Description
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, effortlessly baked in the oven for a juicy and tender main dish. Featuring a simple sauce made of Dijon mustard, honey, and aromatic herbs, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that requires minimal prep and ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined into a smooth, flavorful mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, then generously brush or spoon the honey Dijon sauce over each piece, ensuring they are well coated on all sides for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Put the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken by spooning more sauce over the breasts to keep them moist and enhance the taste.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which ensures it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For an extra crispy top, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Fresh thyme can be used in place of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to adjust the honey amount to make the dish more or less sweet according to your taste.
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs as an alternative to breasts, but adjust baking time accordingly.