I absolutely love how this Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe comes together with minimal effort but maximum flavor. It’s one of those go-to dishes that feels fancy enough for guests but is super simple for busy weeknights when you just want something comforting and reliable. Plus, the balance between the sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard is just irresistible every single time.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how juicy the chicken turned out, especially because it only requires baking in one pan. You don’t need to babysit it or stand by the stove, which I know you’ll appreciate. Also, because it’s baked, cleanup is a breeze — and that’s a big win in my book. This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe has quickly become a family favorite that I’m excited to share with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Flavor Boost: The honey and Dijon mustard combo creates a perfect sweet-tangy glaze that packs a punch without a ton of ingredients.
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything bakes together in one dish, saving you time on prep and especially on cleanup.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can tweak the sauce easily with things like maple syrup, miso, or spices to match your craving or pantry items.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: It delivers juicy, tender chicken with a luscious sauce everyone in my family goes crazy for!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create a balanced sauce that’s both bright and rich, while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful. I recommend using good-quality Dijon mustard to get the best tang.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully in the oven.
- Dijon mustard (regular and whole grain): Gives a sharp, tangy depth to the sauce and some texture from the seeds.
- Apple cider vinegar: Provides acidity that balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
- Soy sauce (or tamari): Brings umami richness; you can omit for gluten-free versions.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic amps up the aroma and savory notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting the other flavors.
- Chicken broth (or water): Helps create a saucy base that keeps the chicken juicy as it bakes.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choice depends on your preference; thighs stay more tender and juicy.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: Aromatic herb that infuses the dish while baking, giving it a lovely herbal hint.
Variations
I like to switch things up sometimes, and this Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe is totally flexible for that. Feel free to experiment with sauces or spices to suit your mood and pantry!
- Replace Honey with Maple Syrup: I tried this once when I was out of honey, and it gave a nice depth with a slightly different sweetness that my family really enjoyed.
- Use Yellow Mustard Instead of Dijon: For a milder, less sharp mustard flavor that’s still tasty and kid-friendly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in about 1/4 cup parmesan into the sauce before baking – it adds a savory, nutty layer that’s delicious.
- Spice It Up: Adding a little sriracha or chili powder to the sauce can give it a fun kick if you like some heat. I usually add a small dash and taste as I go.
How to Make Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Sauce and Marinate
Start by combining the honey, Dijon mustards (both regular and whole grain), apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chicken broth in a bowl. I like to whisk it really well so everything blends smoothly and that honey doesn’t settle at the bottom. Then, toss your chicken in this mixture, making sure each piece is nicely coated.
Step 2: Arrange and Add Rosemary
Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the honey Dijon mixture evenly over the chicken, then tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the pieces. This little herb addition infuses an amazing fragrance into the meat while baking. If you want the chicken extra juicy, cover the dish with foil; otherwise, leave it uncovered for a more caramelized, golden finish.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 25-35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). I keep a digital meat thermometer handy because overcooked chicken can get dry, and undercooked is obviously a no-go. When done, you’ll notice the sauce thickens in the pan — that’s what makes it so delicious when spooned over.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Use Both Mustards: Combining smooth and whole grain Dijon gives a texture and flavor boost that single mustard can’t match.
- Don’t Skip the Broth: The chicken broth keeps the sauce saucy and the meat moist; without it, the sauce can dry out while baking.
- Check Internal Temperature: A meat thermometer ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked — juicy, not dry or underdone.
- Cover or Uncover Strategically: Cover the pan if you want tender, saucy chicken; leave uncovered for a browned, caramelized finish.
How to Serve Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top to add a fresh, green pop of color and a subtle herbaceous contrast to the sweet glaze. A lemon wedge on the side is also nice if you want a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, and my go-to is creamy mashed potatoes or a simple garlic butter rice pilaf. The sauce from the chicken makes a fantastic drizzle over these sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the chicken sliced on a platter garnished with rosemary sprigs and scattered toasted sliced almonds for crunch. You can also plate each piece on top of a bed of quinoa or couscous mixed with herbs and lemon zest for a bright, elegant dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always keep the sauce with the chicken to prevent it drying out. When reheated, the flavor actually deepens, making leftovers quite tasty.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this honey Dijon chicken a few times with success. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing in portions. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently to keep it tender.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm it covered in the oven at a low temperature or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the sauce. Microwaving works too, just cover to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic in this recipe because they stay moist and tender, even if slightly overcooked. Just keep in mind they might need a few extra minutes in the oven compared to breasts, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
-
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply omit the soy sauce or substitute it with tamari, which is gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.
-
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you like a thicker sauce, bake uncovered to reduce liquid, or after baking, transfer the sauce to a small pan and simmer it down on the stove for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
-
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix the sauce and marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the fridge, which actually helps intensify the flavors. Then bake it fresh when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe holds a special place in my cookbook because it’s effortless, forgiving, and consistently delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I’m confident you’ll find joy in how easy it is to pull off and how everyone loves the sweet and tangy flavor combination. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
PrintEasy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A simple and flavorful baked chicken recipe featuring a sweet and tangy honey Dijon mustard sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish combines honey, Dijon mustards, apple cider vinegar, and garlic to create a moist, tender chicken infused with aromatic rosemary. The recipe can be customized with various spices and toppings for added depth.
Ingredients
Honey Dijon Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari or omit for gluten-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce and Chicken: In a bowl, combine honey, both types of Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly to create the honey Dijon sauce. Toss the chicken breasts in this mixture ensuring they are well coated.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Distribute the rosemary sprigs among the chicken pieces for added flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake the chicken uncovered until fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), which should take about 25 to 35 minutes. For moister chicken with more sauce, cover the baking dish with foil during baking.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve it topped with the pan sauce for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Cover the pan while baking to keep the chicken moist with more liquid and sauce; bake uncovered if you prefer a darker, more golden-brown color and a thicker sauce.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- You can substitute Dijon mustards with yellow mustard if preferred.
- Add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese to the sauce for a cheesy twist.
- Include 1 tablespoon of white miso paste in the sauce to deepen umami flavors.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon paprika or curry powder to the sauce for an extra spice kick.
- Adjust heat by adding sriracha or your favorite chili sauce to taste in the honey Dijon sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 oz chicken with sauce)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *