Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken: A Sweet & Savory Weeknight Favorite

There are few flavor combinations more universally loved than honey and mustard. Sweet, tangy, and slightly sharp, they complement each other perfectly. Pair that duo with juicy baked chicken, and you’ve got a recipe that feels gourmet but simple enough for a busy weeknight: the Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken.

This dish is healthy, flavorful, and versatile. It works with chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Best of all, the honey-mustard glaze caramelizes in the oven, giving the chicken a glossy, golden-brown finish.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Season chicken: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish. Pour glaze over chicken, turning to coat evenly.
4. Bake chicken: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes (breasts) or 35–40 minutes (thighs) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Broil for caramelization (optional): For extra golden color, broil chicken for 2–3 minutes at the end.
6. Garnish and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve warm with sides of choice.

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick prep: Just 10 minutes of hands-on work.
• Healthy choice: Lean protein with a natural honey-based glaze.
• Kid-friendly: Sweet flavors balance the sharpness of Dijon.
• Meal-prep ready: Keeps well for several days in the fridge.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper or red chili flakes.
• Creamy Dijon: Whisk 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo into the sauce for creaminess.
• Herb Lovers: Add rosemary or thyme sprigs to the baking dish.
• Sheet Pan Meal: Roast potatoes, carrots, or broccoli alongside the chicken.

Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken

A flavorful and family-friendly chicken dish baked with a sweet and tangy honey Dijon glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika optional, for color
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Baking dish
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
3. Place chicken in the baking dish and pour glaze over, coating evenly.
4. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes (breasts) or 35–40 minutes (thighs) until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for a caramelized finish.
6. Rest chicken for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

For a creamier twist, add Greek yogurt to the sauce. This dish pairs perfectly with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Serving Ideas

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Rice or quinoa – to soak up the honey mustard sauce.
• Mashed potatoes – for ultimate comfort.
• Grilled or roasted vegetables – zucchini, green beans, carrots, or asparagus.
• Fresh salad – for a lighter option.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge, reheat gently.