There’s just something irresistible about juicy chicken coated in sweet, tangy, and just-a-little-bit-spicy sauce. That’s exactly what you get with Baked Honey Dijon Chicken—a gorgeous, golden dinner that comes together in under an hour and is guaranteed to wow your tastebuds (and your family!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor, Little Effort: The honey Dijon glaze packs a punch with loads of zip and sweetness, yet requires just a whisk and a handful of pantry staples.
- Oven-Baked Perfection: No fussing at the stove—just season, bake, brush, and broil for perfectly juicy chicken every time.
- Weeknights to Dinner Parties: Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is special enough to serve guests but easy enough for busy weeknights (hello, 30-minute dinners!).
- Customizable Heat & Tang: You can dial the spice or brightness up or down to match your mood and your family’s palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy here—every ingredient in Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is chosen for maximum flavor and color, while still keeping things simple and accessible. Each item either boosts the savory spice, brings sweetness, or adds that signature golden glaze.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook up juicy, tender, and take on all those bold flavors from the rub and glaze.
- Olive oil: Helps the spice rub stick and gives a lovely richness to the chicken.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: The classic aromatic duo for savory undertones without overpowering the glaze.
- Chili powder & chipotle chili powder (optional): Infuse a gentle heat and a smoky complexity; use chipotle to deepen the flavor if you like a bit more “wow.”
- Ground cumin: Adds an earthy, warm note that rounds out the spice blend.
- Smoked paprika: For color and a slightly smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with honey and mustard.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors so that every bite sings.
- Honey: The natural sweetener that caramelizes slightly in the oven, giving the dish its signature sticky glaze.
- Dijon mustard & yellow mustard: These offer tang, depth, and balance to the sweetness of the honey—Dijon for a sophisticated sharpness and yellow for brightness.
- Lemon juice: Brings a fresh pop of acidity that keeps every bite tasting vibrant.
- Apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar): A splash messes with the glaze chemistry just right, ensuring it’s not cloyingly sweet but beautifully balanced.
Variations
What’s better than a quick and delicious recipe? One you can truly make your own! Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a breeze to adapt—whether you’re working around allergies, using up what’s in your pantry, or adding an extra zing.
- Swap the chicken cut: Use thighs for extra juiciness or swap in boneless drumsticks; just adjust baking time as needed.
- Make it dairy-free/gluten-free: This chicken is naturally both! No tweaks needed—just confirm your mustards and spices.
- Kick up the spice: Add extra chipotle powder or even a dash of hot sauce to the glaze if you crave more heat.
- Try a different sweetener: Maple syrup subs in beautifully for honey if you want an autumnal twist.
- Add herbs: Toss in a little chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze or sprinkle over before serving for herbal flair.
How to Make Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps guarantee the chicken won’t stick. Set it aside while you get your spice blend ready.
Step 2: Mix the Spice Rub
In a shallow bowl, combine the olive oil with all the spices—garlic powder, chili powders, salt, onion powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir it into a rich, brick-red paste. The olive oil helps everything stick and distributes flavor all over the chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Add your chicken breasts to the bowl and gently rub the spice mixture into every nook and cranny. Make sure each piece is evenly coated—this makes for super flavorful, evenly roasted chicken.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the prepared chicken on your lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-40 minutes (timing depends on how thick your chicken is). Flip them over once halfway through so each side gets a chance to brown and stay juicy. When a thermometer hits 165°F (75°C), you’re golden!
Step 5: Make the Honey Dijon Glaze
While the chicken bakes, stir together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, and vinegar in a small bowl. It should be thick, glazy, and so fragrant you’ll want to dip your spoon in right away!
Step 6: Glaze and Broil
As soon as your chicken is done, brush it generously with the honey Dijon glaze. Pop it back in the oven for another 1–2 minutes (or flip on the broiler for a super-caramelized finish). Serve while it’s piping hot and sticky!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
- Juicy Every Time: Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking before slicing so the juices redistribute and every bite stays moist.
- Customize Your Glaze: Taste the glaze before brushing it on; add another splash of acid if it’s too sweet, or stir in a pinch more mustard for extra zing.
- Broil for Caramelization: Don’t skip that brief broil! It creates a gorgeous sticky crust and intensifies the glaze’s flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly safe, tender chicken every time, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How to Serve Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a sprinkle! Fresh chopped parsley, a few thyme leaves, or even a dash of extra chili flakes over Baked Honey Dijon Chicken brings color and a pop of freshness that makes the flavors sing. For a bright, zesty finish, add a few lemon wedges on the side.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with so many things! Try fluffy rice pilaf, creamy mashed potatoes, or crisp-roasted vegetables. For a lighter meal, a fresh green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette is perfection alongside the sweet and savory glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken and fan it over a platter of colorful grains, or serve family-style in a shallow bowl with all the honey-mustard juices poured over the top. You can even dice leftovers for wraps, grain bowls, or atop a dressed salad for a delicious lunch the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Baked Honey Dijon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as it rests, making leftovers downright crave-worthy!
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly or place in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze the chicken without glaze and add a fresh batch when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated 350°F (180°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or on low heat on the stovetop, covered, until heated through. For extra sauciness, whip up a little more glaze and brush on before warming. Quick tip: the microwave also works in a pinch—just cover and heat for 2 minutes!
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Baked Honey Dijon Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap for breasts in this recipe—they’re naturally juicy and hold up well to the bold glaze. Just remember to adjust the cook time as thighs may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
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How spicy is the finished Baked Honey Dijon Chicken?
The recipe delivers a subtle warmth from chili and chipotle powders, but it’s not overly hot. If you’d like it spicier, simply increase the chipotle or add a pinch of cayenne!
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Is Baked Honey Dijon Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just confirm your mustards and spices are certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with allergies or celiac disease.
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Can I make the glaze in advance?
Certainly! The honey Dijon glaze can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before brushing on your hot, just-baked chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new family favorite or a crowd-pleasing dinner that goes way beyond basic, you have to try Baked Honey Dijon Chicken! It’s so easy, unbelievably flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with this sweet, savory, and oh-so-juicy dish—let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!
Print
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful homemade rub and a sweet-tangy honey Dijon glaze. Easy to prepare and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
For the Chicken Rub
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp (20 ml) olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 and 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 and 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder (optional, to taste)
For the Homemade Honey Dijon Glaze
- 1/3 cup (110 g) liquid honey
- 1 tbsp (15 g) Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 g) yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 g) lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15 g) apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar or more lemon juice)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F (220C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make the chicken rub. In a shallow bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and chipotle chili powder. Rub the mixture over the chicken and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-40 minutes or until fully cooked, flipping halfway. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
- Make the honey Dijon glaze. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, and vinegar. Brush the chicken with the glaze after baking and bake or broil for 1-2 minutes. Serve hot!
Notes
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Reheat using additional glaze to prevent dryness. Bake at 350F (180C) for 10-15 minutes or stovetop (low heat) for 5-10 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
