Let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: easy baked honey dijon chicken! Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver in my kitchen. It’s so simple that even on the busiest nights, I can whip it up without breaking a sweat. The combination of honey and dijon mustard creates this incredible sweet and tangy glaze that makes the chicken so juicy and flavorful—it’s just divine! Plus, it bakes in the oven while I can focus on prepping sides or just relaxing for a moment.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or just need a comforting meal for the family on a weeknight. I love how versatile it is! You can pair it with whatever you have on hand, from roasted veggies to a fresh salad. And trust me, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as good the next day. Once you try this easy baked honey dijon chicken, it might just become your new favorite too!

Ingredients List

For this easy baked honey dijon chicken, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a big punch. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for this recipe, ensuring juicy meat throughout.
1/4 cup honey: The star of the show! It adds that delightful sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze.
1/4 cup dijon mustard: This brings in the tangy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey.
2 tablespoons olive oil: A bit of healthy fat that helps keep the chicken moist while it bakes.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a hint of savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning! Don’t skimp on these to enhance all the flavors.

These ingredients come together so beautifully—trust me, you’ll love the end result!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this easy baked honey dijon chicken! It’s a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen pro by the end of it. Here’s how to do it:

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key for perfectly baked chicken, so don’t skip this step!
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until it’s well blended. You want that glorious glaze to be smooth and ready to coat the chicken.
Next, take your chicken breasts and place them in a spacious baking dish. Make sure they’re laid out flat so they can absorb all that tasty sauce.
Now, pour the honey dijon mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated. I like to use a spatula to spread it around a bit to make sure it’s even. Yum!
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye on it—your kitchen will smell heavenly! The chicken is done when it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Once it’s cooked through, don’t forget to let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken extra juicy and tender.

And there you have it! You’re just a few simple steps away from enjoying this delicious dish. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-packed: The blend of honey and dijon mustard creates a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze that elevates the chicken.
Gluten-free: This dish is suitable for gluten-free diets, so everyone can enjoy it!
Minimal cleanup: With just one baking dish required, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.
Versatile: Pair it with your favorite sides, from rice to veggies, for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

Alright, here are some pro tips to ensure your easy baked honey dijon chicken turns out perfect every time! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness of the glaze. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey, or if you prefer a tangier kick, increase the dijon mustard. It’s all about your taste buds!

Next, to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This way, you’ll avoid any dryness and keep it juicy!

And for sides, consider serving it with roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or even some fluffy rice to soak up that delicious glaze. These pairings not only complement the chicken but also make for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your easy baked honey dijon chicken! One of my favorite twists is to add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze. Just chop them up finely and stir them in for an aromatic touch that enhances the flavor.

You can also throw in some veggies right in the baking dish! Think sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even some cherry tomatoes. They’ll roast beautifully alongside the chicken and soak up all that delicious sauce.

Another idea is to spice things up a bit with a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika for some heat. And for a fruity flair, toss in some diced apples or pears into the mix—trust me, the sweetness pairs wonderfully with the dijon!

Feel free to get creative; the possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking so much fun!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this easy baked honey dijon chicken! Here are some typical values per serving (1 chicken breast), but keep in mind these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 300mg
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 30g

This dish is not only delicious but also a great source of protein, making it a satisfying option for any meal. Enjoy knowing you’re serving up something tasty and nutritious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers of your easy baked honey dijon chicken is super easy! Just let the chicken cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It should last about 2 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For reheating, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overdo it, or it might get a bit dry. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!

FAQ Section

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
You can, but the cooking time will vary! Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook, so make sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer—aim for 165°F (74°C) internally.

What can I serve with easy baked honey dijon chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it with roasted veggies, fluffy rice, or a fresh green salad. You can mix and match based on what you have in your kitchen!

Can I marinate the chicken in the honey dijon mixture?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken for a few hours (or even overnight) in the honey dijon mixture can really enhance the flavor. Just make sure to store it in the fridge while it marinates.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can cook a batch ahead of time and store it in individual containers. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it throughout the week.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. No more guesswork!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this easy baked honey dijon chicken as much as I do! It’s truly a crowd-pleaser. I’d love to hear your experiences or any fun variations you come up with. Drop a comment below and let’s share our cooking adventures together!

For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!

Also, if you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of honey, you can read this article on Healthline.

Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken: 5 Steps to Comforting Joy

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious recipe for honey dijon chicken baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

4 chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken breasts in a baking dish.
Pour the honey dijon mixture over the chicken.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Adjust honey and mustard ratio for desired sweetness.
Serve with your choice of side dishes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 250
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: easy baked honey dijon chicken

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