Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Discover the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe. It’s an incredibly simple yet deeply flavorful dish that transforms everyday chicken breasts into a tender, juicy meal bursting with honeyed mustard goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite thanks to its bright marinade and effortless preparation. Get ready to delight your taste buds with this fantastic blend of fresh thyme, garlic, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients, each carefully chosen to create a perfect harmony of flavor, color, and texture. These essentials make the dish approachable while packing a punch of taste that feels gourmet.
- Chicken breasts (1 – 1 1/4 lbs.): Pounded and portioned for even cooking and juicy results.
- Salt (1/2 tsp.): Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/8 tsp.): Adds subtle heat without overpowering the dish.
- Paprika (1/8 tsp.): Brings a hint of smoky sweetness and lovely color to the chicken.
- Dijon mustard (2 Tbsp.): Provides that classic tangy backbone in the sauce.
- Honey (2 Tbsp.): Balances the mustard’s bite with natural sweetness for a beautiful glaze.
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp.): Keeps the chicken moist and helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Worcestershire sauce (1/2 tsp.): Adds an umami-rich depth that elevates the marinade.
- Fresh thyme (3/4 tsp., finely chopped): Brings a fresh, herbal aroma that brightens the dish.
- Garlic (1 clove, crushed): Adds a subtle savory kick and complexity to the flavor profile.
How to Make Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly while the honey mustard glaze caramelizes nicely without burning. A perfectly warm oven is the foundation for juicy, tender chicken every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Next, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch, then cut them into 4-5 ounce portions. This step helps them cook evenly and stay juicy throughout baking. Uniform thickness is key to avoiding dry edges or undercooked centers.
Step 3: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, chopped fresh thyme, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth. This combination creates the magic marinade, balancing sweet, tangy, and herbaceous flavors for chicken that’s bursting with personality.
Step 4: Reserve Some Sauce
Set aside 2 tablespoons of the sauce. You’ll use this later to brush over the chicken after it’s baked, which adds an exciting extra layer of honey mustard flavor and helps keep the meat nice and moist.
Step 5: Coat and Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the bowl with the remaining marinade and toss until they’re thoroughly coated. For easier handling and deeper flavor infusion, transfer the chicken and marinade into a gallon-sized resealable bag if you prefer. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum taste.
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray. Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer, ensuring they have room to bake evenly and absorb the flavors without steaming.
Step 7: Bake the Chicken
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. Remember, the meat will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven, rising to the safe 165°F while resting. This technique ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time.
Step 8: Brush on Reserved Sauce
Once out of the oven, generously brush the chicken with the reserved honey mustard sauce. This final touch amplifies the flavor and creates a glossy, irresistible finish that makes the dish shine.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve warm. Your Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is now ready to be devoured — a beautifully simple sauce coating tender chicken, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs are a natural choice, echoing the herbaceous notes in the marinade while adding a pop of green. A light sprinkle of paprika or a drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce can elevate the presentation and flavor when serving.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or green beans add color and crunch, while a crisp garden salad can lighten the meal for warm weather dining.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing dinner, slice the chicken and serve it atop a bed of quinoa or mixed greens, drizzled with extra honey mustard sauce. You can also stuff the baked chicken breast with spinach and cheese before baking for an exciting twist on this classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover honey mustard baked chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce and chicken together helps maintain moistness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, wrap the chicken tightly or place in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave on medium power until heated through. You can brush a little reserved or fresh honey mustard sauce on top to keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
While bone-in chicken can be used, the cooking time will be longer and may require adjustment. Bone-in breasts also retain moisture well but make sure to check for doneness by internal temperature to avoid undercooking.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Not at all! While marinating overnight intensifies the flavor, even 20-30 minutes of marination gives the chicken a nice boost. If short on time, this recipe still shines with a quick soak in the sauce.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
You can substitute Dijon with yellow mustard for a milder flavor or whole grain mustard for more texture. Both will change the flavor slightly but still work beautifully with the honey and herbs.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to check with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should read 165°F for safe consumption. Juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink inside.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, which is easy to find or make at home.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that marries ease with irresistible flavor, the Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is your new go-to. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners with family and friends. Give it a try, and I promise this sweet and tangy chicken will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
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Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful honey mustard sauce, baked to juicy perfection. The combination of Dijon mustard, honey, fresh thyme, and garlic creates a savory-sweet glaze that enhances the chicken, making it an easy yet elegant meal perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 – 1 1/4 lbs. chicken breasts, pounded and cut into 4–5 oz. portions
Seasonings
- 1/2 tsp. salt, to taste
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper, to taste
- 1/8 tsp. paprika
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 tsp. fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure consistent baking temperatures for even cooking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch and cut into 4-5 oz. portions to help them cook uniformly.
- Make Honey Mustard Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth to create the marinade.
- Reserve Sauce: Set aside 2 tablespoons of the honey mustard sauce to brush on the chicken later for added flavor.
- Coat Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the bowl with the remaining marinade and toss well until evenly coated. For easier storage, transfer the chicken and sauce to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag if desired.
- Marinate: Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight to let the flavors penetrate.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray, then place the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in the dish.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The temperature will rise to the safe 165°F after removing from the oven.
- Brush with Reserved Sauce: After baking, brush the chicken with the reserved honey mustard sauce for an extra layer of delicious flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with a sprig of fresh thyme and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful honey mustard baked chicken!
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving for food safety.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
