Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

Looking for a dinner recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights? Look no further than this Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken. With a sweet and tangy sauce made from honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, this dish brings out the natural juiciness of the chicken while adding a beautiful depth of flavor. The combination of savory garlic, soy sauce, and fresh rosemary takes it to the next level, making every bite absolutely irresistible.

This recipe is not only quick to prepare, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, the easy-to-make marinade ensures the chicken is always tender and perfectly seasoned. The best part? It’s baked in the oven, freeing up your time to prepare sides or relax while the chicken cooks to perfection. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a complete meal. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor—what’s not to love?

Let’s dive into why this recipe should be on your weekly meal plan and how you can make it happen with ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Simple: This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, with minimal steps and ingredients.
2. Flavorful Marinade: The combination of honey, mustard, and apple cider vinegar gives the chicken a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
3. One-Pan Meal: Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
4. Tender Chicken: The marinade ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful, every time.
5. Versatile: You can pair it with various sides to suit your taste—whether you want something hearty or light.

Ingredients

• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Whole grain Dijon mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• Garlic, minced or grated
• Salt and pepper
• Chicken broth (or water)
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
• Fresh rosemary (2-3 sprigs)

Variations

• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
• Swap Mustards: You can use regular yellow mustard if you prefer a milder flavor, or try spicy brown mustard for an extra punch.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with thyme, oregano, or sage in place of rosemary for different herbal notes.
• Gluten-Free: Simply use tamari or omit the soy sauce entirely to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe for a richer, more flavorful option.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish. Add chicken broth (or water) to the bottom of the dish and tuck the rosemary sprigs around the chicken. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite sides and drizzle with any extra pan sauce from the baking dish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Marinade: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances the flavor and makes the chicken more tender.
• Check the Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature (165°F or 75°C).
• For Extra Glaze: After baking, pour any pan juices over the chicken for an added layer of flavor.
• Baking Dish Tip: Make sure your baking dish is large enough so the chicken isn’t crowded. This ensures even cooking and better caramelization.
• Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.

How to Serve

• Serve the honey Dijon chicken with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
• Pair with a light green salad or a side of steamed rice for a complete meal.
• You can also serve this dish with a creamy mashed potato or quinoa for extra texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to include any extra pan sauce for added moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked chicken for up to 2 months. For best results, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Add a little chicken broth or water to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will add extra flavor and remain juicy.

2. How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. Avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too tender.

3. Can I make the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use tamari instead of soy sauce or omit it entirely.

5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).

6. What should I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad.

7. Can I bake the chicken on a higher heat?

It’s best to bake at 375°F (190°C) for even cooking. Baking at a higher temperature could result in burnt sauce before the chicken is fully cooked.

8. Can I cook this on the stovetop?

You can pan-sear the chicken and then finish cooking it in the oven, but baking is the most straightforward method.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake two chicken breasts or thighs in a larger baking dish.

10. Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Yes, adding vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or bell peppers to the dish is a great way to make a one-pan meal.

Conclusion

The Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a go-to recipe for quick and satisfying meals. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a dish that feels indulgent and tastes incredible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping for a week’s worth of meals, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to become a favorite. Baked to perfection with a beautifully caramelized glaze, this chicken is everything you need for a flavorful and effortless meal!

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