Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a rich honey Dijon sauce, then baked until juicy and golden brown. This easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, delivering a flavorful meal in under an hour. Pair it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a complete and wholesome dinner.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful marinade will infuse the chicken with a delicious blend of sweet and savory notes.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the honey Dijon marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For even deeper flavor, marinate for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
Bake the Chicken: Once marinated, arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, and pour any remaining marinade over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Serving Tips:
Pair with Grains: Serve Baked Honey Dijon Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.
Vegetable Sides: Complement the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. A side of steamed green beans or asparagus also pairs nicely.
Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
Comfort Foods: For a more comforting meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or a cheesy potato gratin.
Storage Tips!
Refrigeration: Store leftover Baked Honey Dijon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before sealing the container to avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. If reheating from frozen, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Sauce Storage: If you have extra marinade, you can store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Heat the sauce thoroughly before serving it over the chicken or as a dipping sauce.
FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs are naturally more flavorful and juicy. Keep in mind that thighs may require a slightly longer baking time. Be sure to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, if you have more time, marinating for 4-8 hours in the refrigerator will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can start to break down the meat too much.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time and store it?
Yes, you can prepare the honey Dijon marinade up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, simply give it a quick stir and marinate your chicken as directed in the recipe.
How can I prevent the chicken from drying out while baking?
To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Also, baking the chicken covered with foil for the first 20 minutes can help retain moisture. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow the chicken to brown nicely.
Conclusion:
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. With its sweet and tangy marinade and juicy, tender chicken, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
📖 Recipe:
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Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce, then baked to perfection. This healthy recipe pairs perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy a delicious meal that’s both simple to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the honey Dijon marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, pouring any remaining marinade over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Garnish the baked chicken with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions on medium power.
Customization: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the marinade for a personalized touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
