Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a simple and tasty dish that brings together the sweet taste of honey with the tangy kick of Dijon mustard. The chicken bakes in the oven until it’s juicy and coated with a beautiful golden glaze that’s both sticky and flavorful. It’s a great way to enjoy a quick meal that feels special without a lot of fuss.
I love making this chicken when I want something that’s easy to put together but still tastes like I spent a lot of time in the kitchen. The honey and Dijon mix makes a perfect balance—it’s not too sweet or too sharp. I often add a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or rosemary on top to give it a little extra flavor and notice how everyone goes back for seconds.
The best way I like to serve this chicken is alongside simple roasted veggies or a fresh green salad. It’s also delicious with rice or mashed potatoes that soak up all the honey Dijon sauce. This dish has become a favorite in my house because it always feels like a comforting, satisfying meal that’s ready in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skin-on chicken helps keep the meat juicy with crispy, flavorful skin. If you prefer, chicken thighs also work great and stay tender.
Dijon mustard: This adds a nice tangy flavor that balances the sweet honey. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard or whole grain mustard can be good alternatives.
Honey: It gives sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be swapped in if you want a different sweetness profile or need a vegan option.
Lemon: Thin lemon slices add freshness and subtle citrus notes. If lemons aren’t available, a splash of lemon juice in the marinade works well too.
Thyme: Fresh thyme adds earthy brightness, but dried thyme is fine too. Rosemary or oregano are tasty herb options you can try.
How Can I Get Tender, Juicy Chicken with Crispy Skin?
To keep your chicken juicy and get crisp skin, follow these tips:
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning—wet skin won’t crisp up well.
- Make shallow slashes on the chicken so the marinade seeps inside for more flavor.
- Brush the honey Dijon sauce evenly, including inside the slashes, for a glossy flavor boost.
- Bake skin side up so it crisps nicely as it cooks.
- Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes to get extra crisp skin. Watch it closely to avoid burning!
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after baking to keep juices locked in.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe baking dish – I prefer a medium-sized dish to hold all the chicken comfortably and allow even cooking.
- Whisk – helps combine the honey, mustard, and oil into a smooth marinade.
- Small bowl – for mixing the marinade ingredients so they’re ready to brush onto the chicken.
- Sharp knife – makes shallow slashes easily and cleanly on the chicken breasts.
- Measuring spoons – to ensure the correct amounts of honey, mustard, and spices.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more forgiving meat.
- Mix in a teaspoon of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar to add depth and richness to the marinade.
- Add sliced fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for extra aroma and flavor.
- Top with crumbled feta or shredded cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and roughly 25-30 minutes for baking. Add an extra 5 minutes to let the chicken rest before serving. So, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Honey Dijon Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is mixed well.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make 3 to 4 shallow diagonal slashes on the top of each breast. This helps the marinade soak in and flavors the meat better.
4. Coat the Chicken with Marinade:
Place the chicken breasts skin side up in your baking dish. Brush the honey Dijon mixture evenly over each piece, making sure to get the marinade into the slashes you made.
5. Add Lemon Slices:
Arrange the thin lemon slices on top of and around the chicken. These add a lovely fresh citrus flavor as it bakes.
6. Bake Until Perfect:
Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the skin turns golden and caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
7. Optional Crispy Skin Finish:
If you like your chicken skin extra crispy, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
8. Rest and Garnish:
Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle so the chicken stays moist. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a lovely touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious baked honey Dijon chicken warm with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies, rice, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry well to ensure the skin crisps up nicely during baking.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade and coat the chicken a few hours in advance, then refrigerate until ready to bake. This actually helps the flavors penetrate even more.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist and tasty.
What Can I Serve with Baked Honey Dijon Chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.