Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best, as they’re easy to cook and absorb the marinade beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, these are essential for bringing out the chicken’s natural flavor.
Marinade Ingredients:
- Dijon Mustard: This adds tang and a subtle spice to the marinade. Choose a high-quality Dijon mustard for the best results.
- Honey: The sweetness of honey balances the mustard, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a deep, aromatic flavor that complements both the honey and Dijon mustard.
- Olive Oil: This helps emulsify the marinade and ensures the chicken stays moist during baking.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves (optional): Thyme adds an herbal note that enhances the flavors in this dish. You can use it as a garnish before serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinating the Chicken
- Preparing the Chicken: Start by rinsing your chicken pieces under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it allows the marinade to adhere better.
- Seasoning: Lightly sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Even a small amount will boost the flavor of the chicken.
- Creating the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well blended.
- Coating the Chicken: Place the chicken in a shallow dish or resealable bag, then pour the marinade over it. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).
Step 2: Preparing the Honey Dijon Sauce
- Gathering Ingredients: You’ll need an additional 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a small dash of olive oil to make a bit more sauce for brushing onto the chicken as it bakes.
- Mixing the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth. This extra sauce will ensure the chicken remains juicy and flavorful during baking.
Step 3: Baking the Chicken
- Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Preparing the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Coating the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish, leaving space between each piece.
- Applying the Sauce: Brush a generous layer of the honey Dijon sauce over each piece, coating both sides.
- Baking the Chicken: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a slightly caramelized finish, you can broil the chicken for the last 3-4 minutes of baking.
Notes
- Steamed Vegetables: Fresh green beans, broccoli, or asparagus complement the dish’s rich flavors without overpowering them.
- Rice or Quinoa: The subtle, nutty taste of these grains absorbs any extra sauce, creating a satisfying combination.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds brightness and balance to the richness of the chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a more comforting option, serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, which complement the sweet and tangy flavors perfectly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking