If you’re looking for a quick, crave-worthy dish that turns ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed masterpiece, Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is about to become your new dinnertime winner. Juicy chicken breasts bake in a glossy, sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, creating a meal that’s both comforting and dazzling on the plate. With only a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a main course that’s equally perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this easy classic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this recipe is how simple and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one is essential for building the irresistible layers of taste. Every component pulls its weight to bring you vibrant color, rich aroma, and that signature sweet-tangy kick.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show—these remain juicy and tender when baked in the luscious sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Offers gentle heat and unmistakable depth, balancing the sweetness with sharp, savory notes.
- Honey: Brings natural sweetness and beautiful caramelization to the finished chicken.
- Olive Oil: Helps the sauce cling to the chicken and promotes even browning in the oven.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that rounds out the tangy mustard and honey.
- Paprika: Provides gentle smokiness and a subtle, warm color.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the dish.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish): Gives a peppery, vibrant finish and a pop of green to each plate.
How to Make Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a light coat of olive oil or simply line it with parchment paper for effortless cleanup. This prep step means your chicken won’t stick and helps everything bake evenly—trust me, it’s worth the few seconds!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a vigorous whisk until the ingredients are smoothly blended and the sauce looks glossy and irresistible. This golden mixture is the soul of your Baked Honey Mustard Chicken, so don’t be shy giving it a little extra whisk for good luck!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish, making sure there’s a bit of space around each one. Generously brush each piece, top and bottom, with your honey mustard sauce. Let any remaining sauce drizzle over the top—the more, the better for basting and flavor.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the tops look temptingly golden. For an extra caramelized finish, flip the broiler on for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Watch closely so the sweet sauce doesn’t burn, but that sticky glaze is worth every second!
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Pull the dish from the oven and let your Baked Honey Mustard Chicken rest for a quick 5 minutes—this seals in all the juiciness. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for an instantly fresh and vibrant touch.
How to Serve Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Garnishes
A finishing flourish of chopped parsley delivers freshness and color, but you can change it up with thinly sliced green onions, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a scattering of microgreens for a touch of elegance. Each adds brightness and contrast to the sweet-savory chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish is endlessly versatile when it comes to sides. Pair your Baked Honey Mustard Chicken with fluffy rice, roasted baby potatoes, or a medley of seasonal roasted vegetables for a comforting, balanced meal. If you’re craving something lighter, it’s fantastic alongside a crisp green salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual vibe, slice the chicken and tuck it into toasted rolls with lettuce for an instant sandwich. Hosting dinner? Plate with a drizzle of extra sauce, place atop steamed broccoli or asparagus, and scatter a little extra parsley for a restaurant-worthy look. The honey mustard glaze also works beautifully if you want to chop leftovers and toss them into a salad or pasta for a whole new spin the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Honey Mustard Chicken holds up beautifully in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to three days. The sauce keeps the chicken tender, so it reheats just as juicy as it was fresh out of the oven.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Let it cool completely, wrap each piece tightly, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months, ready to save dinnertime on a busy night.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a covered dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. For extra juiciness, add a spoonful or two of chicken broth or water to the dish. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover and use 50% power for gentle, even heating that won’t dry it out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and offer an even juicier result. Just adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Definitely. Marinating for 30 minutes to 2 hours is plenty for developing flavor, but an overnight stint in the fridge will intensify the taste even more. Be sure to keep the chicken chilled and covered.
What can I do if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
If Dijon isn’t on hand, yellow mustard will do in a pinch—the flavor will be milder, but you’ll still get delicious results. A little grainy mustard adds lovely texture if you want to play around.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is naturally gluten-free as written, but always double-check ingredient labels, especially on mustard, to avoid any hidden gluten. It’s a great option for gluten-sensitive guests.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer; chicken is safe when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear and the chicken will be beautifully firm to the touch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring big flavor to the table with almost no fuss, give Baked Honey Mustard Chicken a try! This recipe brings together everything I love about easy home cooking: simple ingredients, fast prep, and a result that tastes like a special treat. Share it with your loved ones, and it just might become a favorite in your house, too.
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Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-vegetarian
Description
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Mix sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat chicken: Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and brush them evenly with the honey mustard sauce.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional broil: Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes at the end to caramelize the top.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
