This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a real winner! Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce that makes dinner a breeze. It’s quick, simple, and oh-so-tasty.
I love how the sauce gives the chicken a beautiful glaze that’s just begging to be served over rice or veggies. Plus, it’s an easy one-pan meal! Who doesn’t love that after a long day? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs add moisture and flavor. If you prefer or have chicken breasts on hand, you can use them, but keep an eye on cooking time as breasts may cook faster.
Dijon Mustard: This gives the dish its tangy kick. If you don’t have Dijon, whole grain mustard works well for a bit of texture. Honey mustard can also be substituted, but cut down on the honey later in the recipe to balance the sweetness.
Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the Dijon. If you need a substitute, maple syrup could work, although it will change the flavor a bit. For a sugar-free option, you might consider stevia or agave syrup.
Thyme: Dried thyme is fine, but I love using fresh thyme for its vibrant flavor. If you’re out of thyme, oregano or rosemary can also be great alternatives!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Tender and Juicy?
Getting perfectly cooked chicken can be tricky, but here are my tips to help you succeed:
- Always pat your chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve crispy skin.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking! This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- For crispy skin, broil it for a couple of minutes at the end, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 35-40 minutes to bake. If you include the optional broiling step for crispy skin, add another 2-3 minutes. It’s a simple, quick dinner option that results in delicious, juicy chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets nice and crispy.
2. Make the Honey Dijon Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and thyme until everything is well combined. This sauce is what will give your chicken its delicious flavor!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps get the skin crispy. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
4. Arrange the Chicken in the Baking Dish:
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a baking dish or an ovenproof skillet with the skin side facing up. This helps the skin get nice and crispy as it bakes.
5. Apply the Sauce:
Brush the honey Dijon sauce generously over the chicken thighs, making sure to coat them well.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Put the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C), and the skin should be golden and caramelized.
7. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional):
If you love crispy skin, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
8. Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a tender bite. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm with your favorite side dishes like rice or vegetables.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender honey Dijon baked chicken! It’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can work well! Just reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover honey Dijon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in the honey Dijon sauce overnight enhances the flavors even more. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator!
What Can I Serve with Honey Dijon Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. The sauce is great for drizzling over any of these sides!
