Description
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe features juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a flavorful blend of Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and olive oil. Baked to perfection in the oven, this dish is both simple and delicious, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
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 the Chicken: Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels. This ensures that the marinade sticks better and the chicken cooks evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper. Rub the seasoning in lightly to evenly coat the surface.
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the bowl with the marinade, turning them to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to let the flavors infuse deeply.
- 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. Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and place them in a single layer in the dish.
- Coat with Sauce: Brush or spoon the remaining marinade evenly over the tops of the chicken pieces.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is a nice golden color on top. If the chicken is browning too quickly, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop, but not more than 2 hours to avoid overpowering the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- If chicken browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma and flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
