Irresistible Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Joy

Weeknight dinners demand delicious, hassle-free meals that baked honey mustard chicken recipe can easily solve.

Golden, juicy chicken breasts glistening with a tangy-sweet glaze make mouths water instantly.

The combination of rich honey and zesty mustard creates a magical flavor profile that elevates simple ingredients.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and tang that will delight your taste buds.

This recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor, using pantry staples you likely already have.

Succulent chicken emerges from the oven with a glossy, caramelized coating that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every single, mouthwatering morsel of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender cuts of dark meat that provide rich flavor and juicy texture for this baked dish.

• Honey, Dijon Mustard: Sweet and tangy combination that creates a delicious glaze for the chicken.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the sauce ingredients and adds a smooth, rich base.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the honey mustard sauce.
• Rosemary, Thyme: Fresh herbs that provide earthy and fragrant undertones to the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Tools List for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Prep

• Baking Dish: Large, rectangular ceramic or glass dish to hold chicken thighs while baking.
• Small Bowl: For mixing honey mustard sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Measuring Cups: For precise olive oil measurement.
• Pastry Brush or Spoon: To evenly coat chicken with honey mustard sauce.
• Meat Thermometer: Essential for checking chicken's internal temperature.
• Sharp Knife: For mincing garlic and chopping fresh herbs.
• Cutting Board: To prepare herbs and garlic safely.

How to Bake Perfect Honey Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 177C (350F).

Grab your chicken thighs and place them in a baking dish.

Give them a gentle pat with a paper towel to ensure they’re nice and dry.

Step 2: Whip Up the Zesty Sauce

• Honey
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Chopped rosemary
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything together until it creates a mouthwatering blend that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Lavish the Chicken

Take a brush or spoon and generously coat the chicken thighs with the honey mustard magic.

Make sure every inch gets a delicious layer of the sauce.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Let the chicken cook for 40 to 45 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature hits 80C (175F).

Want extra crispy skin?

Kick things up a notch by broiling for a quick 2 to 3 minutes at the end.

The result?

A golden, succulent chicken dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Honey Mustard Chicken: Smart Kitchen Tips

• Ensure chicken thighs are completely dry before applying sauce to help achieve crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in moisture.
• Taste the honey mustard sauce before brushing to balance sweetness and tanginess, adding more honey for sweetness or mustard for sharpness.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 80C (175F) for safe consumption and juicy, perfectly cooked meat.
• Quickly broil chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end to create a deliciously crisp, caramelized exterior that enhances overall flavor.
• Swap rosemary and thyme with other herbs like oregano or parsley based on personal preference or availability without compromising the dish's essence.

Honey Mustard Chicken: Simple Flavor Changes

• Spicy Kick Chicken: Replace honey with sriracha and add red pepper flakes for a fiery version of the original recipe.
• Herb Garden Variation: Swap rosemary and thyme with fresh basil, oregano, and parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil and substitute honey with maple syrup for those with dairy restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup and use stone-ground mustard to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor.

Serving Inspiration for Honey Mustard Chicken

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve the golden, glazed chicken thighs on a large rustic wooden board with fresh herb sprigs for an elegant presentation.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables to create a hearty, satisfying meal that warms the soul.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Spread: Accompany the chicken with a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, and tzatziki sauce for a delightful Mediterranean-style feast.
• Weeknight Wellness Bowl: Slice the chicken and place over quinoa or brown rice with roasted seasonal vegetables for a nutritious and balanced dinner option.

Honey Mustard Chicken: Storage & Reheating Advice

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure it reaches 74C (165F) throughout.
• Preheat oven to 163C (325F). Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to keep meat moist.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes to prevent drying out and ensure they reach 74C (165F) internal temperature.

• Is fresh rosemary necessary for this recipe?

Fresh rosemary provides the best flavor, but dried rosemary works as a substitute. Use about 1/3 of the amount if using dried herbs.

• What type of mustard works best for this recipe?

Dijon mustard provides the most authentic flavor, but you can use whole grain or spicy brown mustard for slightly different taste profiles.

• How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure your honey and mustard are gluten-free, and check that all other ingredients do not contain gluten-based additives.

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken: What Sets It Apart

• Whip up this honey mustard chicken with minimal prep, using basic pantry ingredients that transform into a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• The combination of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard delivers a mouthwatering sauce that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinner exciting and delectable.
• Swap herbs, adjust seasonings, or serve with different sides to match your family's taste preferences, ensuring this recipe adapts to your culinary mood.
• Using a single baking dish means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans after dinner.

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering honey mustard chicken delivers classic comfort with a zesty twist. Juicy chicken breasts glazed in tangy sauce promise a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry families.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in chicken thighs

Honey Mustard Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 177C (350F) and position a rack in the center for even cooking.
2. Gently pat chicken thighs dry using clean paper towels to ensure optimal sauce adherence and crispy exterior.
3. Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Generously coat each chicken thigh with the prepared honey mustard mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Arrange the sauced chicken thighs in a single layer within a baking dish, allowing space between pieces for proper heat circulation.
6. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 40 to 45 minutes, monitoring internal temperature until it reaches 80C (175F).
7. For a golden, crisp skin finish, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and enhance overall flavor.

Notes

• Pat chicken completely dry to ensure the sauce adheres perfectly and skin crisps beautifully.
• Fresh herbs dramatically elevate flavor compared to dried versions, so use them whenever possible.
• Create a gluten-free variation by using tamari instead of traditional mustard and checking honey’s certification.
• Extra sauce can be reserved and served as a delicious dipping accompaniment for added moisture and taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg