This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a flavorful, juicy, and tender dish coated in a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this one-pan meal is great for busy weeknights. Pair it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a satisfying and healthy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick – Only 5 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven.
- Sweet & Tangy – The combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates an irresistible flavor.
- One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup and easy to prepare.
- Juicy & Tender – Basting the chicken ensures it stays moist and flavorful.
- Great for Meal Prep – Store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Pour the honey Dijon sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
4. Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Drizzle with extra sauce from the pan and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Creamy – Stir in 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream into the sauce before baking.
- Herb Infusion – Swap thyme for rosemary, basil, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Crunchy Coating – Sprinkle with crushed nuts or breadcrumbs before baking for added texture.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work well; adjust the cooking time to 35–40 minutes for bone-in thighs.
What sides go well with Honey Dijon Chicken?
It pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken in the sauce for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free Dijon mustard, the dish remains gluten-free.
Can I grill this chicken instead of baking it?
Yes! Grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with the sauce.
What’s the best way to make the chicken extra juicy?
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Can I use honey mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, but honey mustard is milder and sweeter, so you may want to reduce the honey slightly.
How can I thicken the sauce?
For a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce in a saucepan for a few minutes before pouring it over the chicken.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes! Maple syrup works as a great substitute and adds a slightly deeper flavor.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through baking to keep it moist.
Conclusion
Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its sweet and tangy sauce, juicy texture, and minimal prep, this oven-baked chicken will quickly become a family favorite. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal!
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Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken – A Sweet & Tangy Oven-Baked Dish
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish made with juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a satisfying and healthy dinner!
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Pour the honey Dijon sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
4. Bake
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra sauce from the pan and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or sour cream into the sauce.
- Herb Swap: Try rosemary, basil, or oregano instead of thyme.
- Crunchy Coating: Sprinkle crushed nuts or breadcrumbs before baking for texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Healthy
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
