How do you make honey Dijon baked chicken from scratch?

Making honey Dijon baked chicken from scratch is remarkably simple. Start by creating a flavorful spice rub with olive oil and seasonings, coat your chicken thoroughly, then bake until almost done. While it's baking, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar to create your glaze. Brush this over your nearly-cooked chicken and return to the oven for a few minutes to caramelize. The entire process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, with most of that being hands-off baking time.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this honey Dijon baked chicken recipe and many people prefer them for their richer flavor and juicier texture. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs typically cook faster than large chicken breasts, usually requiring just 20-25 minutes at 425°F. For bone-in, skin-on thighs, increase the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes. In either case, always verify doneness with a meat thermometer reading 165°F in the thickest part.

How long should you bake honey Dijon chicken at 400°F?

At 400°F, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for honey Dijon baked chicken will typically take 20-25 minutes to cook through, depending on their size and thickness. If you're using our recommended temperature of 425°F, reduce the time to 15-20 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm when the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F. Remember to add an additional 1-2 minutes after applying the glaze to allow it to caramelize properly.

Can I make honey Dijon baked chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, honey Dijon chicken adapts well to slow cooking. Combine all the spice rub ingredients with the glaze ingredients (except the honey) and pour over the chicken in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F. For the best finish, add the honey during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from breaking down too much. For an extra-special touch, transfer the cooked chicken to a baking sheet, brush with additional glaze, and broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve that beautiful caramelization.

What sides pair well with honey Dijon baked chicken?

Honey Dijon baked chicken pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. For starches, consider roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes. Vegetable options that complement the sweet-tangy flavor include roasted brussels sprouts, steamed green beans, asparagus, or a simple garden salad with vinaigrette. For a complete meal, try serving with both a green vegetable and a starch. The slightly sweet glaze also pairs well with sides that have contrasting flavors, such as garlic-roasted vegetables or lemon-herb rice.

Is honey Dijon baked chicken keto-friendly or low-carb?

Traditional honey Dijon baked chicken is not strictly keto-friendly due to the honey, which contains natural sugars and carbohydrates. However, you can make a low-carb or keto-adapted version by substituting the honey with a sugar-free honey alternative or a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit syrup or allulose. Keep the Dijon mustard, which is relatively low in carbs, but use it in moderation. With these modifications, and served alongside keto-friendly vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or a green salad, you can enjoy a version of this dish that fits within low-carb or keto dietary guidelines.

Honey Dijon Baked Chicken: Easy, Flavorful Recipe Ready in 30 Minutes

Honey Dijon Baked Chicken

Print Recipe

Sweet, tangy and perfectly caramelized chicken with a flavorful spice rub and honey-dijon glaze. Ready in 30 minutes!

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Main Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

4 large chicken breasts boneless, skinless
1 and 1/2 tbsp (20 ml) olive oil
2 tsp garlic powder
1 and 1/2 tsp chili powder
1 and 1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder (optional, to taste)
1/3 cup (110 g) liquid honey
1 tbsp (15 g) Dijon mustard
1 tbsp (15 g) yellow mustard
1 tbsp (15 g) lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 g) apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine olive oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, onion powder, cumin, paprika, and chipotle powder in a bowl.
Coat chicken breasts thoroughly with spice mixture and place on baking sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Meanwhile, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, lemon juice, and vinegar for the glaze.
When chicken is cooked through, brush generously with glaze.
Return to oven for 1-2 minutes or broil briefly until caramelized.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods. For extra flavor, reserve some glaze to brush on after cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Honey Dijon Chicken, Baked Chicken Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner, Sweet and Tangy Chicken, Glazed Chicken Breast

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/easy-honey-dijon-baked-chicken/