Bursting with flavor and wrapped in the soothing embrace of sweet and tangy, Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a comforting delight. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are paired with a homemade honey-mustard glaze that takes this dish to the next level of deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Blend: The honey and Dijon mustard create a sweet and spicy glaze that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples and fresh chicken, this recipe is both accessible and budget-friendly.
- Quick Prep: It requires minimal preparation time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: Easy to adapt to different dietary needs, making it suitable for nearly everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, with each one playing a crucial role in harmonizing the flavors of our beloved Baked Honey Dijon Chicken. Every component adds its own touch, ensuring a well-balanced and tantalizing experience.
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to evenly coat the chicken with the rub.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers that pleasant umami flavor essential to any good rub.
- Honey: Enhances the sweetness and caramelizes beautifully under heat.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and a bit of spice, balancing the sweetness of honey.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness.
Variations
This Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is as flexible as it is flavorful, giving you plenty of room to make it your own. Feel free to experiment, whether you’re accommodating a special diet or simply switching up the flavors a bit!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for an extra kick.
- Herby Delight: Toss in some fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, for aromatic enhancement.
- Low Carb: Use low-carb honey substitute to make this recipe keto-friendly.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for portobello mushrooms or tofu for a delightful plant-based version.
How to Make Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 425F (220C). As the oven heats, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and chipotle chili powder in a shallow bowl. Rub this fragrant mixture evenly over your chicken breasts to ensure they’re well-coated.
Step 2: Create the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, and vinegar. Once your chicken is baked to perfection, brush this glaze liberally over each piece. For that extra golden finish and crisp texture, broil the glazed chicken for another 1-2 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
- Perfect Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165F (75C) for perfect doneness.
- Even Coating: Make sure to rub the spice mix thoroughly into every nook and cranny of the chicken for deep flavor penetration.
- Timing is Key: Keep a close eye while broiling; a minute too long can turn the perfect glaze into char.
- Glaze Consistency: If you like a thicker glaze, simmer the mix on the stove for a minute before applying.
How to Serve Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a zest of lemon for a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness. It not only enhances the visual appeal but also brings out the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light salad to complement the rich flavors of your Baked Honey Dijon Chicken. Each option works to balance the meal, offering textures and tastes that are delightfully harmonious.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the chicken into strips and drizzle extra glaze over the top for a picturesque presentation. Alternatively, serve whole with a ring of bright, colorful veggies surrounding the plate for an elegant meal centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store any leftover Baked Honey Dijon Chicken, ensure it’s cooled to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 days, ensuring you have a tasty meal ready at a moment’s notice.
Freezing
Freeze the chicken for up to two months in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date and reheating instructions for easy microwave meals on busy days, ensuring freshness every time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Baked Honey Dijon Chicken in a 350F (180C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a bit more fresh glaze if needed to keep the chicken moist. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—simply heat on medium power for about 2 minutes.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work very well in this recipe, although they may require a bit more cooking time due to their thicker cuts.
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Is it okay to make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to two days in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
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What if I don’t have chipotle chili powder?
You can omit it or substitute it with a regular chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper for similar heat.
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How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Ensure that you don’t overbake the chicken and use a meat thermometer to check for the correct internal temperature. Covering the chicken during the last few minutes of baking can also help retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
Life is too short for bland meals, and Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is the perfect remedy. Its delightful combination of flavors, ease of preparation, and flexibility make it a must-try for anyone seeking to elevate their dinner game. I wholeheartedly encourage you to whip this up in your kitchen and savor every bite!
Print
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated with a savory spice rub and topped with a sweet and tangy honey Dijon glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines the heat of chili powder with the sweetness of honey for a balanced and delicious main course.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
For the Chicken Rub
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp (20 ml) olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 and 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder (optional)
For the Homemade Honey Dijon Glaze
- 1/3 cup (110 g) liquid honey
- 1 tbsp (15 g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 g) yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 g) lemon juice
- 1 (15 g) apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar or more lemon juice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken rub: In a shallow bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and chipotle chili powder (if using). Mix thoroughly.
- Rub the chicken: Rub the spice mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring all sides are coated. Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken: Bake for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Make the glaze: While chicken is baking, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, and vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze and finish: Once the chicken is cooked, brush it generously with the honey Dijon glaze. For a crispy finish, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until slightly caramelized. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storing Instructions: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or on the stovetop over low heat for 5-10 minutes. Reapply glaze if needed to keep moist.
- Tip: For extra crispiness, broil the glazed chicken for a minute or two before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 150 grams)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 14 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
