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Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe


  • Author: Rayne
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard: The tangy base of the glaze that gives this dish its distinctive flavor.
  • ¼ cup honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize in the oven.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps create a smooth, glossy glaze and adds richness.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Provides a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey and the sharpness of the mustard.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and savory notes to the glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Optional, but brings a lovely herby aroma to the dish.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the glaze and chicken.

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your preferred cut of chicken; both work well with this recipe.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken, giving it a nice crispy texture before baking.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning the chicken.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Dijon Glaze

  1. Mix the Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and dried thyme (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the glaze aside.

  2. Taste Test: Give the glaze a quick taste and adjust the flavors as needed. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. If you want more tang, a little extra vinegar or mustard can work wonders.


Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning and glaze adhere better. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the chicken develops a golden-brown crust. This step adds extra flavor and helps lock in moisture.

  3. Preheat the Oven: While the chicken is searing, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).


Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Chicken

  1. Apply the Glaze: Once the chicken is seared on both sides, pour the honey Dijon glaze over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Use a spoon or brush to spread the glaze if needed.

  2. Transfer to the Oven: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). The glaze will bubble and caramelize as the chicken bakes, creating a beautiful golden crust.

  3. Optional – Broil for Extra Crisp: For an extra crispy finish, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the glaze.


Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Let the Chicken Rest: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains juicy.

  2. Serve: Plate the chicken with your favorite side dishes, spooning any extra glaze from the skillet over the top for added flavor.

  3. Garnish: If desired, garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness and color.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 35g