Description
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-Dijon mustard sauce with garlic and olive oil, baked to juicy perfection and garnished with fresh thyme for a flavorful, simple, and wholesome main dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Marinade/Sauce
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better and promotes even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper, rubbing it in lightly to ensure even seasoning.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until smooth and fully combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the bowl, turning to coat every piece thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish: Lightly oil or spray a baking dish, then remove chicken from marinade letting the excess sauce drip off. Arrange the pieces in a single layer in the dish.
- Coat with Sauce: Brush or spoon the remaining marinade over the tops of the chicken pieces evenly.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the chicken browns too fast, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours enhances the flavor but do not exceed this time to avoid a mushy texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked for safety and optimal juiciness.
- If chicken browns too quickly in the oven, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- This recipe works well with chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
