Description
This Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful marinade of Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and herbs, then baked to perfection. It’s an easy yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the honey Dijon marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, pouring any leftover marinade over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot alongside your favorite sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness, but for best results, marinate up to 8 hours.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce and simmer leftover marinade on the stovetop before drizzling over the cooked chicken.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For a dairy-free and gluten-free meal, this recipe is safe as is.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color contrast but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
