Description
Succulent honey dijon chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts glazed in a tangy-sweet sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) dijon mustard
- ¼ cup (85 g) honey
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 400F (200C), then lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Create a vibrant glaze by thoroughly blending Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and olive oil in a mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a uniform, glossy consistency that will infuse the chicken with rich, complex flavors.
- Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, then generously season both surfaces with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the meat’s natural taste profile.
- Lavishly drizzle the prepared honey Dijon mixture over the seasoned chicken, carefully ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated to maximize flavor absorption.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20-25 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 165F (74C), which guarantees the chicken is fully cooked and safe to consume.
- For an elevated presentation and enhanced caramelization, activate the broiler for a brief 2-3 minute period, creating a golden-brown exterior that adds textural complexity to the dish.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the oven, allowing it to rest momentarily before garnishing with freshly chopped rosemary or parsley, which introduces a bright, aromatic finish to the meal.
Notes
- Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to make the recipe vegan-friendly and accommodate different dietary needs.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and better sauce absorption, preventing soggy results.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, checking multiple spots to guarantee chicken is safely cooked throughout without overdrying.
- Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the sauce for an extra kick of flavor and personalized heat level, transforming the basic recipe into a more complex taste experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg