Description
This Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe offers a perfectly balanced combination of tangy Dijon mustard and sweet honey, marinated with aromatic herbs and spices, then baked to juicy, tender perfection. Ideal for a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish is simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the honey Dijon marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper flavor infusion.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour any remaining marinade on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to enhance the flavor.
- If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, lemon juice works equally well to add acidity.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- To reduce calories, use a sugar-free honey substitute or reduce honey amount slightly.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
