If you are searching for a truly delightful and simple dish to add to your dinner rotation, this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is an absolute gem. It combines the perfect balance of tangy mustard, sweet honey, and aromatic herbs, creating juicy and flavorful chicken breasts that everyone will adore. Not only is this recipe straightforward to prepare, but it also warms your kitchen with inviting scents and guarantees a satisfying meal that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here—just a handful of essential ingredients that come together to create a harmony of flavors and textures. Each plays a crucial role, from tenderizing the chicken to adding moisture, sweetness, tang, and a dash of herbaceous brightness that makes this dish sing.
- Chicken breasts (1 – 1 1/4 lbs.): Pounded and portioned evenly, they provide a juicy, tender base for the dish.
- Salt (1/2 tsp.): Enhances the natural flavors while balancing the sweetness and tanginess.
- Black pepper (1/8 tsp.): Adds a subtle heat and depth without overwhelming the palate.
- Paprika (1/8 tsp.): Offers a mild smoky note and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Dijon mustard (2 Tbsp.): Provides sharpness and creamy texture essential for the honey mustard sauce.
- Honey (2 Tbsp.): Balances the mustard with its natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken during baking.
- Olive oil (2 Tbsp.): Keeps the chicken moist and locks in flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce (1/2 tsp.): Adds umami depth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh thyme (3/4 tsp., finely chopped): Infuses the dish with an inviting herbal aroma.
- Garlic (1 clove, crushed): Brings boldness and warmth that complements the honey mustard sauce perfectly.
How to Make Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven for Perfect Results
Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy, avoiding the dryness that can happen with higher heat. Setting the oven early helps you maintain a smooth workflow in the kitchen.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Begin by pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1 inch. This step is critical because it guarantees uniform cooking so that each piece is perfectly tender. Then, cut them into smaller portions weighing approximately 4 to 5 ounces—perfect for individual servings.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Honey Mustard Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk until you form a smooth, cohesive sauce. This marinade is the star of the dish, infusing each bite with bright, sweet, and savory flavors.
Step 4: Reserve Some Sauce for Brushing
Set aside about 2 tablespoons of the honey mustard sauce before adding the chicken. This reserved portion will be brushed over the chicken after baking to enhance its flavor and create a lovely glaze that makes the dish shine.
Step 5: Marinate the Chicken Thoroughly
Toss the chicken breasts in the remaining marinade, ensuring every piece is generously coated. For easy storage and marinating, transfer everything to a gallon-sized resealable bag. Let the chicken soak up all the delicious flavors for at least 20 minutes, or for maximum depth, refrigerate overnight.
Step 6: Arrange and Bake
Lightly spray a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Place your marinated chicken breasts in a single layer so they cook evenly. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check when the internal temperature reaches 160°F—remember it will continue to rise to the safe 165°F after baking.
Step 7: Give It That Final Touch
Once out of the oven, brush the reserved honey mustard sauce over the chicken breasts right away. This step adds an irresistible glossy finish and a burst of extra flavor. Garnish with a fresh thyme sprig and get ready to enjoy a dish bursting with irresistible taste and aroma.
How to Serve Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprig of fresh thyme not only adds to the visual appeal but also complements the herbaceous notes in the dish. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of paprika or drizzle a light honey mustard reduction around the plate for that extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. You could also try a herbed quinoa or wild rice pilaf to soak up all those lovely pan juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the chicken and serving it over a bed of arugula or baby spinach, dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Alternatively, place a chicken breast atop a warm grain bowl or alongside grilled asparagus to make your meal feel restaurant-worthy in your own home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, making for convenient next-day lunches or a quick dinner that still tastes freshly made.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cooked chicken, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cooked chicken is best used within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven or in a microwave to prevent drying out the chicken. Brushing a little extra honey mustard sauce before reheating helps retain moisture and refresh the flavors nicely.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for boneless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and ease of preparation, you can use bone-in breasts if you adjust the baking time accordingly and check the internal temperature carefully.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
At least 20 minutes is enough to infuse good flavor, but for the best results, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the sauce to deeply penetrate the meat, making it extra flavorful and tender.
Can I substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard?
You can substitute yellow mustard, but keep in mind that Dijon has a smoother, more mellow flavor that works beautifully with honey’s sweetness. Yellow mustard will be tangier and a bit more pungent.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as some brands may contain gluten.
What temperature should the chicken be cooked to for safety?
The safe internal temperature recommended by food safety guidelines is 165°F. In this recipe, you bake the chicken until it reaches 160°F and let it rest to finish cooking through carryover heat.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to make but tastes far from ordinary. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, it hits every mark—juicy, flavorful, and inviting. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a go; I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to dinners in no time.
Print
Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts recipe offers a flavorful and juicy meal with a simple honey mustard marinade baked to perfection. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty mix of Dijon mustard, honey, fresh thyme, and spices, then baked to juicy tenderness and finished with a glaze of reserved sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 – 1 1/4 lbs. chicken breasts, pounded and cut into 4–5 oz. portions
- 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 Chicken: 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
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes; however, marinating overnight will yield more flavorful results.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- For a dairy-free version, this recipe is already suitable as it contains no dairy ingredients.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
