This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe is a staple in my kitchen—and it’s straight from my Nonna’s old handwritten cookbook, with a few modern tweaks. She used to prepare a similar dish on Sundays, and the aroma alone was enough to bring the whole family to the table early. It’s juicy, tangy, slightly sweet, and so simple to make that even busy weeknights can feel a bit special.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish delivers comfort and flavor without fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Fast: Minimal prep and clean-up.
- Flavorful: The combination of honey and Dijon creates a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy.
- Versatile: Works with both chicken breasts and thighs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer dark meat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
1. Marinate the Chicken
Preparation:
- Rinse chicken and pat dry using paper towels.
- Season each piece with salt and pepper on both sides.
Create the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil.
- Coat chicken thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare an extra batch of the Honey Dijon sauce (optional but recommended for added flavor after baking):
- Mix 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tsp olive oil until smooth. Set aside.
3. Bake the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish and place marinated chicken inside.
- Brush additional sauce on top of each piece.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is golden.
Tips & Serving Suggestions
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh thyme for an herbaceous finish.
- Side Pairings: Serve with roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp salad.
- Leftovers: Shred leftover chicken into wraps or salads for a delicious lunch.
Share Your Twist!
Have you tried this recipe with rosemary or added a touch of lemon? Share your version in the comments or tag us on Instagram!
Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer dark meat
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh thyme leaves optional, for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
Preparation:
- Rinse chicken and pat dry using paper towels.
- Season each piece with salt and pepper on both sides.
Create the Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil.
- Coat chicken thoroughly with the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Prepare the Sauce
- While the chicken marinates, prepare an extra batch of the Honey Dijon sauce (optional but recommended for added flavor after baking):
- Mix 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tsp olive oil until smooth. Set aside.
Bake the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish and place marinated chicken inside.
- Brush additional sauce on top of each piece.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is golden.
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