Zesty Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Succulent chicken meets a tangy glaze in this irresistible baked honey mustard chicken recipe that promises to elevate your weeknight dinner.

The sweet and zesty combination creates a mouthwatering melody of flavors you’ll adore.

Tender chicken breasts absorb the rich honey mustard marinade, ensuring every bite bursts with deliciousness.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to craft a meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Golden-brown edges and a glistening sauce make this dish both visually stunning and incredibly tasty.

Easy to prepare and even easier to devour, this recipe transforms an ordinary chicken dinner into something extraordinary.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Plating Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve these golden-brown chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy herbed rice, creating a stunning plate that will impress your guests.
• Weeknight Comfort Meal: Pair the honey mustard chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a complete and nutritious dinner.
• Fresh and Light Side: Create a crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, sweet, and tangy flavors of the chicken.
• Leftover Magic: Slice cold chicken and use in sandwiches, wrap in lettuce, or toss into a salad for a delicious next-day lunch option that transforms your dinner into a versatile meal.

Storing Honey Mustard Chicken Safely

• Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months to enjoy later. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

FAQs

• What type of mustard works best for this recipe?

Dijon mustard is recommended for its tangy, sharp flavor that complements the honey perfectly and creates a balanced sauce for the chicken.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes to prevent drying out, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 74C (165F).

• Is fresh rosemary necessary or can I use dried herbs?

You can use dried herbs, but use about 1/3 the amount of fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant taste if available.

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Flavor Appeal

• This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• The honey mustard sauce offers versatility, allowing you to adjust herbs and spices to match your family's taste preferences.
• With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary chicken thighs into a mouth-watering main course that looks and tastes professionally prepared.
• The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a universally appealing sauce that both kids and adults will love, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Honey Mustard Chicken Delight

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful cut of meat that provides the base for this delicious honey mustard recipe.

• Honey, Dijon Mustard: Sweet and tangy combination that creates a rich, flavor-packed coating for the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a sharp, aromatic depth to the honey mustard sauce.

• Rosemary, Thyme: Fresh herbs that provide an earthy and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps to bind the sauce and create a smooth, even coating on the chicken.

Tools for Baking Honey Mustard Chicken

• Baking Dish: Large rectangular dish for roasting chicken.
• Mixing Bowl: Small bowl to combine honey mustard sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate sauce seasoning measurements.
• Measuring Cups: To measure honey and oil precisely.
• Pastry Brush: Helps spread sauce evenly over chicken thighs.
• Paper Towel: For patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Sharp Knife: To mince garlic and chop fresh herbs.
• Cutting Board: Surface for chopping ingredients.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Baking Up Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Set the Cooking Stage

Crank your oven to a toasty 177°C (350°F).

Grab your chicken thighs and give them a gentle pat-down with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

This helps create that irresistible crispy exterior.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Chopped rosemary
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they create a smooth, fragrant sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Lavish Chicken with Sauce

Take a brush or spoon and generously coat each chicken thigh with the honey mustard mixture.

Make sure every inch gets some love from this delectable sauce.

Step 4: Transform in the Oven

Slide the chicken into the preheated oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes.

You’re looking for that perfect golden-brown color and an internal temperature of 80°C (175°F).

For an extra crispy finish, switch to broil for a quick 2 to 3 minutes at the end.

Watch carefully to prevent burning!

Expert Tips for Honey Mustard Chicken

• Remove excess moisture to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that seals in delicious flavors.
• Adjust honey and mustard proportions to match your taste preference, creating a personalized sweet-tangy sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is fully cooked without drying out the meat.
• Chop rosemary and thyme just before adding to maximize their aromatic oils and enhance overall flavor profile.
• Broil chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to create a beautiful golden-brown exterior with irresistible crunch.

Honey Mustard Chicken Customizations

• Spicy Kick Chicken: Replace honey with sriracha and add cayenne pepper for a fiery version that brings extra heat to the classic recipe.
• Herb Garden Variation: Swap Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard and increase fresh herb mix with parsley, basil, and oregano for a vibrant herbal profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free mustard and ensure all herbs are pure to make the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Skip butter or cream-based additions and focus on using olive oil and pure honey to maintain a clean, allergen-friendly preparation.

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent honey mustard chicken recipe delivers a symphony of tangy and sweet flavors from kitchen to table. Crispy golden coating and juicy meat promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and position the rack in the top third of the oven for optimal heat distribution.
2. Place chicken breasts in a 9×13 baking dish, ensuring they do not touch each other. Season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes to initiate the cooking process and develop initial flavor.
4. Create the sauce by whisking honey, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and cornstarch until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.
5. Remove chicken from oven and drench each piece thoroughly with the prepared honey-mustard sauce, ensuring complete and even coating.
6. Return the sauced chicken to the oven and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
7. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps retain moisture and allows sauce to slightly thicken.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, spoon additional sauce over the chicken, and perform a final seasoning taste test before serving.

Notes

• Use high-quality chicken breasts for maximum tenderness and juiciness, ensuring they’re similar in size for even cooking.
• Opt for pure honey and real Dijon mustard to elevate the sauce’s depth and authenticity of flavor.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking dish, which can lead to steaming instead of proper baking and potential uneven cooking.
• Customize the recipe by substituting honey with maple syrup for a different sweet profile or using gluten-free cornstarch for dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg