Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the aroma of Baked Honey Mustard Chicken wafting through the kitchen. It takes me back to family gatherings where the air was filled with laughter and the irresistible scent of chicken baking to perfection. This dish is a staple in my household, especially on busy weeknights when I crave something delicious yet easy to prepare. The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a flavor profile that’s nothing short of magical, transforming simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal. I still remember the first time I served this dish to friends; their faces lit up with delight as they took the first bite, and I knew I had struck gold with this recipe!
Recipe Snapshot
50 mins
10 mins
40 mins
Medium
360 kcal
40 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
15 g
9″x13″ baking dish
Why We Love This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
A Flavorful Twist
What I love about Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is its simplicity combined with a punch of flavor. The honey adds a delightful sweetness while the mustard brings just the right amount of tang. It’s a perfect harmony that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Healthy Ingredients
This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also packed with healthy ingredients. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures that you’re serving a lean protein option, making it a great choice for anyone watching their diet.
Quick and Easy
Have you ever had those days when you just don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is your answer! With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Impressive Presentation
Even though it’s easy to make, this dish looks impressive when served. The golden-brown chicken topped with a glossy honey mustard glaze is a feast for the eyes. You can easily impress your guests with a homemade meal that looks like it took hours to prepare!
Versatile Serving Options
Another standout feature of this recipe is its versatility. You can pair it with a variety of sides: think roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a fresh green salad. Whatever you choose, it complements the chicken beautifully.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you’re someone who enjoys meal prepping, this is a fantastic option! The chicken stays moist and flavorful, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week. You can whip up a batch on Sunday and be set for quick lunches all week long.
Key Ingredients for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
The ingredients for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken are quite simple yet come together beautifully to create an unforgettable dish. Each component has its own role in building the depth of flavor that makes this recipe so special. The star of the show is, of course, the chicken, which serves as a protein-packed base. The honey and mustard blend creates a unique sauce that coats the chicken in a sweet and tangy glaze. Adding a touch of Italian dressing and spices enhances the flavor profile, making every bite a delightful experience.
- 2 lbs chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) – The main protein, lean and perfect for absorbing flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided) – Adds moisture and helps in cooking the chicken evenly.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of the chicken.
- Cooking spray – Used to grease the baking dish for easy cleanup.
- ¼ cup yellow mustard – Gives a zesty kick to the dish.
- ¼ cup stone-ground mustard – Adds texture and depth to the mustard flavor.
- ¼ cup honey – Sweetens the dish and balances the mustard’s tartness.
- 2 tbsp Italian dressing – A flavor booster that adds a herby note.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – For a subtle hint of savory goodness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Adds an earthy aroma and flavor.
- parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish) – A fresh touch that brightens the dish.
Recipe Steps for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Cooking Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is! Let’s dive into the steps that will take your chicken from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and perfect browning of the chicken.
Brush about 1 tablespoon of olive oil all over the chicken breasts. Make sure to coat them evenly; this helps the seasonings to adhere.
Liberally sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken. Don’t hold back; the seasoning is what brings out the flavor!
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts, cooking until they are lightly browned on both sides. Remember, they won’t be cooked through yet, so keep an eye on their color.
Lightly spray your baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This step ensures that your chicken won’t stick!
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the dish. It’s perfectly fine if they overlap slightly; they will cook just fine.
In a separate bowl, mix together the honey mustard sauce ingredients. Combine the yellow mustard, stone-ground mustard, honey, Italian dressing, garlic powder, and dried oregano until fully combined. This sauce is going to be the star of the dish!
Pour the sauce all over the top of the chicken, making sure it’s evenly covered. The sauce will soak into the chicken as it cooks, making it super flavorful.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes. If you’re using extra-large chicken breasts, let them bake for 30 minutes.
Uncover the dish and continue baking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 to 165°F. This ensures that your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken tender and juicy.
Slice and serve, or serve each breast whole. If desired, drizzle extra sauce over the chicken and enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cook at the right temperature: Ensuring your oven is preheated properly is crucial for even cooking.
- Don’t rush the browning: Taking your time to brown the chicken will create a richer flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure you reach the perfect doneness without overcooking.
- Allow resting time: Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps it retain its juices.
Recipe Tips about Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
To ensure your Baked Honey Mustard Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips! Follow these suggestions for the best results, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself.
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 to 6 days.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Pairing: This dish goes wonderfully with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate to save time.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your taste preference.
What to Serve Alongside Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Serving Baked Honey Mustard Chicken can be as delightful as the dish itself! Here are some great ideas for sides and accompaniments that will elevate your dining experience:
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or green beans can complement the flavors without overpowering them.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes make a comforting and hearty side.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds a healthy grain and texture contrast.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with creamy dressing can be a great starter to your meal.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf serves as a great base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Seasonal Fruits: Fresh fruits like a summer fruit salad can add a refreshing touch to your meal.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or even weeknight meals.
FAQ
Conclusion
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is a fantastic dish that balances sweet and tangy flavors with tender chicken. It’s not only easy to prepare but also makes for a beautiful presentation at the dinner table. I encourage you to try this recipe the next time you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s sure to please family and friends. Your taste buds will thank you, and it might just become a new favorite in your home!
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is a crucial step to ensure even cooking and perfect browning of the chicken.
- Brush about 1 tablespoon of olive oil all over the chicken breasts. Make sure to coat them evenly; this helps the seasonings to adhere.
- Liberally sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken. Don’t hold back; the seasoning is what brings out the flavor!
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts, cooking until they are lightly browned on both sides. Remember, they won’t be cooked through yet, so keep an eye on their color.
- Lightly spray your baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil. This step ensures that your chicken won’t stick!
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the dish. It’s perfectly fine if they overlap slightly; they will cook just fine.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the honey mustard sauce ingredients. Combine the yellow mustard, stone-ground mustard, honey, Italian dressing, garlic powder, and dried oregano until fully combined. This sauce is going to be the star of the dish!
- Pour the sauce all over the top of the chicken, making sure it’s evenly covered. The sauce will soak into the chicken as it cooks, making it super flavorful.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for about 25 minutes. If you’re using extra-large chicken breasts, let them bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover the dish and continue baking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 to 165°F. This ensures that your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken tender and juicy.
- Slice and serve, or serve each breast whole. If desired, drizzle extra sauce over the chicken and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 to 6 days.
- Freezing: If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Pairing: This dish goes wonderfully with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate to save time.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey based on your taste preference.
