If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make chicken recipe that your whole family will love, look no further than this Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe. With a perfect balance of sweetness from honey and tanginess from Dijon mustard, this dish offers mouth-watering flavors with minimal effort. Ready to impress your guests or simply enjoy a family dinner? Keep reading for all the details and cooking tips you’ll need to perfect this crowd-pleaser!

What is Baked Honey Dijon Chicken?
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a flavorful, oven-baked dish made with a simple yet irresistibly tasty combination of honey and Dijon mustard. This recipe uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs as the main ingredient, which are coated in a sweet and tangy sauce, then baked to golden perfection. It's a quick meal that’s perfect for weeknights but fancy enough to serve at dinner parties. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—whether you're serving it over rice, alongside veggies, or on a salad, the options are endless!
Ingredients List for Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious recipe:
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless) – 4 pieces
- Dijon mustard – ¼ cup
- Honey – ¼ cup
- Garlic cloves – 2, minced
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon (for added flavor and color)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme – 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes – ¼ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of heat)
These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients are easy to find and pack a lot of flavor without overwhelming your palate.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts of this Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe is its flexibility. You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:
- Chicken Cuts: You can swap out chicken breasts for chicken thighs or drumsticks. Dark meat offers a juicier result but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Dijon Mustard Alternatives: If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can be used, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Honey Substitutes: Maple syrup or agave nectar works as a honey substitute for a different sweet profile.
- Garlic: You can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if you’re short on time or ingredients. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 2 cloves of fresh garlic.
- Spices: Add a dash of cumin, coriander, or even smoked paprika for a flavor twist.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients (like mustard) are certified gluten-free.
Feel free to get creative and adjust this recipe to your liking!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the actual process of making Baked Honey Dijon Chicken. Follow these simple steps for a perfect dish every time.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika until well-combined.
- Season the chicken: Pat your chicken breasts (or thighs) dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce adhere better. Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper on both sides.
- Coat the chicken: Place the chicken in the greased baking dish. Pour the honey-Dijon mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Bake: Bake the chicken uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you prefer a golden-brown finish, turn the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bite.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped rosemary or thyme and red pepper flakes (if using) for an extra touch of flavor.
How to Cook Baked Honey Dijon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. For this recipe, 375°F (190°C) is ideal to cook the chicken thoroughly while keeping it juicy.
- Mix the Marinade: Whisk the honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, and other ingredients to create a well-balanced marinade. This will ensure every bite of chicken is flavorful.
- Prep the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken and season lightly with salt and pepper before adding the sauce.
- Bake to Perfection: Cooking the chicken uncovered helps the sauce thicken and creates a caramelized glaze on the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should be 165°F to ensure safety.
- Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This helps lock in the moisture and ensures a tender texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with an easy recipe like this, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Preheat: Always preheat the oven! If you don’t, the chicken may cook unevenly.
- Not Checking the Temperature: Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough, so use a meat thermometer to get the perfect doneness.
- Using Too Much Sauce: Resist the urge to over-saturate the chicken with too much sauce, or it may turn soggy instead of nicely glazed.
- Not Letting the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after baking to retain moisture. Cutting too soon can make the chicken lose its juices.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving your Baked Honey Dijon Chicken, presentation is key! Here are some tips to elevate your meal:
- Serve over a bed of rice: White, brown, or wild rice makes an excellent base for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Pair with roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus complement the flavors perfectly.
- Top with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh rosemary, parsley, or thyme adds a burst of color and flavor.
- Add a lemon wedge: A lemon wedge on the side adds a pop of color and gives guests the option to add more tang.
How to Serve Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Serve this chicken alongside your favorite sides, such as:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and hearty side.
- Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a healthy and colorful balance to the plate.
- A fresh salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
Presentation Ideas for Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Presentation can make all the difference when serving a meal to guests. Here are a few ideas:
- Plate individually: Serve one chicken breast on each plate, drizzle extra sauce over the top, and add your sides.
- Family style: Place the chicken in a large serving dish, garnish with fresh herbs, and let everyone serve themselves.
- Serve with garnishes: Lemon wedges, rosemary sprigs, or a light drizzle of honey can make the dish visually appealing.
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can marinate the chicken in the honey-Dijon sauce for up to 8 hours before baking for even deeper flavor.
- Double the recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? Yes! Bone-in chicken can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time, approximately 35–40 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can mix the sauce and marinate the chicken in the fridge for up to 8 hours before cooking. Just store it in an airtight container.
3. Is this dish freezer-friendly? Yes! After cooking, allow the chicken to cool completely, then store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop? Yes, you can! Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side, then pour in the sauce and simmer until fully cooked.
5. How do I avoid overcooking the chicken? Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors wrapped up in an easy-to-make dish. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious, healthy meal on the table in no time. Whether you’re serving this at a dinner party or enjoying it as a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Be sure to try out the variations and tips to make this dish uniquely yours!
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of honey and Dijon mustard baked to perfection!
PrintEasy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe is a perfect weeknight meal with juicy chicken breasts baked in a tangy honey and Dijon mustard glaze. It’s quick to make with simple ingredients like honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and garlic. With minimal prep and bake time, this dish offers a delicious balance of sweetness and savory mustard flavors. Ideal for family dinners or meal prepping!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and minced garlic.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for 1-2 hours before baking.
- Use whole grain mustard for added texture.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 420mg
Leave a Reply