If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy weeknight dinner idea, look no further than Baked Honey Mustard Chicken. This dish combines the sweetness of honey, the tang of mustard, and the richness of oven-roasted chicken to deliver a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re making it for your family, guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to chicken dishes.
Let’s explore what makes this dish so irresistible—and how to make it perfectly every time.
Table of Contents
What Is Baked Honey Mustard Chicken?
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is a popular oven-baked dish that involves marinating chicken pieces in a sauce made from honey, mustard, and a few flavorful seasonings. The result is juicy, tender chicken coated in a sticky, sweet-and-savory glaze with just the right kick from the mustard. The dish is known for its balance of flavors, minimal prep time, and versatile serving options.
It’s ideal for those who want to enjoy a home-cooked, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Here’s what you’ll need to create a delicious baked honey mustard chicken dinner:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard (optional, for texture)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, adds brightness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional for garnish)
How to Make Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
1. Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard (if using)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey. For more tang, increase the Dijon mustard slightly.
3. Coat the Chicken
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. You can also reserve a small portion of the sauce to brush on at the end.
Optional: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary around the chicken for extra aroma and flavor.
4. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Halfway through baking, spoon some sauce over the chicken to keep it moist and flavorful.
For a caramelized finish, broil the chicken on high for the last 2–3 minutes—just be careful not to burn the sauce.
Flavor Variations and Customizations
Baked honey mustard chicken is highly adaptable. Here are a few twists to consider:
Spicy Kick:
Add 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce or red chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy version.
Creamy Style:
Stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamier honey mustard sauce.
Sheet Pan Version:
Add vegetables like baby potatoes, carrots, or green beans to the baking dish. Toss them in olive oil and season lightly—they’ll soak up the sauce while roasting.
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken:
Marinate the chicken in the sauce for 2–4 hours, then grill over medium heat, brushing with extra sauce as it cooks.
Serving Suggestions
Baked honey mustard chicken pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Rice, quinoa, or couscous
- Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans
- Mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t skip the garlic—it deepens the flavor profile.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooked chicken.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes (optional but recommended) if you have time.
- Use parchment paper under the chicken if you’re worried about sticky cleanup.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? Great news—this dish stores beautifully.
Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
Cool the chicken completely and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheat:
Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave in 1-minute bursts.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 12g
This dish is naturally gluten-free, and with slight adjustments, it can be low-carb as well (use a sugar-free honey substitute).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and are less likely to dry out. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly—thighs may take an extra 5–10 minutes.
What mustard is best for this dish?
Dijon mustard is the most popular choice due to its tangy flavor, but you can use whole grain, spicy brown, or even yellow mustard for different taste profiles.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?
While not required, marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to overnight helps enhance the flavor and tenderness.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you add a creamy element. Use olive oil or dairy-free yogurt if needed.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If your sauce is too runny, pour it into a saucepan and simmer over low heat until it reduces and thickens.
Conclusion
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is everything you want in a dinner: quick, flavorful, and versatile. The combination of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and savory garlic creates a deeply satisfying glaze that turns simple chicken into a standout main course.
Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping meals for the week, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite. Feel free to tweak the recipe to match your taste and don’t be afraid to experiment with new variations.
Try it tonight—you won’t regret it.
For more creative ideas, check out this Frito Chicken Casserole Recipe.
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