is completely covered.

Step 6: Arrange in Baking Dish

Transfer chicken to the prepared baking dish. Position pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum sauce coverage.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and develops a beautiful golden-brown glaze.

Step 8: Rest and Settle

Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps juices redistribute and sauce slightly thicken.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the chicken hot. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the baking dish over the top for an extra flavor explosion.

Simple Tips For Better Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken

  • Choose Boneless Skinless Chicken: Opt for uniform-sized chicken breasts to guarantee even cooking and consistent flavor absorption throughout the meat.
  • Prevent Dryness: Cover the baking dish with foil during initial cooking to lock in moisture, ensuring juicy and tender chicken that doesn't become tough or rubbery.
  • Boost Marinade Intensity: Let chicken marinate for 30 minutes before baking to allow deeper flavor penetration and more robust taste profile in every bite.
  • Enhance Sauce Consistency: Reduce remaining sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing overcooking while ensuring food safety and maintaining succulent texture.

Delicious Variations For Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken

  • Spicy Honey Chipotle Chicken: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the marinade for a fiery kick. Reduce honey slightly to balance heat levels.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace dried thyme with fresh rosemary and oregano. Incorporate lemon zest into the marinade for bright, zesty notes.
  • Asian-Inspired Ginger Chicken: Swap white wine vinegar for rice vinegar. Add fresh grated ginger and replace soy sauce with tamari for deeper umami flavor.
  • Maple Bourbon Chicken: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup. Mix in a splash of bourbon whiskey to create a rich, caramelized glaze with complex undertones.

Great Sides For Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the honey dijon's tangy and sweet profile, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes that will absorb the delicious pan sauce and provide a balanced side dish.
  • Create Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Cook quinoa with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, mirroring the chicken's seasoning and offering a protein-packed, light accompaniment that enhances the meal's nutritional value.

How To Store Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken With Ease

  • Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to preserve moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, checking to maintain juiciness.
  • Keep any leftover honey dijon sauce in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken FAQs

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken breast. The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

  • Can I use a different type of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute dijon mustard with whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile but will work well in the recipe.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to ensure no cross-contamination.

  • What sides pair best with this chicken?

Roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a light green salad complement the honey dijon flavors perfectly.

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Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent honey dijon chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across palates. Home cooks can quickly elevate weeknight dinners with this simple yet elegant dish that promises satisfaction in every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Honey Dijon Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

Seasonings:

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by lightly coating it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Massage chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and glistening.
  3. Blend honey, dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, and soy sauce in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, glossy marinade.
  4. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper directly onto the chicken, gently pressing the seasonings into the meat.
  5. Pour the honey dijon sauce over the seasoned chicken, thoroughly coating each breast and allowing the flavors to meld.
  6. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish, arranging the pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum sauce coverage.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and develops a golden-brown glaze.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and the sauce to slightly thicken.
  9. Serve hot, drizzling any remaining sauce from the baking dish over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Tenderize chicken breasts with a meat mallet before marinating to ensure even thickness and more uniform cooking.
  • Swap white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor profile if desired.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using tamari sauce instead of traditional soy sauce, maintaining the rich umami essence.
  • Allow chicken to marinate for 30 minutes before baking to intensify the honey dijon flavor and enhance overall moistness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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