Should I bake it covered or uncovered?

If you cover it, the chicken will stay juicier and the sauce will be runnier. Leave it uncovered for crispy edges and a thicker sauce.

Can honey be swapped with maple syrup?

Absolutely! Maple syrup works well in place of honey here.

What mustard options can I use?

Dijon and whole grain Dijon are best, but even yellow mustard will do in a pinch.

How can I make it spicy?

Spice it up by stirring in some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.

Is this a gluten-free dish?

Yes, as long as you skip the soy sauce or swap it for tamari.

Baked Honey Dijon Chicken in 40 Minutes

Glazed chicken breasts with a sprinkle of green onions and parsley on a plate, served next to rice. | lilicooks.com

I stumbled upon this honey mustard chicken dish during a hectic day and it's now our go-to family meal. The real wow factor comes when the honey's sweetness blends with the mustard's zip, making an amazing sauce. And the best part? You'll only need a few minutes to get it ready, then your oven takes over completely.

What Makes This Dish Special

The way honey pairs with Dijon mustard in this recipe is truly outstanding. Your chicken stays tender while cooking and you won't spend ages scrubbing pans afterward. I always make more than we need for tomorrow's lunch because honestly, it tastes even better the day after.

Ingredients You'll Want

Organic chicken thighs or breasts if you can find them
High-quality Dijon mustard it really does matter
Honey from nearby sources for natural sweetening
Minced fresh garlic cloves
Olive oil extra virgin
Fresh ground pepper and sea salt
Sprigs of thyme freshly picked from my garden

Let's Get Cooking

Create Your Sauce: Combine honey Dijon oil and garlic then thoroughly coat your chicken and stick it in the fridge for a bit
Oven Setup: Warm your oven to 375°F
Getting Started: Arrange chicken in your dish and add a bit more sauce on top
Baking Time: Cook until you see a golden color roughly 25 minutes and check it's done with your thermometer
Final Touch: Give it a moment to sit before you dig in for the juiciest results

Glossy chicken thighs garnished with parsley sitting on a smooth bed of creamy mashed potatoes. | lilicooks.com

Tasty Side Matches

This chicken goes perfectly with some steamed broccoli or fresh green beans from the backyard. The leftover sauce tastes wonderful poured over some rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Sometimes I'll even mix the extra sauce with pasta for a quick twist.

Pro Tips

Have some aluminum foil nearby if the chicken starts browning too quickly. Adding fresh thyme and a bit of lemon juice just before eating really brightens everything up. For my little ones, I cut back on the Dijon since they like things less tangy.

Storing For Tomorrow

You can keep any extras in your fridge for up to three days. When you warm it up again, add a little chicken broth to keep it from drying out. This chicken makes the tastiest lunch boxes you'll ever pack.

Recipe FAQs

→ Should I bake it covered or uncovered?: If you cover it, the chicken will stay juicier and the sauce will be runnier. Leave it uncovered for crispy edges and a thicker sauce.
→ Can honey be swapped with maple syrup?: Absolutely! Maple syrup works well in place of honey here.
→ What mustard options can I use?: Dijon and whole grain Dijon are best, but even yellow mustard will do in a pinch.
→ How can I make it spicy?: Spice it up by stirring in some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
→ Is this a gluten-free dish?: Yes, as long as you skip the soy sauce or swap it for tamari.

Sweet Mustard Chicken

Tender chicken baked in a tangy-sweet honey dijon coating with a hint of rosemary and garlic. Quick prep, perfect balance of flavors.

Preparation Time

10 min

Cooking Time

30 min

Overall Time

40 min

Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves (4)

Dietary Options: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts.

02 1/2 cup chicken stock.

03 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.

04 2 sprigs or so of fresh rosemary.

05 Salt and black pepper, to your liking.

06 1 tbsp soy sauce.

07 1/4 cup of honey.

08 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped.

09 2 tbsp smooth dijon mustard.

10 2 tbsp whole grain mustard.

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and let it warm up.

Step 02

Mix the honey, two types of mustard, vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, the salt, pepper, and chicken stock in a bowl.

Step 03

Coat the chicken pieces by tossing them well in the sauce.

Step 04

Lay the chicken pieces out flat in your baking dish.

Step 05

Place sprigs of rosemary around the chicken pieces here and there.

Step 06

Bake for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken hits 165°F inside.

Step 07

Plate it up and drizzle the sauce from the pan on top.

Tips

Wrap the dish with foil if you want softer chicken and more sauce.

Skip covering if you’d prefer crispy chicken and a thicker sauce.

If needed, swap in maple syrup in place of honey.

Customize it with parmesan, hot sauce, miso, curry, paprika, or your favorite add-ons.

Required Tools

Something to bake in, like a casserole dish.

A small bowl for mixing.

A meat thermometer to check the chicken.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.

Contains soy.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.

Calories: 230
Fats: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Proteins: 27 g

Easy Sweet Mustard Chicken