If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the perfect blend of tangy mustard, sweet honey, and aromatic herbs creating a flavor that sings with every bite. What’s even better is that it’s baked to juicy perfection, making dinner simple without sacrificing that homemade magic. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to serve family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential, each bringing its own sparkle to the Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. From the zesty Dijon mustard to the fragrant thyme, every component works together to build layers of flavor and a beautiful golden finish.
- Chicken breasts: Pounded and portioned, they ensure even cooking and a tender bite every time.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth that balances perfectly with the sweetness of honey.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create a luscious glaze on the chicken.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and aids in melding the sauce ingredients.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami note that elevates the flavor complexity.
- Fresh thyme: This herb infuses a delicate earthiness and bright aroma.
- Garlic: Provides a hint of savory warmth that complements the mustard.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- Paprika: Gives a mild smokiness and a lovely touch of color to the dish.
How to Make Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. While it’s warming up, pound the chicken breasts to an even 1-inch thickness and cut them into 4 to 5-ounce portions. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a large bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, crushed garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth. This sauce is the heart of your dish, combining sweet, tangy, and savory flavors perfectly.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the sauce for later but toss the chicken into the remaining sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight if you have time – this step lets all those flavors truly soak in.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray and arrange your marinated chicken breasts evenly inside. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for an internal temperature of 160 degrees, as it will rise to 165 once rested.
Step 5: Brush with Reserved Sauce and Serve
Right after baking, brush your chicken with the sauce you saved earlier to add a glossy finish and extra punch of flavor. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme, and your delicious Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprig of fresh thyme or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the herbaceous notes of the dish. A light drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce can make it feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides — creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or even a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Each option complements the sweet and savory magic of the chicken perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced over fluffy rice or quinoa, topped with a handful of toasted almonds for crunch. Or arrange the pieces on a rustic platter with lemon wedges for an extra zing and inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making reheated portions just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked chicken in a suitable container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover chicken in a low oven at 300 degrees, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave it on medium power, brushing on a little of the reserved honey mustard sauce to keep the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will offer a slightly different texture but will work wonderfully with the honey mustard marinade. Just adjust baking time as needed since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for a long time?
While marinating for at least 20 minutes helps infuse flavor, overnight marinating really takes this dish to the next level, making the chicken extra tender and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as some brands may contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for many dietary needs.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Using a food thermometer is the best way to check. The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit after resting post-bake.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
For sure! Just use a larger baking dish or bake the chicken in batches to allow even cooking and proper browning of the honey mustard glaze.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe that makes it a staple in my kitchen. It’s simple, flavorful, and versatile enough for weeknights or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how easy and satisfying homemade dinner can be!
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Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a tangy honey mustard sauce with hints of thyme and garlic. Baked to juicy perfection, it’s a quick, healthy dinner option that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 – 1 ¼ pounds chicken breasts (pounded and cut into 4–5 oz. portions)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon fresh thyme (finely chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (crushed)
- ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- â…› teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- â…› teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prep Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to about 1-inch thick and cut into 4-5 ounce portions to ensure even cooking.
- Make Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped fresh thyme, crushed garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Save Some Sauce: Reserve 2 tablespoons of the honey mustard sauce for brushing on the chicken later to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Coat Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the remaining sauce and toss well to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Marinate: Refrigerate the coated chicken for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate. For convenience, transfer to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag for easy storage.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The chicken will continue to cook slightly after removal, reaching a safe 165 degrees.
- Brush with Sauce: Remove chicken from oven and brush each piece with the reserved honey mustard sauce for added glaze and flavor.
- Serve: Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme if desired, then serve and enjoy your delicious baked honey mustard chicken.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer for more intense flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Adjust honey amount for sweetness preference.
