If you’re looking for a chicken dinner that’s equal parts delicious, reliable, and wonderfully fuss-free, this Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is about to become your new go-to. Golden chicken breasts nestle in a bath of tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce, kissed with smoky paprika and fresh garlic, then baked until irresistibly juicy and flavorful. Every bite is tender, savory, and just a tiny bit indulgent, but you’ll be amazed how quickly this dish comes together. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or impressing guests with minimal effort, Baked Honey Mustard Chicken hits all the right notes – and you’ll find yourself craving it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things beautifully simple – every ingredient has a purpose, bringing its own special something to the finished dish. Here’s what you’ll need, and a quick tip on making each one shine in your Baked Honey Mustard Chicken.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless breasts so they cook quickly and soak up the delicious sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Smooth and tangy, Dijon lays the flavorful foundation for that classic honey mustard flavor.
- Honey: Brings subtle sweetness and balances the zesty mustard – local honey adds an extra floral note if you have it!
- Olive Oil: Helps the sauce mingle and keeps the chicken moist and rich as it bakes.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth and aroma you’ll notice in every spoonful of sauce.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash for brightness – it lifts the flavor and keeps the sauce lively.
- Smoked Paprika: Just a little provides a beautiful color and a whisper of smokiness that makes this dish stand out.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning – taste and adjust to your liking before and after baking.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped and scattered on top for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness right before serving.
How to Make Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by grabbing a small mixing bowl and add in the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk these together until you have a shiny, cohesive sauce that’s bursting with aroma. Taste it before you proceed – you can always tweak the balance a little to suit your palate.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into a lightly greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer for the most even cooking. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, then use tongs or a spoon to turn each piece until every side is well coated. The sauce will seem plentiful, and that’s exactly what you want for the juiciest, most flavorful Baked Honey Mustard Chicken.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. The foil traps steam, helping the chicken turn perfectly tender as it cooks. Let it bake for 25 minutes – your kitchen will start to smell absolutely heavenly about halfway through!
Step 4: Bake Uncovered for Perfect Glaze
After the initial 25 minutes, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has reduced slightly, thickening into a luscious glaze. Spoon some of that rich sauce over each breast to coat it thoroughly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once your Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is ready, sprinkle it generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Don’t forget to ladle extra sauce from the bottom of the pan onto each serving – it’s way too tasty to waste!
How to Serve Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley instantly elevates your Baked Honey Mustard Chicken, but you can also add extra black pepper, a few sprigs of thyme, or even thinly sliced green onions. If you feel adventurous, try zesting a bit of lemon over the top for a pop of citrus that complements the honey mustard sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken absolutely shines alongside fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes, which soak up every drop of the sweet-savory sauce. Roasted vegetables – think carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts – pair perfectly, adding color and texture to your plate. For something fresher, a simple green salad with crisp cucumber and cherry tomatoes is all you need.
Creative Ways to Present
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is stunning as a main course, but it’s also fantastic sliced atop a hearty grain bowl, tucked into wraps with crunchy lettuce, or flaked into pasta with a little of the leftover sauce. For parties, slice the chicken into strips, pile onto a platter with toothpicks, and watch it disappear as the star protein on your appetizer table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover Baked Honey Mustard Chicken to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop even more by day two, making it perfect for quick lunches or a second easy weeknight meal.
Freezing
You can freeze Baked Honey Mustard Chicken for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. Wrap each cooled chicken breast tightly or use a freezer-safe container, along with the extra sauce. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 325°F (165°C), covered, until heated through to preserve tenderness. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, spooning extra sauce over the top before heating to keep the chicken moist. A splash of chicken broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during chilling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and rich flavor. Just extend the cooking time by about 5 to 10 minutes, as thighs are a little thicker and fattier. Keep an eye on the internal temperature and you’ll have a truly succulent Baked Honey Mustard Chicken variation.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, marinating the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for 1 to 2 hours (or even overnight) infuses even more flavor and keeps the meat extra juicy. Just cover and refrigerate the marinating chicken until you’re ready to bake.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is with an instant-read thermometer – the thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center of a piece; it should be opaque and the juices should run clear, never pink.
Can I make this dish dairy-free or gluten-free?
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as written, just be sure that your Dijon mustard doesn’t include hidden gluten or additives. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for those with sensitivities!
What if I want more sauce?
If you’re a sauce lover (aren’t we all?), simply double the honey mustard sauce ingredients! It’s wonderful for drizzling over sides or using as a dressing on your salad. Just pour the extra in with the chicken and proceed as usual; the sauce will thicken up deliciously as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken truly has it all – simple prep, maximum flavor, and a spot in your regular dinner rotation just waiting to happen. Make it once, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite for busy nights and special occasions alike. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
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Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, baked to perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Cook the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a lightly greased baking dish and pour the sauce evenly over them, turning to coat both sides. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is slightly thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Spoon the sauce over the chicken before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for 1–2 hours before baking.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
