Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful and satisfying dish that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than Baked Honey Mustard Chicken. This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard to create a glaze that perfectly complements tender chicken breasts. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, this dish can be served alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal. In just under an hour, you can have a delicious dinner on the table that everyone will love. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Plus, it’s easily adaptable—feel free to customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. So preheat your oven and get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering Baked Honey Mustard Chicken!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

  • Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
  • Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
  • Honey: Opt for pure honey for the best flavor; it adds natural sweetness to the dish
  • Dijon Mustard: This type of mustard provides a nice tangy flavor that balances well with the honey
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over the chicken; it helps keep it moist while cooking
  • Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness in the dish

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by spraying it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Mix the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and olive oil until smooth.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish and pour the honey mustard mixture over them evenly.

Step 5: Bake in Oven

Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce from the baking dish for the perfect finishing touch.

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

  • Even Cooking: Make sure all chicken pieces are of similar thickness for consistent cooking times
  • Temperature Control: Allow chicken breasts to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking
  • Marinating Option: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken in the honey mustard mixture overnight

How to Serve Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

  • Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
  • Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the honey mustard marinade in advance. Mix the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to one day before marinating the chicken. This allows flavors to develop.
  • Storing: Leftover Baked Honey Mustard Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, checking every minute to maintain texture.

Suggestions for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Avoid Over-marinating

Marinating chicken in the honey mustard mixture is essential for flavor, but over-marinating can lead to mushy texture. Aim for a marinating time of 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you leave it longer, the acids in mustard and any added citrus can break down the meat’s fibers too much. As a result, your baked honey mustard chicken may lose its juiciness and tender quality. Ensure you monitor the marinating time closely for optimal results.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients makes a significant difference in the flavor of baked honey mustard chicken. Fresh herbs and spices enhance the dish, while stale or dried ingredients can lead to a lackluster taste. When selecting honey, opt for high-quality raw honey rather than processed versions to retain natural flavors. Always check expiration dates on mustards and other condiments as well, ensuring that every component contributes to a delicious dish.

Don’t Skip Preheating the Oven

Preheating your oven is crucial for even cooking and achieving that perfect golden color on your baked honey mustard chicken. If you skip this step, the chicken may cook unevenly, resulting in dry or undercooked pieces. Set your oven to the required temperature at least 15 minutes before placing your dish inside. This practice guarantees that your chicken cooks thoroughly while allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

Be Mindful of Cooking Time

Cooking time is vital when preparing baked honey mustard chicken. If you cook it for too long, you’ll end up with dry meat; too short, and it may be undercooked. Generally, bone-in pieces take longer than boneless ones. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer—165°F ensures safe consumption. Adjust timing based on the size and cut of the chicken you are using to achieve perfectly tender results.

FAQs

FAQs

What sides pair well with baked honey mustard chicken?

Baked honey mustard chicken pairs beautifully with various sides that complement its sweet and tangy flavor profile. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts, which add color and nutrition to your meal. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice also make excellent options as they can soak up any extra sauce from the dish. For a lighter touch, prepare a fresh salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the chicken.

Can I use different types of mustard?

Absolutely! While traditional yellow mustard works well for baked honey mustard chicken, experimenting with different types can elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Dijon mustard offers a sharper taste that complements sweetness nicely, while whole grain mustard adds a delightful texture along with its robust flavor. For something spicier, try spicy brown mustard or even flavored options like garlic or herb-infused mustards to create unique variations of this classic recipe.

How do I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers from baked honey mustard chicken is straightforward and helps retain their quality. Allow any leftover chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days without losing flavor or texture significantly. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in freezer bags; they can last up to three months frozen.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Baked honey mustard chicken is an excellent candidate for meal prep or make-ahead cooking. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for more depth in flavor before baking it when you’re ready to eat it. You can also bake it ahead of time; just ensure you store it properly in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it again—reheat gently in an oven or microwave without drying out.

Conclusion

Baked honey mustard chicken is not only easy to prepare but also packed with delightful flavors that will satisfy any palate. By avoiding common mistakes such as over-marinating and neglecting fresh ingredients, you can ensure a delicious outcome every time you make this dish. Remember always to preheat your oven for even cooking and keep an eye on cooking times based on your chosen cuts of meat. With these tips and tricks in mind, you’ll impress family and friends alike with perfectly cooked baked honey mustard chicken that’s both tender and flavorful! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

 

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Baked Honey Mustard Chicken


  • Author: Cecilia
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is an incredibly flavorful dish that beautifully marries the sweetness of honey with the tangy zest of Dijon mustard. This easy-to-follow recipe yields tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a luscious glaze, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. In less than an hour, you can create a meal that not only satisfies but also impresses family and friends. Pair this delightful chicken with fluffy rice, a fresh salad, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce for a complete dining experience. Customize the flavors by incorporating your favorite herbs or spices to make this dish truly your own.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup pure honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and olive oil until smooth.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken in the baking dish and evenly pour the honey mustard mixture over it.
  5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Serve drizzled with extra sauce from the baking dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 150g)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for up to 2 hours before baking. Experiment with different mustards like whole grain or spicy brown for unique flavor variations.

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Cecilia

Pro Chef & Blogger

Welcome to my culinary corner, where passion meets the plate! I’m a chef with a love for creating delicious and inspiring dishes. Here, I’ll share my best recipes, tips, and tricks to help you bring a taste of magic into your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find something to ignite your passion for cooking. Join me on this flavorful journey and let’s make every meal memorable. Happy cooking.

Cecilia