Description
This Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts recipe features tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful honey mustard sauce made with Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, garlic, and spices. After marinating, the chicken is baked to juicy perfection, then brushed with reserved sauce for an extra burst of flavor. A simple, wholesome dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 – 1 1/4 lbs. chicken breasts, pounded and cut into 4-5 oz. portions
- 1/2 tsp. salt, to taste
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper, to taste
- 1/8 tsp. paprika
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 tsp. fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure consistent baking temperatures for even cooking.
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch and cut into 4-5 oz. portions to help them cook uniformly.
- Make Honey Mustard Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth to create the marinade.
- Reserve Sauce: Set aside 2 tablespoons of the honey mustard sauce to brush on the chicken later for added flavor.
- Coat Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the bowl with the remaining marinade and toss well until evenly coated. For easier storage, transfer the chicken and sauce to a gallon-sized Ziploc bag if desired.
- Marinate: Cover and refrigerate the chicken for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight to let the flavors penetrate.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray, then place the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in the dish.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. The temperature will rise to the safe 165°F after removing from the oven.
- Brush with Reserved Sauce: After baking, brush the chicken with the reserved honey mustard sauce for an extra layer of delicious flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the chicken with a sprig of fresh thyme and serve warm. Enjoy your flavorful honey mustard baked chicken!
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- This recipe works well with bone-in chicken breasts, but baking time may need adjustment.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
