Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts | Easy Dinner idea
Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts are the ultimate comfort food. With a crisp, golden glaze and juicy meat, this dish strikes a perfect balance of sweet and savory. You’ll love how the honey caramelizes while the Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick. The fragrant garlic ties it all together, creating an aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth and invites everyone to gather around the table.
Table of Contents
Whether you need a weeknight meal or something flavorful for guests, this recipe delivers on ease and taste. It’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for busy evenings or when unexpected company drops by. Plus, the beauty of baked chicken breasts is that they stay juicy while absorbing all those delicious flavors. What’s not to love? I’m excited for you to try this Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe and experience its delightful simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 60 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet honey and tangy Dijon create a mouthwatering glaze that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A stunning dish that makes your dinner table look gourmet with minimal effort.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a family meal, dinner parties, or even meal prep for the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and low in lactose, everyone can enjoy it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each): The star of the dish; lean and tender, perfect for absorbing flavors.
- Pinch of salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and a great base for the glaze.
- 6 cloves minced garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet and tangy tones.
- 1/3 cup honey: Offers sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze, creating that wonderful texture.
- 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a slight bite that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Pinch of salt and pepper: A finishing touch to ensure every bite is flavorful.
How to Make Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe | Easy Dinner idea
Preheat the Oven: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place it in a preheated oven set to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps the pan get hot and ready to seal in great flavor.
Melt the Butter: In a small sauté pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Keep an eye on it, then add 6 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté gently for 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not browned—this preserves its delicate flavor.
Mix the Glaze: Stir in 1/3 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of whole grain Dijon mustard into the melted butter and garlic mixture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this glaze simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly; the aroma will be irresistible!
Prepare the Chicken: Lightly season the 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavor. Carefully remove the hot baking pan from the oven and space the chicken breasts evenly in the pan, making sure there is a bit of room around each breast.
Add the Glaze: Pour the hot honey Dijon glaze evenly over the chicken breasts in the pan, ensuring they are well-coated. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. The glaze will start caramelizing beautifully.
Baste and Finish Cooking: After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and baste the chicken breasts with any glaze that has collected. Return the pan to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, cooking until a meat thermometer reads 170 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the chicken.
Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy chicken just waiting to be served.
Storing & Reheating
For storing, let the chicken cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to save it for longer, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Be mindful that reheating may slightly alter the texture, so consider refreshing the glaze with a bit more honey or mustard for an extra layer of flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your butter is not too hot when you add the garlic; you want it to infuse with flavor without burning.
- Not a fan of Dijon? You can substitute with yellow mustard, but it will change the flavor profile slightly.
- If you like a more complex taste, add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time; oven temperatures can vary, so always rely on a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
- For an easy one-pan meal, toss in some seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans around the chicken for the last 15 minutes of baking.
This Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a meal that’s satisfying and simple. With juicy chicken enveloped in a luscious glaze, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Don’t hesitate to try different sides or pairings to make this dish your own—your kitchen is the canvas!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts; however, you will need to adjust the cooking time. Typically, bone-in pieces may require an additional 10-15 minutes to cook through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
What side dishes go well with honey Dijon garlic chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a fresh green salad. You could also serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Can I make this chicken on the grill?
Absolutely! Grill the chicken over medium heat and brush the honey Dijon glaze on during the last few minutes of cooking. This will give it a lovely char and smoky flavor that complements the glaze perfectly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially when you ensure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free. Always check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
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📖 Recipe Card
Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts | Easy Dinner idea
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken is full of irresistible flavors with tender chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy glaze. It’s simple to prepare and makes for a quick, healthy meal that the whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
- pinch salt and pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves minced garlic
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp whole grain dijon mustard
- pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Melt butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t brown. Stir in honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper; simmer for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, then place them evenly in the hot baking pan.
- Pour the hot honey Dijon glaze over the chicken breasts evenly.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the pan and baste the chicken with the collected glaze before returning to the oven.
- Continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the glaze for a few hours before cooking.
Serve with a side of vegetables or salad for a complete meal.
You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
