Crispy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

Deliciously Simple Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe for Busy Cooks

Weeknight dinners demand a delicious, simple chicken dijon recipe that saves time and tantalizes taste buds.

This easy baked honey dijon chicken delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.

Tender chicken breasts marry sweet honey with tangy mustard for a mouthwatering meal.

Zesty seasonings create a golden, crispy exterior that seals in juicy goodness.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this dish a go-to for busy home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dinner.

Dive into this irresistible recipe and transform your ordinary chicken into an extraordinary feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 3

All You Need For Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender cut that absorbs flavor beautifully; choose fresh, plump breasts without discoloration for best texture and taste.
For Sauce Base:
  • Dijon Mustard, Honey: Tangy mustard creates depth while honey adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy, caramelized coating.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides bright acidity that balances the sweetness and tenderizes the meat.
For Seasoning and Enhancing:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a silky sauce texture; extra virgin works best for rich taste.
  • Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic depth; fresh minced garlic provides more intense flavor than pre-chopped versions.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out the chicken's natural flavors and creating a balanced taste profile.
For Optional Garnish:
  • Rosemary, Thyme: Fresh herbs add a fragrant, earthy finish that complements the sweet and tangy sauce; choose bright green, perky herbs.

Gear For Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

  • Baking Dish: Essential for roasting chicken evenly and collecting delicious sauce.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending honey-Dijon sauce smoothly without lumps.
  • Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing sauce ingredients quickly and cleanly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure oil, vinegar, and seasonings.
  • Spoon: Great for spreading sauce evenly over chicken breasts.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for mincing garlic and garnishing with fresh herbs.
  • Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.

Instructions To Bake Easy Honey Dijon Chicken Without Stress

  • Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen appliance to a toasty temperature that will transform your chicken into a golden delight.

  • Flavor Magic

Blend together tangy mustard, sweet nectar, golden liquid, zesty vinegar, and aromatic garlic into a silky smooth concoction that will make taste buds dance.

  • Chicken Canvas

Nestle the chicken pieces into a lightly oiled baking vessel, giving them a gentle sprinkle of seasoning to awaken their natural flavors.

  • Sauce Embrace

Lovingly drench the chicken with the luscious sauce, ensuring every inch is kissed by the delectable mixture.

  • Culinary Transformation

Allow the chicken to bake until it reaches a perfect golden hue and becomes tender, juicy, and completely irresistible.

  • Final Flourish

Crown your masterpiece with a whisper of fresh herbs, creating a restaurant-worthy dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Spices And Swaps For Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

  • Flavor-Boosting Pro Tips: Learn how to elevate your honey Dijon chicken game with these expert suggestions.
  • Marinating Magic: Let chicken sit in the sauce for 30 minutes before baking to intensify flavors and tenderize the meat more deeply.
  • Low-Carb Friendly: Swap honey with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener to create a keto-friendly version that keeps the same delicious profile.
  • Protein Variety Hack: This versatile sauce works beautifully with chicken thighs, turkey breasts, or even salmon fillets for quick meal transformations.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free Dijon mustard and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with sensitivities.

How To Serve Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe Neatly

  • Flavor Pairing Paradise: Serve this honey Dijon chicken over fluffy quinoa or wild rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add nutritious grains to your meal.
  • Fresh Green Crunch: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad topped with sliced almonds and light vinaigrette to balance the rich, sweet chicken flavors.
  • Veggie Roasted Companions: Roast colorful vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes alongside the chicken to create a complete one-pan dinner with minimal cleanup.
  • Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving to add brightness and a pop of fresh color that elevates the entire dish's presentation.

Storing Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe The Right Way

Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for maximum 3-4 days. Fresh and tasty results guaranteed.

  • Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe wrap or containers. Freeze up to 2 months for quick future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Hack: Warm chicken in microwave with splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Use 50% power setting, heat in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Slice cooled chicken and store separately from sauce. This prevents soggy texture and allows flexible recipe combinations for salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls.
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Crispy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

Crispy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Succulent honey dijon chicken emerges as a delightful weeknight dinner solution. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make this dish a family favorite that you’ll eagerly add to your regular meal rotation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup (59 ml) honey
  • ¼ cup (59 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinade Creation: Whisk Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic into a smooth, cohesive blend that will infuse the chicken with vibrant flavors.
  2. Chicken Preparation: Position chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish, then season comprehensively with salt and pepper to ensure a well-seasoned foundation.
  3. Sauce Application: Pour the honey-Dijon marinade over the chicken, tilting the dish to coat each piece thoroughly and create a glistening, even layer of glaze.
  4. Roasting Process: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375F (190C), allowing the chicken to roast uncovered for approximately 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) and the exterior turns a rich, golden-brown.
  5. Resting and Serving: Allow the chicken to rest momentarily, which helps seal in the succulent juices, then garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs and drizzle any remaining sauce over the perfectly caramelized chicken before presenting at the table.

Notes

  • Optimize Meat Moisture: Brine chicken breasts for 30 minutes before marinating to ensure tender, juicy results and prevent dryness during baking.
  • Prevent Burning Sauce: Cover dish with foil during initial 15 minutes of baking to protect honey-Dijon glaze from excessive caramelization and potential burning.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness, checking multiple spots to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165F internal temperature without overcooking.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Swap honey with maple syrup for vegan option, or use gluten-free Dijon mustard to make recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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