Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe | Easy Dinner idea
This Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe is a delightful blend of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and robust garlic, all wrapped around juicy chicken breasts. The dish promises a tender interior that’s bursting with flavor. The crispy, golden glaze created during baking makes every bite irresistible, transforming a weeknight dinner into a special occasion. With minimal prep and just 45 minutes of cooking time, this easy chicken recipe is your go-to solution for a quick yet satisfying meal.
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I fondly remember the first time I made Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken. I had a few friends coming over, and I wanted to impress them without spending all day in the kitchen. This recipe not only saved me time but also earned rave reviews. It’s become a staple in my home due to its delectable taste and the way it fills the air with mouthwatering aromas. With its simplicity and the crowd-pleasing flavors, I’m excited to share it with you. Let’s dive in and savor this delightful dish together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can prepare this dish in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and aromatic garlic creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its glossy glaze and tender chicken, this dish looks as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: It’s great for family dinners or even meal prep for the week ahead.
- Diet-Friendly Options: This recipe is gluten-free and low in lactose, fitting various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each): The star of the show! Boneless skinless chicken breasts keep the dish lean and tender.
- Pinch salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors.
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps create that dreamy glaze.
- 6 cloves minced garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust aroma and savory flavor.
- 1/3 cup honey: Provides the natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the mustard.
- 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard: The tangy base that gives this recipe its signature flavor.
- Pinch salt and pepper: Added once more to ensure even seasoning throughout the dish.
How to Make Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe | Easy Dinner idea
Preheat and Prepare: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil to facilitate easy cleanup and prevent sticking. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 425°F to warm while you whip up the glaze.
Melt Butter: In a small sauté pan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until bubbly. Add 6 cloves of minced garlic and sauté gently for about 30 to 60 seconds. The goal is to soften the garlic without browning it to retain its delicate flavor.
Mix Glaze: Stir in 1/3 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of whole grain Dijon mustard, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to reduce slightly and thickens.
Season Chicken: Take the hot baking pan from the oven and arrange the 4 chicken breasts evenly, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper.
Pour Glaze: Immediately pour the hot honey Dijon glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. This will infuse every bite with that delectable flavor.
Bake First Time: Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it’s where the magic begins.
Baste and Bake Again: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven and baste the chicken with the glaze that has pooled at the bottom. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until a meat thermometer reads 170°F in the thickest part of the chicken.
Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each piece remains tender and juicy when sliced.
Storing & Reheating
For storing, let the chicken cool to room temperature and place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Be aware that the texture may change slightly from reheating but should still be delicious. A quick drizzle of extra glaze can bring back some of that moisture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure that the chicken is evenly spaced in the baking pan, as this promotes even cooking.
- If you’re in a hurry, you can marinate the chicken in the honey glaze for up to 30 minutes before baking for a more intense flavor.
- Consider using an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can dry out easily.
- Feel free to add vegetables to the baking pan, such as broccoli or green beans, to create a one-pan meal.
- Leftover glaze can be drizzled over steamed vegetables or used as a tasty dipping sauce.
The Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe has so much to offer — it’s simple yet packed with flavor, budget-friendly yet fancy enough for entertaining. Plus, it’s an adaptable dish — try adding your favorite herbs or spices to customize it! I encourage you to give it a go, whether it’s for a cozy family meal or a dinner party with friends. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Using bone-in chicken is possible, but cooking times will vary. You’ll need to bake it longer, approximately 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F. Just ensure to check for doneness, as bone-in pieces take longer to cook.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and richness. You might want to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs often require about 5-10 minutes longer than breasts to reach the appropriate temperature.
What can I serve with this Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Feel free to experiment depending on what you have on hand!
How do I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to cook, simply season the chicken and pour the glaze over it, then bake as directed.
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📖 Recipe Card
Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe | 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 Breast brings irresistible flavor with a simple preparation. With just a few ingredients, enjoy a quick, comforting dinner that’s homemade.
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°F and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Ensure there's enough space around each chicken breast.
- Melt butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until softened but not browned. Stir in honey, dijon mustard, and seasoning. Let the glaze simmer briefly until slightly thickened.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot baking pan.
- Pour the honey dijon glaze evenly over the chicken breasts in the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, baste the chicken with the glaze from the pan and return to bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
- Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked properly and remains moist.
Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps retain its juices for a more flavorful bite.
Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less honey to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 396
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
