Description
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs with a flavorful honey and Dijon mustard marinade. It’s a simple, hassle-free dish perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with garlic and olive oil. Coated in a luscious sauce and baked to golden perfection, this chicken is garnished with fresh thyme for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Honey Dijon Marinade
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to help the marinade stick better and ensure even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper. Rub it in lightly to evenly season the chicken surface.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the bowl, turning each piece to coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat Oven: While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease or spray a baking dish. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the dish.
- Apply Remaining Marinade: Brush or spoon the leftover marinade evenly over the tops of the chicken pieces for extra flavor and moisture.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until cooked through and golden on top. Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Tent with foil if the chicken begins to brown too quickly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours enhances the flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through safely.
- If preferred, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey according to taste.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
