Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that will take center stage at your dinner table with its sweet and tangy flavors. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights, offering a delightful feast with minimal effort and maximum taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with just 5 minutes of prep time required.
- Sweet and Tangy Glaze: The honey Dijon glaze adds a burst of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, making it adaptable to any meal.
- Healthy Protein: Packed with lean chicken breast, it’s a nutritious choice for a balanced diet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Each one plays a critical role in creating a dish that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts; they’re the perfect canvas for the bold flavors of the glaze.
- Olive Oil: This helps in creating a crispy, succulent chicken and is key in the seasoning rub.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a depth of savory flavor without the need for chopping fresh garlic.
- Honey: Use liquid honey for a seamless blend; it’s the sweet component of our signature glaze.
- Dijon Mustard: The tang and a bit of heat elevate the flavor of the glaze, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Variations
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Don’t hesitate to make adjustments based on what you have available at home or to cater to specific dietary preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the rub for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
- Herbal Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the glaze for an aromatic infusion.
How to Make Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, and other spices. Rub this flavorful mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re evenly coated for maximum flavor impact.
Step 2: Bake and Glaze
Place the seasoned chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for approximately 15-40 minutes, flipping once halfway. While the chicken is baking, mix honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and vinegar to make the glaze. Once the chicken is cooked, brush it with the glaze and return it to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes to set the glaze.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
- Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken breasts are similar in size for uniform cooking.
- Flavor Infusion: Allow the chicken to rest in the rub while the oven preheats for extra flavor.
- Glaze Perfection: If you enjoy a crisp finish, briefly broil the chicken after glazing.
- Juicy Result: Let the chicken rest a few minutes post-baking to lock in the juices before serving.
How to Serve Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives not only brings a vibrant color contrast but also enhances the dish with a hint of freshness. Lemon slices can also be served on the side for those who like an extra tang!
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. These sides complement the sweet and tangy chicken without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic presentation, serve this chicken on a wooden board with sides arranged around it. Or for a more elegant look, platter it with a ring of bright, seasonal vegetables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Dijon Chicken can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure that the chicken is completely cooled before transferring to a storage container.
Freezing
For longer storage, place the chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) until warmed through, approximately 10-15 minutes. Consider making a fresh batch of glaze to brush over the chicken before reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in chicken requires a longer cooking time to ensure doneness.
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Can the chicken be grilled instead of baked?
Certainly, grilling adds a delightful charred flavor. Grill over medium heat, flipping occasionally until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
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Is it necessary to flip the chicken while baking?
Flipping helps in even cooking and prevents one side from becoming overly browned, especially important if the fillets are uneven.
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What can I substitute for dijon mustard?
If you’re out of dijon, try using whole grain mustard or even a spicy brown mustard for a different kick. Adjust to taste!
Final Thoughts
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a delightful dish that marries simplicity with robust flavors. It’s a meal that’s as friendly to prepare as it is to relish, making it a staple worth adding to your weekly menu. I hope you try this recipe and fall in love with its deliciousness as much as I have. Bon appétit!
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Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a deliciously tender and flavorful dish that features juicy chicken breasts coated with a savory rub and glazed with a sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce. Perfectly baked until golden and finished with a quick broil for a slight crispy topping, it’s an easy and satisfying meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 large chicken breasts boneless, skinless
For the Chicken Rub
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp (20 ml) olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 and 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder (optional, to taste)
For the Homemade Honey Dijon Glaze
- 1/3 cup (110 g) liquid honey
- 1 tbsp (15 g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 g) yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 g) lemon juice
- 1 (15 g) apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar or more lemon juice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to ensure easy cleanup.
- Make the chicken rub: In a shallow bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and smoked paprika. Mix well. Add the chicken breasts and rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of each piece.
- Arrange chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts onto the prepared baking sheet with space between them to promote even baking.
- Bake the chicken: Bake for 15-25 minutes, flipping the chicken once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Prepare the glaze: While the chicken is baking, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, and vinegar in a small bowl until smooth.
- Glaze the chicken: As soon as the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and brush with the honey Dijon glaze generously. Return the chicken to the oven and broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to achieve a slightly caramelized and crispy top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for a couple of minutes, then serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Storing Instructions: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Rehydrate with additional glaze or sauce when reheating.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat for 5-10 minutes. Reheat quickly in the microwave for about 2 minutes, covering to retain moisture.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
