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
- 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.
- Chicken Preparation: Position chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish, then season comprehensively with salt and pepper to ensure a well-seasoned foundation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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