If you’re craving a dish that brings together a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with tender, juicy chicken, you have to try this Easy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that transforms basic ingredients into a cozy, comforting dish guaranteed to brighten up any dinner. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing friends, this recipe works beautifully for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making this Easy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe shine. Each item plays a crucial role in delivering that delightful combination of flavors and textures that makes this recipe so memorable.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein without extra fat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle aromatic warmth that complements the honey and mustard beautifully.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey: Brings just the right amount of sweetness for a rich, luscious glaze.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: A tangy kick that balances the sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and helps create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce perfectly, giving it that lovely silky texture.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness just before serving.
How to Make Easy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F and move the rack to the top third position. This placement ensures your chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful glaze from the sauce later.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts side-by-side in a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle each piece evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This initial seasoning creates a flavorful base that pairs wonderfully with the honey mustard sauce.
Step 3: Initial Baking
Pop the chicken into the oven and bake it uncovered for 10 minutes. This early baking helps the chicken start cooking without drying out, prepping it for the sauce that will follow.
Step 4: Whisk the Sauce
While the chicken is baking, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a bowl until fully combined. This mixture will create the signature sauce that makes this Easy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 5: Add the Sauce to the Chicken
Pull the chicken out of the oven and pour the freshly mixed sauce evenly over each breast. The sauce will seep into the chicken as it bakes, infusing every bite with that perfect sweet-and-tangy flavor.
Step 6: Final Baking
Return the chicken to the oven and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This step ensures the chicken is fully cooked while the sauce thickens and caramelizes slightly on the surface.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once removed from the oven, spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley on top for a fresh, colorful touch. Add extra salt and pepper if desired.
How to Serve Easy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds vibrant green to the dish but also injects a mild herbal brightness that complements the rich flavors. For a bit of texture and color, toasted sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions can also be fantastic additions.
Side Dishes
This chicken recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice absorb the honey mustard sauce wonderfully. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad provide a fresh contrast, while steamed broccoli adds a nutritious balance to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, serve the chicken sliced on a bed of quinoa or couscous, drizzled with extra sauce and garnished with parsley and lemon wedges for a slight zing. Alternatively, the chicken can be shredded and tossed into wraps or salads for a delicious, versatile meal option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow the chicken to cool slightly, then transfer any leftovers and sauce to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
This Easy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. Store cooled chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags to maintain texture and flavor. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F, covered to keep the chicken moist, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power for too long, as this may dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give a slightly more forgiving, juicy result due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking times slightly, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Is Dijon mustard necessary or can I substitute it?
Dijon mustard gives this recipe its characteristic tangy flavor, but you can substitute with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard for a milder taste. Just be aware the flavor profile will change subtly.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk together the sauce ingredients ahead of baking. Keep it refrigerated until ready to pour over the chicken before the final baking step.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast; it should read 165°F to ensure safety and tenderness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use a gluten-free cornstarch or thickener and ensure your chicken broth and mustard are gluten-free, which many brands offer.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe is pure comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself making over and over because it hits all the right notes — sweet, tangy, tender, and absolutely satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly this can become a dinner favorite in your home.
Print
Easy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection and coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple pantry ingredients with minimal fuss, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and position the oven rack in the upper third to ensure even baking of the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts side-by-side in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle each breast evenly with garlic powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Initial Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10 minutes to start cooking the chicken through.
- Make Sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and cornstarch in a bowl until smooth and combined, creating the honey mustard sauce.
- Add Sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven after 10 minutes and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened.
- Rest and Serve: Take the chicken out of the oven and spoon some of the sauce over the breasts. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
- The Dijon mustard adds a nice tangy depth to the sauce; use your favorite brand for best flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F internally.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps retain juices and makes the meat more tender.
- You can double the sauce ingredients if you like extra sauce over your chicken and sides.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice to make it a complete meal.
