Name: Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Tender, juicy chicken baked to perfection with a flavorful honey Dijon glaze – what’s not to love? This easy baked chicken recipe is a weeknight dinner hero, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard creates an irresistible sauce that the whole family will devour.

✨ What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this honey Dijon chicken apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken remains moist and tender on the inside, while the skin crisps up to a beautiful golden brown. The glaze has a subtle sweetness that’s beautifully offset by the bold Dijon, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward baking method, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

The beauty of this Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard creates the classic flavor profile that has made baked chicken recipes perennially popular.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and brush the honey Dijon mixture evenly over the top of each piece.
Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with the sauce in the pan halfway through the cooking time.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Timing Overview

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes

Compared to traditional baked chicken dishes which can take up to 60 minutes to prepare, this Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 258
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 393mg

These honey Dijon baked chicken breasts provide approximately 54% of your daily protein requirements and 17% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🥬 Make It Even Healthier

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt in place of the olive oil for a lower-fat version.
• Lower-carb version: Substitute sugar-free honey or a low-carb honey alternative for the regular honey.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar for a dairy-free option.
• Added protein: Serve the chicken over a bed of quinoa or roasted chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Roast some diced sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts alongside the chicken for added nutrition.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad
• Pair with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
• Complement the dish with a simple side of rice or quinoa
• For a complete meal, serve alongside a light lemon-herb couscous or a refreshing cucumber salad
• Create a casual, family-style platter with the chicken, roasted vegetables, and warm dinner rolls

❓ FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The honey Dijon chicken can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and follow the normal cooking instructions.

Can I substitute a different type of mustard?

Yes, you can use other types of mustard in place of the Dijon. Whole grain mustard or even a spicy brown mustard would work well, though the flavor profile may be slightly different. Start with the same amount and adjust to taste.

Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?

With a few simple modifications, this recipe can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a lower-carb version, use a sugar-free honey substitute. To make it dairy-free, replace the honey with maple syrup or agave. You can also increase the protein by serving it over quinoa or roasted chickpeas.

What if the chicken is overcooked?

If the chicken ends up a bit dry or overcooked, don’t worry! Simply make a quick sauce by mixing some additional honey and Dijon mustard, then drizzle it over the chicken just before serving. The extra moisture and flavor will help revive the dish.

Can I add any other seasonings or ingredients?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and can be customized to your taste preferences. Try adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, or a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne pepper for a little kick. You can also experiment with different vegetable side dishes to round out the meal.

🎉 Final Thoughts

These Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken breasts represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a family-friendly weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, they’re sure to impress with their tender, juicy texture and irresistible glaze. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these honey Dijon baked chicken breasts demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the baking process. So why wait? Get ready to fall in love with this easy, delicious chicken dish!