If you are looking for a dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with tender, juicy chicken, then you must try this Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. It combines the richness of honey and the slight sharpness of mustard, enhanced by fresh herbs and aromatic spices, to create a simple yet irresistible meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites thanks to its straightforward preparation and delightful taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in bringing this Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe to life. From the creamy Dijon mustard to the fragrant fresh thyme, every element adds a splash of flavor, texture, or color that makes the dish shine.
- Chicken breasts (1 – 1 ¼ pounds): Pounded to an even thickness to ensure juicy, evenly cooked pieces.
- Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons): Adds a sharp, tangy depth that balances the honey’s sweetness perfectly.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings natural sweetness and beautiful caramelization when baked.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the sauce coat the chicken and keeps it moist during baking.
- Worcestershire sauce (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle umami kick to deepen the flavor profile.
- Fresh thyme (¾ teaspoon, finely chopped): Infuses the chicken with herbaceous notes that complement the honey mustard glaze.
- Garlic (1 clove, crushed): Lends a fragrant warmth and savory richness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Black pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Provides a gentle heat that balances sweetness.
- Paprika (⅛ teaspoon): Adds a subtle smoky undertone and beautiful color to the chicken.
How to Make Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, take your chicken breasts and pound them gently to about 1-inch thickness to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy. Then, cut the chicken into 4 to 5-ounce portions to make perfect individual servings.
Step 2: Make the Honey Mustard 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. This mixture is the flavorful heart of your baguette chicken and will coat each piece beautifully.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the honey mustard sauce for later brushing, then add your chicken pieces to the remaining sauce in the bowl. Toss everything well so that each breast is fully coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight if you’re preparing ahead. Using a gallon-sized Ziploc bag for marinating is a great way to save space and keep everything contained.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Lightly spray a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and place the marinated chicken breasts inside in a single layer. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature will rise a bit more while resting, ensuring it reaches a safe and perfectly juicy 165 degrees.
Step 5: Brush and Finish
Once baked, generously brush your chicken breasts with the reserved honey mustard sauce to add an extra glossy layer of flavor. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme, and your truly stunning Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs are a classic garnish for this dish, adding an inviting green contrast and aromatic hint. A light drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce just before serving keeps every bite bursting with flavor. For a pop of color, some freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika over the top looks beautiful and enhances the smoky notes.
Side Dishes
This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce, while steamed green beans add a vibrant crunch that complements the tender chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating the chicken atop a bed of buttery polenta and garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens for a stunning presentation. You can also slice the chicken and serve it on crostini with a touch of sauce for an elegant appetizer. Wrapping cooked chicken in warm tortillas with crisp slaw transforms this recipe into an irresistible wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover baked honey mustard chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken coated in some of the reserved sauce helps maintain its moisture and flavor, ensuring it tastes just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts from this recipe by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. For best quality, consume within 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for a tender, flavorful meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered dish in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until heated through, to avoid drying out. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power and cover the chicken to retain moisture, brushing it lightly with reserved sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Adjust the baking time to about 25 to 30 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect results.
Is Dijon mustard necessary, or can I substitute regular yellow mustard?
Dijon mustard has a smoother texture and more sophisticated tang than regular yellow mustard, which really complements the honey. However, if that’s what you have on hand, you can substitute it with yellow mustard; just expect a slightly sharper and less complex flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
While 20 minutes is enough to infuse some flavor, marinating the chicken for several hours or overnight really allows the honey mustard to soak in, making your chicken extra tasty and succulent.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free, as it does not use any butter or cream. All the richness comes from olive oil and honey, making it perfect for those avoiding dairy.
What should I do if my chicken isn’t browning on top?
If the chicken looks pale after baking, you can switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to achieve a golden caramelized top without burning the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is truly a keeper in any kitchen. It’s straightforward, bursting with flavor, and versatile enough to feel special without complicated prep. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this simple yet satisfying dish can brighten up your dinner table with ease and joy.
Print
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken recipe offers tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of Dijon mustard, honey, and fresh herbs. Baked to perfection, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 – 1 ¼ pounds chicken breasts (pounded and cut into 4–5 oz. portions)
Honey Mustard 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)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken.
- Prep Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch and cut them into 4-5 ounce portions for 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 mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Save Some Sauce: Reserve 2 tablespoons of the honey mustard sauce for brushing on the chicken after baking.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken portions to the remaining sauce in the bowl and toss until each piece is well coated. Place the coated chicken in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight for enhanced flavor. For easier storage, transfer the chicken and marinade to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Place Chicken in Dish: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature will rise to the safe final temperature of 165 degrees after removing from the oven.
- Brush with Reserved Sauce: Once baked, brush the chicken with the reserved honey mustard sauce to add an extra layer of flavor and shine.
- Serve: Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious baked honey mustard chicken!
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if preferred, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
- If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme can be used, but reduce the quantity to about 1/4 teaspoon.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
