This Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are coated in a delicious honey mustard sauce and baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy recipe that’s ready in just 35 minutes, and it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful: The combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Easy to make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal prep work.
- Quick: It’s ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Ingredients for Honey Mustard Chicken
This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they are more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the chicken.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce.
- Honey: Provides sweetness and helps create a glaze.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the sauce adhere to the chicken.
- Fresh Thyme: Adds a fragrant, earthy note.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for a fresh, herbaceous touch.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil until well combined.
Step 3: Season and Coat the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste on both sides. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, turning the thighs to ensure they are completely coated. Place the thyme sprigs in between the chicken pieces.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the tops of the chicken with more sauce halfway through the baking time.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with extra sauce spooned over the top and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Chicken breasts: If you prefer to use chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness before cooking. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as chicken breasts cook faster than chicken thighs.
- Honey: You can adjust the amount of honey to your liking. For a sweeter sauce, use more honey. For a less sweet sauce, use less.
- Herbs: You can use other fresh herbs, such as rosemary or sage, instead of thyme.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken
- Weeknight dinner: This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Special occasion: The elegant presentation makes it suitable for a special occasion or a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Honey Mustard Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Bake the chicken just before serving.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
My chicken is dry, what did I do wrong?
If your chicken is dry, it could be that you overcooked it. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and avoid overbaking.
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Honey Mustard Chicken. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintHoney Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Mustard Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender chicken thighs are baked in a sweet and savory honey mustard sauce with a hint of fresh thyme.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, honey, and olive oil.
- Season and Bake Chicken: Place chicken in a single layer in the baking dish and season with salt and pepper to taste on both sides. Pour the honey mustard mixture over them, turning the thighs in the mixture to ensure they are completely coated with the sauce. Place the thyme sprigs in between the pieces of chicken. Bake for about 30 minutes (or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees F), basting the tops of the chicken with more sauce halfway through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with some extra sauce over the top. Sprinkle with a bit of fresh chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. If using chicken breasts, pound each chicken breast to a little more than ¾-inch at the thickest part and bake between 23-27 minutes. The size and thickness of the breasts will determine the bake time. They are finished cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken thighs
- Calories: 500kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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