Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare and delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated with a flavorful honey mustard sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or as part of a special dinner. The combination of whole grain mustard and Dijon mustard adds depth to the sauce, while honey gives it a sweet touch. The addition of garlic and fresh thyme makes it aromatic and mouthwatering. Plus, it’s a simple, one-pan meal that only requires basic ingredients.
Ingredients
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Olive oil
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Honey
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Whole grain mustard
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Dijon mustard
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Salt
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Garlic (minced)
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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Fresh thyme (optional)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400º F.
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In a bowl, combine olive oil, honey, both mustards, salt, and minced garlic. Stir to blend everything together into a smooth sauce.
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Lightly pound the chicken breasts to even thickness for juiciness.
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Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the honey mustard sauce.
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Place the chicken in a 9×13 baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart to cook evenly.
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Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º F.
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Optionally, garnish with fresh thyme for extra flavor and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 25-30 minutes
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Total time: 35-40 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Honey Mustard: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of any store-bought ingredients like mustard or honey.
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Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
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Herb Variations: Try substituting fresh thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350º F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. If reheating in the oven, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165º F. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While boneless skinless chicken breasts are recommended for this recipe, you can use bone-in chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes.
Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey mustard sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is not spicy, but you can easily add heat by incorporating chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the sauce.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken after baking. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I use a different kind of mustard?
Yes, you can experiment with different mustard types such as yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or even a honey mustard blend.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly, and covering the dish with foil while baking helps retain moisture.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or potatoes to the baking dish. Just make sure they are cut into small, even pieces for proper cooking.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure that the mustards and other ingredients do not contain gluten. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels to be sure.
What sides go well with baked honey mustard chicken?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad pair perfectly with this dish. You can also serve it over rice or quinoa for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts are a simple, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The sweet and tangy sauce, combined with juicy chicken, makes for a meal everyone will love. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts
This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts recipe is an easy, flavorful, and versatile meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a tangy and sweet homemade honey mustard sauce and baked to perfection, making it a healthy and delicious choice for any dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400º F.
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In a bowl, mix together olive oil, honey, both mustards, salt, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth.
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Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more juiciness.
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Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the honey mustard sauce.
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Place the chicken in a 9x13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are spaced apart.
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Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º F.
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Optionally garnish with fresh thyme and serve hot.
Notes
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For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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If using chicken thighs, increase the cooking time by 10 minutes.
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You can make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a week.
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To keep the chicken juicy, ensure even thickness and cover the dish while baking.
