Let me tell you, this easy baked honey Dijon chicken is one of my all-time favorite recipes! It’s so simple to whip up, yet it packs a punch of flavor that never fails to impress. I remember the first time I made it—I was in a bit of a cooking rut, and I needed something quick but delicious for dinner. This dish came to the rescue! The combination of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Plus, it’s such a versatile recipe; I love serving it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a staple in your weeknight rotation! You’ll be amazed at how something so easy can be so satisfying and delicious!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering easy baked honey Dijon chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
These ingredients are super simple and you might even have most of them in your pantry already! Feel free to adjust the honey and Dijon mustard amounts to suit your taste—I like it a little sweeter, but you do you!
How to Prepare Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! You’ll want to set it to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the chicken cook evenly and allows that honey Dijon glaze to caramelize beautifully. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Honey Dijon Mixture
Now, grab a bowl and let’s whip up that scrumptious honey Dijon mixture! Start by adding the 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard to the bowl. Then, drizzle in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined. The smell is already amazing, right? This mixture is what makes the chicken so flavorful!
Assemble the Dish
Alright, onto the fun part! Take your chicken breasts and place them in a baking dish—make sure they’re all snug and cozy. Once they’re in there, pour that luscious honey Dijon mixture over the chicken. I like to use a spatula to spread it around so that each piece is evenly coated. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor! Yum!
Baking Instructions
Time to bake! Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it do its magic for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear—no one wants dry chicken! If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe. Exciting, right?
Resting the Chicken
Once it’s done baking, resist the urge to dive right in! Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This step is crucial because it helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, making it extra juicy and tender. Trust me, that little wait is totally worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly simple—perfect for busy weeknights!
- The sweet and tangy flavor combination is a crowd-pleaser.
- Healthy and gluten-free, making it a guilt-free option for dinner.
- Quick prep time—just 10 minutes to get it in the oven!
- Versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides like rice, veggies, or salads.
- Leftovers taste amazing, making it great for meal prep!
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy baked honey Dijon chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the amounts of honey and Dijon mustard. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey. Prefer a stronger tang? Just increase that Dijon! It’s all about finding your perfect balance.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have a little extra time, try marinating the chicken in the honey Dijon mixture for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat, making it even more delicious!
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For juicier results, consider using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. They tend to stay more moist during cooking. Just adjust the baking time a bit since they’ll take longer to cook through.
- Pair with Fresh Sides: This dish goes wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even some fluffy rice. The sweetness of the chicken pairs beautifully with the freshness of veggies!
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. I love reheating them in the oven for that just-baked taste!
Just remember, cooking should be fun! Don’t stress too much about getting everything perfect—your kitchen, your rules! Enjoy the process, and I promise this easy baked honey Dijon chicken will become a favorite in no time.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional info for this easy baked honey Dijon chicken! Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients used and portion sizes. But here’s a general breakdown per serving (1 chicken breast):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 550mg
With a good balance of protein and flavor, this dish is not just delicious but also a healthy choice for dinner. Enjoy every bite knowing it’s packed with goodness!
FAQ Section
I’ve gathered some common questions you might have about this easy baked honey Dijon chicken, so let’s dive right in!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may take a bit longer to cook, so check for that 165°F (74°C) internal temperature to be sure they’re done.
What can I serve with this dish?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a fresh green salad. You can also try it with mashed potatoes or quinoa for a hearty meal.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), let the chicken cool down and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating it in the oven to keep that delicious glaze intact!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the honey Dijon mixture and marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even the night before. Just cover it and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, bake it as directed, and you’ll have a quick and tasty dinner!
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can substitute with yellow mustard in a pinch, but keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different. If you have whole grain mustard, that could work too and add a nice texture!
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken before baking! Just marinate it in the honey Dijon mixture, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual. Easy peasy!
I hope these FAQs help you feel confident making this easy baked honey Dijon chicken! If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken: 5 Simple Steps to Success
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and tasty recipe for baked honey dijon chicken.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Pour the honey Dijon mixture over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust honey and mustard to taste.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy baked honey dijon chicken
