Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

The Perfect Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Cooking a mouthwatering honey dijon chicken that surprises everyone at the dinner table takes less effort than you might expect.

My favorite weeknight solution combines simple ingredients with maximum flavor impact.

Pantry staples transform into a delectable main course in minutes.

Lean protein meets sweet and tangy sauce for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy without complicated techniques.

Boneless chicken breasts become irresistibly juicy when glazed with this magical combination of honey and mustard.

Minimal prep work means you can have dinner ready faster than ordering takeout.

Hungry?

This recipe will become your new go-to solution for quick, delicious dining.

Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken: Sweet and Savory

  • Burst with Flavor: Packed with zesty taco seasoning, green chilies, and a medley of vibrant ingredients that dance on your taste buds.
  • Simplify Weeknight Dinners: One-pan wonder that combines protein, veggies, and rice into a complete meal with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
  • Family-Friendly Fiesta: Kid-approved dish that offers something for everyone, with customizable toppings like green onions and tortilla chips to make each plate unique.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Easily prepared in advance, stores well, and reheats perfectly for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners that save time and energy.

Ingredient Rundown for Honey Dijon Chicken

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein source for this flavorful dish.
For the Sauce Ingredients:
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and sharp flavor that complements the honey's sweetness.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized coating for the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Helps bind the sauce ingredients and ensures even coating of the chicken.
For the Seasoning:
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile and add depth to the chicken's taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

Honey Dijon Chicken: Baking Directions

Honey Dijon Chicken: Baking Directions

Step 1: Crank Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This warm temperature will help create a perfectly golden and juicy chicken.

Step 2: Whip Up The Flavorful Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine these tasty ingredients:
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together until you create a smooth, glossy marinade that will make your chicken sing with flavor.

Step 3: Prepare The Chicken

Place your chicken breasts in a baking dish.

Pour the honey Dijon sauce all over the chicken, making sure every inch gets a delicious coating. Use a spoon or brush to spread the sauce evenly.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Let the chicken bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 165F (74C) and the top looks beautifully golden brown.

Step 5: Add A Fresh Finishing Touch

Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering meal!

Smart Tips for Honey Dijon Chicken

  • Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for extra juiciness and flavor that keeps the meat tender during baking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the exact 165F internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining moisture.
  • Swap Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard for a more rustic texture and enhanced tangy flavor profile in the sauce.
  • Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in more succulent meat.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on preferred sweetness level, keeping balance between honey and mustard for perfect tangy-sweet combination.

Honey Dijon Chicken – Delicious Variations

  • Spicy Kick Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the honey Dijon sauce for a fiery flavor boost.
  • Mediterranean Style: Mix in dried oregano, lemon zest, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top after baking for a Greek-inspired variation.
  • Herb-Crusted Version: Blend dried thyme, rosemary, and sage into the marinade, then coat chicken with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  • Asian Fusion Approach: Replace Dijon with soy sauce, add ginger and a splash of rice vinegar to create an east-meets-west flavor profile.

Present Honey Dijon Chicken for Guests

  • Rustic Dinner Plate Presentation: Slice the honey Dijon chicken and arrange it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or herbed rice, drizzling extra sauce around the plate for added flavor and visual appeal.
  • Weekend Brunch Delight: Serve the chicken alongside crispy roasted asparagus and a light mixed green salad, creating a balanced and elegant meal perfect for weekend gatherings.
  • Sandwich Transformation: Shred the cooled chicken and layer it between toasted whole grain bread with fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a spread of extra honey Dijon sauce for a delicious lunch option.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and portion into containers with steamed vegetables and grains for easy, nutritious grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

How to Store Honey Dijon Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep the meat tender.
  • Prepare the chicken in advance and store in portioned containers for quick weekday lunches or dinners. Label containers with the date to track freshness.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might take a few extra minutes to cook through.

  • Is it okay to use dried parsley if I don't have fresh?

Absolutely! Dried parsley works fine. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley as a substitute for fresh parsley.

  • How can I make the chicken more crispy?

For a crispier texture, pat the chicken dry before adding the sauce and consider broiling for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to create a golden, slightly caramelized top.

Print
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Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Juicy honey dijon chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors from French-inspired cuisine. Home cooks can enjoy this simple weeknight dinner with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), creating the perfect environment for transforming chicken into a succulent meal.
  2. Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a compact mixing vessel, blending the ingredients into a harmonious marinade.
  3. Arrange chicken breasts in a spacious baking dish, generously cascading the vibrant honey Dijon mixture over the meat, ensuring each piece receives an even, glistening coating.
  4. Slide the prepared dish into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for approximately 25-30 minutes until it achieves a golden hue and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C).
  5. Once fully cooked, remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness before serving the aromatic dish.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for extra flavor by letting it sit in the honey Dijon mixture for 30 minutes before baking to enhance taste penetration.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out, checking for the exact 165F internal temperature.
  • Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier, more forgiving protein option that can handle slightly longer cooking times.
  • For a gluten-free version, confirm your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free, as some brands might contain wheat-based ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 238 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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