This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a tasty treat! The sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard come together for a delightful flavor that makes chicken shine on your dinner table.
You’ll love how simple it is to make. I often prepare it on busy weeknights, and the smell fills the kitchen, making everyone excited for dinner. Plus, it’s perfect with rice or veggies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and cook evenly. If you’re looking for a healthier option, chicken thighs can be used; they stay juicy and flavorful.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a lovely tang to the dish. If you’re out of Dijon, you can use yellow mustard for a milder taste or even a spicy brown mustard for more kick.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness and balances the mustard’s tang. You can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar if you want a vegan option.
Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. In case you don’t have any, melted butter or canola oil will work too!
Spices: Garlic and onion powder mix well, but fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onions could add a nice crunch. Use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or you can switch it with regular paprika.
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, focus on the baking times and temperatures. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking throughout.
- After placing the chicken in the baking dish, fully coat it with the honey Dijon mixture.
- Cover it with aluminum foil for the first 25 minutes to lock in moisture.
- For the last phase, remove the foil. This helps create a nice golden exterior.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Letting it rest for 5 minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. You’ll have a total of around 55 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot enough to cook your chicken evenly and beautifully.
2. Make the Honey Dijon Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix it until everything is well combined and smooth. This will be your tasty marinade for the chicken!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the honey Dijon mixture all over them, making sure each piece is nicely coated. This is where all the flavor comes from, so be generous!
4. Bake Covered:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. This step helps keep the chicken moist.
5. Bake Without Cover:
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Then bake the chicken for an additional 15-20 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and golden brown. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for it to be safe to eat.
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once the chicken is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle in. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious honey Dijon chicken with sides like mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken! Just be aware that it will take longer to cook. Make sure to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You may want to cover the dish with foil for the first portion of baking to prevent the meat from drying out.
What’s a Good Substitute for Dijon Mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can use yellow mustard or even a mix of prepared mustard and a bit of vinegar for a similar tang. If you want to avoid mustard altogether, honey can be mixed with a bit of mayonnaise to create a creamy dressing with a hint of sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken?
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just ensure it’s well-wrapped or in a freezer-safe container. When reheating, make sure to bring it back to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure food safety.
