Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts | Easy Dinner idea
Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts combine succulent chicken with a sweet, tangy glaze that’s simply irresistible. This dish offers a balance of savory garlic, sweet honey, and zesty Dijon mustard, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. The chicken breasts are marinated in this delightful mixture, making them incredibly juicy and tender, with a beautiful golden exterior that will impress at any dinner table.
Table of Contents
When I first whipped up this Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe, it quickly became a family favorite. The ease of preparation, alongside the incredible taste, made it a regular on our weekly dinner menu. It’s the kind of dish that transforms a simple evening into something special, and it doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to wow your guests, this easy dinner idea is definitely worth trying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, and Dijon mustard creates a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy finish from the glaze makes this chicken visually striking when served.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual dinners to festive gatherings, this dish suits any scenario beautifully.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and low in lactose, it accommodates many dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Each should be about 6 ounces for even cooking; feel free to use thighs for a juicier option.
- Pinch salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken before baking; enhances the overall flavor.
- 3 tbsp butter: Used in the glaze for richness; can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
- 6 cloves minced garlic: Provides robust flavor; fresh garlic is recommended for the best taste.
- 1/3 cup honey: This balances out the mustard’s tanginess; raw honey is a great option for added health benefits.
- 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard: Adds a delightful kick; whole grain offers a nice texture. If you prefer, use regular Dijon for a smoother glaze.
- Pinch salt and pepper: A second sprinkle for seasoning the glaze, ensuring every layer of flavor is well-balanced.
How to Make Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe | Easy Dinner idea
Preheat the Oven: Begin by lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Make sure to choose a pan that allows about a half-inch of space around each chicken breast. This will help prevent the glaze from burning as it cooks. Preheat your oven to 425°F while you prepare the glaze.
Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic: In a small sauté pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 30 to 60 seconds—just long enough to soften without browning. Stir in 1/3 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of whole grain Dijon mustard, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, then simmer the glaze for 1 to 2 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
Season the Chicken: Take your 4 chicken breasts and lightly season them with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. The seasoning enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and complements the glaze beautifully.
Prepare for Baking: Carefully remove the hot baking pan from the oven and arrange the seasoned chicken breasts inside, allowing some space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Add the Glaze: Pour the hot honey Dijon glaze evenly over the chicken breasts in the pan. This glaze will create a sugary, flavorful crust as it bakes, making it the star of the dish.
Bake First Time: Return the pan to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15 minutes. At this point, the chicken will start to absorb those delicious flavors.
Baste Chicken: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using a spoon, baste the chicken breasts with the collected glaze at the bottom of the pan. This step adds even more flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Place the pan back in the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 170°F.
Rest Before Serving: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the chicken by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but refreshing the glaze before serving helps revive its flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid dry chicken, ensure you baste it with the glaze halfway through the baking process for maximum moisture.
- Using room temperature chicken helps it cook more evenly, so consider taking it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you want to amp up the flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the glaze.
- If you’re short on time, larger chicken breasts can be cut in half to expedite cooking time.
- For a cook’s shortcut, use a rotisserie chicken and simply warm it in the glaze for a quick meal.
Every bite of Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts is a celebration of flavor and simplicity. This easy dinner idea not only takes minimal effort but offers maximum satisfaction. Whether it’s a quiet family night or a gathering with friends, you’ll find that this dish will make an impression without needing a lot of time or complicated steps. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while this chicken bakes is simply enough to make your mouth water!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative as they tend to be juicier and flavorful. Just adjust your cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the ideal temperature.
How can I make this dish in advance?
You can prepare the glaze and season the chicken ahead of time. Store both separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply combine and bake as directed for a fresh-tasting meal.
What can I serve with Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple green salad. The sweet and tangy glaze complements a variety of sides, making it versatile for any meal.
Can I add vegetables to the baking pan?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans around the chicken before baking. They will absorb some of the delightful glaze and provide a nutritious side to your meal. Just be sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
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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: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe is a flavorful and simple dish. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a tender and juicy meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a delightful addition to your weekly menu.
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.
- Melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until softened, then stir in honey and Dijon mustard with a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Remove the hot baking pan from the oven and place chicken inside, leaving space between each piece.
- Pour the hot honey Dijon glaze over the chicken evenly. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Carefully basting the chicken with the collected glaze, return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure moist and tender meat.
Notes
For additional flavor, marinate the chicken in the glaze for a few hours before baking.
You can substitute maple syrup for honey if preferred.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
