Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts | Easy Dinner idea
There’s something incredibly soothing about the aroma of honey and garlic wafting through your kitchen. This Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe perfectly balances the sweetness of honey with the sharpness of Dijon mustard, creating a dish that’s irresistibly flavorful. Not only is the glaze exquisite, but the chicken remains tender and juicy, giving you a comforting weeknight dinner that feels a little fancy.
Table of Contents
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly busy week when takeout seemed like the only option. I didn’t want to compromise on flavor—or my budget! With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 15 minutes of prep time, I realized that I could whip up a delightful dinner instead. This dish soon became a family favorite, and I believe it will win your heart, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The honey adds a lovely sweetness that complements the garlicky goodness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden glaze gives a beautiful finish that’s sure to impress.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and low lactose—great for diverse diets!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each: The star of the show! These are lower in fat and easier to prepare without the skin. You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat.
- Pinch of salt and pepper: Classic seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
- 3 tbsp butter: This adds richness to the glaze while ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- 6 cloves minced garlic: Fresh garlic offers amazing flavor and health benefits. If using pre-minced, adjust amount to taste.
- 1/3 cup honey: Gives the dish sweetness that caramelizes as it bakes. Opt for raw honey for added health perks.
- 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard: This adds a tangy kick to balance the sweetness. Feel free to use regular Dijon if that’s what you have on hand.
- Pinch of salt and pepper: A little extra seasoning for the glaze!
How to Make Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe | Easy Dinner idea
Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil for easy clean-up. Choose a pan that snugly fits the chicken to prevent the glaze from burning. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit while you make the glaze, ensuring it’s nice and hot when you add the chicken.
Melt the Butter: In a small sauté pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the 6 cloves of minced garlic and sauté gently for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as that can lead to a bitter taste.
Make 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 it with a pinch of salt and pepper, and let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. This step is key for flavor development!
Season the Chicken: While the glaze simmers, season both sides of the 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper. They need just a light dusting to really bring out the flavor of the glaze without overpowering it.
Bake the Chicken: Carefully remove the hot baking pan from the oven and arrange the chicken breasts inside, leaving space around each piece. Pour the hot honey Dijon glaze evenly over the chicken, making sure to coat them well. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Baste and Finish Baking: After 15 minutes, take the pan out, stimulating those aromas, and baste the chicken with the glaze that has collected at the bottom of the pan. Return it to the oven for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 170 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s the sweet spot for perfectly cooked chicken!
Let Rest Before Serving: Once the chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial moment allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender when you cut in.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the glazed chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through. The glaze may lose a bit of its shine after freezing, but a drizzle of fresh honey or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can revive the flavors beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain its juicy texture; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- To enhance flavor, let the chicken marinate in the glaze for a few hours before cooking.
- Make sure the butter is completely melted before adding garlic to prevent it from burning.
- If you wish for a bit of kick, adding a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze can elevate the flavor.
- For meal prep, the glaze can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 3 days.
The Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe offers a perfect way to bring delicious flavors to your dinner table effortlessly. Its balance of sweet and savory creates a truly memorable meal, and the leftovers (if there are any!) are delightful in salads or wraps. Experiment with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to complement this dish beautifully.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well and tend to have a richer flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few additional minutes to reach the ideal internal temperature.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey Dijon glaze in advance. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days before using it. Just make sure to reheat it before pouring it over the chicken to ensure a cohesive cooking process.
What can I serve with Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it alongside roasted veggies, fluffy rice, or a fresh garden salad. It’s versatile enough to complement many flavors!
How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 170 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. The juices should run clear, and the chicken will appear firm but not dry.
PrintMore Main Dishes Recipes
- Crockpot Short Ribs
- Mexican Chicken with Cheese Sauce
- Deconstructed Egg Rolls
- Sheet-Pan Honey Mustard Salmon
- Greek Chicken and Orzo
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 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 Breasts recipe is all about unbelievable flavor and simplicity. With tender chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, it’s perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. Enjoy easy prep with key ingredients like honey, garlic, and Dijon mustard, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights!
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 to prevent sticking.
- Melt the butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat, adding minced garlic and cooking gently for 30 to 60 seconds until soft. Mix in honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper, then let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in the hot baking pan, ensuring enough space between each breast.
- Drizzle the hot honey Dijon glaze evenly over the chicken in the pan. Return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Take the pan out and baste the chicken with the collected glaze, then continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 170 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Notes
Line the pan with foil for easier cleanup.
Basting the chicken helps to keep it moist and flavorful.
Letting the chicken rest before cutting helps retain the juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
