Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts

Name: Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Home Kitchen Classics

I love making Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts because it’s such a simple yet satisfying dish. The combination of tangy mustard and sweet honey creates a delightful glaze that perfectly complements the juicy chicken. In just 30 minutes, I can have a flavorful meal that the whole family enjoys. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, and it pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a regular on your dinner table.

Created by

Lydia Spencer

Last updated on 2026-02-15T02:13:36.538Z

When I first made Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The mixture of honey and mustard creates a perfect balance, making each bite both sweet and savory. I often use a blend of Dijon and whole grain mustard for added texture and depth of flavor, which really elevates the dish.

One of my favorite tips is to marinate the chicken for a few hours, or even overnight, if you have the time. It infuses the meat with even more flavor and ensures it remains tender and juicy. Now, this dish is one I look forward to sharing with friends during gatherings or enjoying on a quiet weeknight.

Why You'll Love this Recipe
Irresistible glaze that combines sweet and tangy flavors
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings
Versatile dish that pairs well with various sides

Understanding the Marinade

The marinade is the key to elevating the flavors of Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts. The honey not only adds sweetness but also creates a beautiful caramelization as the chicken bakes, giving it a glossy finish. The Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy punch that balances the sweetness perfectly. I recommend tasting the marinade before using it on the chicken; if you find it too sweet, adding a touch more mustard can enhance the flavor profile.

Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes is crucial for flavor infusion, but if time permits, an overnight soak in the fridge will yield even juicier results. This resting period enables the chicken to absorb the complex notes from the marinade, turning a simple dish into a gourmet experience. If you’re in a rush, even just letting it sit for that short period is better than cooking it straight away.

Perfecting Your Bake

Baking the chicken at 375°F (190°C) is ideal for achieving that tender, perfectly cooked texture without drying it out. Keep a meat thermometer handy to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Overcooking chicken breasts can lead to a dry, chewy result, so I recommend checking a few minutes before the 20-minute mark, especially if your chicken breasts are on the thinner side.

For enhanced flavor, basting the chicken with the remaining marinade halfway through baking helps to keep the surface moist and flavorful while promoting even cooking. If you notice the chicken starting to brown too quickly, you can tent the dish with foil to prevent burning while still allowing it to cook through.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, which can be tossed in the same honey-mustard mixture for cohesive flavors. Alternatively, a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.

If you want to add a twist, try substituting the Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard for added texture. You can also make this dish spicy by incorporating a touch of sriracha or red pepper flakes into the marinade. This turns the sweet and tangy notes into a delightful sweet heat that can excite your taste buds!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking for the best experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breasts:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over the chicken. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for more flavor.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Bake the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish. Brush the remaining marinade over the chicken. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy with your favorite sides.

Serve warm and savor the delightful flavors!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey or tofu for a different twist on this recipe.

Make-Ahead Options

If you plan ahead, marinating the chicken in advance can be a real time-saver on busy nights. You can prepare the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking, letting it soak in the marinade in the fridge. This means dinner can be ready in no time—just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.

For leftovers, store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture. Heat until warmed through to maintain tenderness.

Storing and Freezing

If you have a surplus of cooked chicken, it can be frozen for later use. Allow the chicken to cool down completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly frozen, it'll last for about three months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

When you are ready to enjoy your frozen chicken, reheating in the oven is best for texture. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it; just remember to cover it to prevent dryness. This ensures that the chicken remains moist and the glaze does not become overly sticky.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue is the chicken not browning enough due to excess moisture. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before adding the marinade. If it still appears pale after baking, you can place it under the broiler for a few minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.

Another potential pitfall is flavor intensity. If your chicken ends up bland, consider adding more seasoning to the marinade next time or making a small batch of extra glaze to drizzle on top just before serving. This can elevate the dish and balance any hints of dryness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and will remain juicy due to their higher fat content.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

→ Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Grilling is a great way to prepare this dish, just brush the marinade on while cooking.

→ What should I serve with this chicken?

This dish pairs nicely with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.