Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines sweet and tangy flavors in a way that will leave your taste buds dancing. If you’re looking for something that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve, then this recipe is just what you need. Picture this: succulent chicken breasts bathed in a rich honey mustard glaze, all baked to perfection. Not only does it come together quickly, but it also creates minimal mess—having just one baking dish to clean is a win in my book!
This dish is equally perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy get-together with friends. Everyone will love the explosion of flavor in every bite. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite sides. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started on creating this delicious Baked Honey Mustard Chicken—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home.
Why This Recipe Works
This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken recipe is effortless yet impactful, combining simple ingredients to create a dish that’s not only flavorful but also visually appealing. The balance of sweet honey and tangy mustard provides a rich glaze that continues to develop as the chicken bakes, resulting in moist, tender chicken that’s full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is perfect for any occasion. The sweetness of the honey paired with the distinct bite of mustard creates a rich sauce that promises to impress. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that reduces cleanup time without sacrificing taste!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning blend (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional, but recommended)
Prepping the Chicken
Seasoning the Chicken Breasts
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better. After drying, generously season each breast with the chicken seasoning blend for a flavor boost.
Searing the Chicken
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1½ tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This step locks in flavor and moisture, setting the stage for a delicious meal.
Making the Honey Mustard Sauce
Whisking the Sauce Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, combine ½ tablespoon of olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, wholegrain mustard, white vinegar, and paprika. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth sauce. This will be the star of the show, so ensure all ingredients are well blended.
Baking the Chicken
Assembling the Dish
Now, transfer the browned chicken breasts to a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, making sure each breast gets a lovely coat. For an extra aromatic touch, tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the chicken; they add beautiful flavor as it bakes.
Baking the Chicken
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mouthwatering Baked Honey Mustard Chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to complement those rich flavors. Each bite is sure to please everyone at the table, making it perfect for any meal.
Tips for Success
- For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for a few hours before cooking.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of equal thickness; this allows for even cooking.
- Use an Instant Read Meat Thermometer to accurately check for doneness.
Variations
Want to experiment? Try adding minced garlic for a kick or switch up the mustard types. You can also incorporate other herbs like thyme or lemon zest for a refreshing twist that keeps this dish exciting over time!
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm in the oven until heated through. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy this meal again without much effort.
Pairing Ideas
This versatile chicken dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light, fruity salad. The acidity in the wine or salad balances the flavors perfectly, allowing the dish to shine even more.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A1: Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but the cooking time will vary. Make sure to check until it reaches 165°F.
Q2: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A2: Yes, as long as your mustard options are gluten-free, this recipe is safe for gluten-free diets.
Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A3: Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead, then bake it just before serving.
Q4: How can I spice this up?
A4: Adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce will give it a nice kick!
Q5: What sides pair well with this chicken?
A5: Roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, or rice pilaf complement the flavors beautifully.
This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken serves as a delightful centerpiece for any meal. Its combination of tantalizing flavors and ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned cooks alike. Enjoy the juicy, succulent chicken enveloped in a rich honey mustard sauce, bringing a taste of comfort to your dinner table.
PrintBaked Honey Mustard Chicken
This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is flavorful and easy to prepare, featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy glaze. Perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining guests!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning blend (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional, but recommended)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with chicken seasoning blend.
- Sear chicken in a skillet with 1½ tablespoons olive oil for 2 minutes on each side.
- Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Transfer seared chicken to a greased baking dish and pour sauce over it.
- Bake covered with foil at 375°F for 20 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until cooked through.
Notes
Marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours enhances the flavor.
Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 80