If you're looking for a delicious yet simple recipe that combines sweet and savory flavors, look no further than this Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken! It's the perfect dish for both busy weeknights and special gatherings. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you'll have a tender, flavorful chicken dish that everyone will love. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering meal from scratch. Keep reading for detailed instructions, tips, and variations that will help you get the most out of this recipe!
What is Honey Dijon Chicken?
Honey Dijon Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of Dijon mustard. These two ingredients create a perfectly balanced glaze that coats the chicken and keeps it moist while it bakes. The result? A tender, juicy chicken breast that’s full of flavor with minimal effort. This recipe is not only quick but also versatile—perfect for a casual family dinner or even a more formal meal. It can be served with various side dishes, and it's adaptable to many dietary preferences.
Ingredients List for Honey Dijon Chicken
To make this simple yet flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients. These are pantry staples you probably already have, making it a go-to recipe for those nights when you want something fast but tasty!
- Chicken Breasts – 4 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Honey – ¼ cup of honey for that sweet, sticky glaze
- Dijon Mustard – 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard (you can also use grainy Dijon for texture)
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to add richness and help with the roasting process
- Garlic – 2 cloves of garlic, minced for an extra depth of flavor
- Soy Sauce – 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to balance the sweetness and add a savory umami flavor
- Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to brighten up the sauce
- Salt – 1 teaspoon of salt for seasoning
- Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper for a bit of spice
- Fresh Herbs (optional) – You can use thyme, parsley, or rosemary for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
This Honey Dijon Chicken recipe is incredibly flexible, and you can easily modify it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some possible substitutions and variations:
- Chicken Cuts – If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat reaches the right internal temperature (about 175°F for thighs).
- Maple Syrup – If you’re out of honey or want a different flavor profile, maple syrup can be used as a substitute. It adds a deeper sweetness and works well with Dijon mustard.
- Spicy Kick – For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the honey-mustard mixture.
- Dairy-Free Option – Replace olive oil with coconut oil or avocado oil if you want a dairy-free or paleo-friendly version.
- Mustard Types – While Dijon mustard is traditional, you could also use whole-grain mustard for added texture or yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Honey Dijon Chicken recipe is as easy as it gets. Whether you're an experienced cook or a beginner, you’ll have no trouble following these simple steps to make a delicious meal!
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This will create a smooth, flavorful sauce for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish. Pour the honey Dijon mixture over the chicken, making sure all sides are coated. If you have time, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors really seep in.
- Bake the Chicken: Once marinated, cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Baste the Chicken: Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the sauce in the dish to ensure it stays moist and gets a nice glaze on top.
- Broil for Extra Glaze: For a caramelized, sticky glaze, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning!
How to Cook Honey Dijon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a more detailed look at the cooking process:
- Preheating the Oven: Preheating the oven ensures your chicken cooks evenly. Don’t skip this step, as it helps lock in the moisture and flavor.
- Marinating the Chicken: If you have time, allow the chicken to marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Baking the Chicken: Covering the chicken for the first part of the baking process helps retain moisture. Uncovering it later allows the glaze to thicken and coat the chicken perfectly.
- Using a Meat Thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection. The internal temperature should be 165°F for chicken breasts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Marinating Time: While it’s tempting to skip this step if you're in a hurry, marinating the chicken allows the flavors to fully develop. Even 30 minutes makes a difference!
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out easily if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you don’t overdo it.
- Not Basting the Chicken: Basting the chicken halfway through cooking helps to keep it moist and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Using Too Much Soy Sauce: Soy sauce can overpower the other flavors if used excessively, so stick to the recommended amount for balance.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Now that your Honey Dijon Chicken is baked to perfection, it's time to think about serving and presentation. The way you serve and present your dish can elevate the dining experience!
How to Serve Honey Dijon Chicken
- With Veggies: Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, or broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
- On a Bed of Rice: Pair the honey Dijon chicken with jasmine rice or quinoa for a satisfying, hearty meal.
- With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the honey-mustard glaze.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash can help soak up the delicious sauce from the chicken.
Presentation Ideas for Honey Dijon Chicken
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley on top of the chicken for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Lemon Slices: Serve the dish with a few lemon slices on the side to enhance the citrus notes of the sauce.
- Plating: Use white or neutral-colored plates to let the golden glaze of the honey Dijon chicken stand out visually.
Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe Tips
- Make Extra Sauce: If you like your chicken extra saucy, double the honey Dijon sauce and serve some on the side.
- Marinate Overnight: For an even richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.
- Leftovers: This dish makes for great leftovers. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work just as well. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked (about 175°F internally).
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead and bake it just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken (uncooked) for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?
A: Yes, but the flavor will be less tangy and more mild. Dijon mustard is recommended for its sharp flavor.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for guests. With minimal prep time and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour. Don’t forget to try some of the variations and substitutions to make this dish your own. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
PrintEasy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
This easy baked honey Dijon chicken recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy honey-Dijon glaze. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal, this recipe uses simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it ideal for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the honey-Dijon mixture and place in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve.
Notes
- You can use bone-in chicken for more flavor but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with rice, vegetables, or salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 400mg
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