Description
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts or thighs coated in a flavorful honey and Dijon mustard marinade. The dish is simple to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time. The chicken is marinated to enhance flavor, then baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Marinade
- 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 Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to help the marinade adhere better and ensure even cooking.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken and rub lightly to cover the surface evenly.
- Make Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until smooth and fully combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the marinade, turning to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat Oven: While the chicken marinates, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly oil or spray a baking dish. Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and place the pieces in a single layer.
- Apply Marinade: Brush or spoon the remaining marinade evenly over the tops of the chicken pieces.
- Bake Chicken: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and golden on top. Use foil tenting if browning too quickly.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired before serving hot.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours intensifies the flavor but is not mandatory.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely and not overdone.
- Fresh thyme adds a wonderful herbal aroma and garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This recipe works well with either chicken breasts or thighs, offering juicy results.
- Serve with your choice of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
