Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts | Easy Dinner idea
Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts have a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that truly shine in this easy dinner recipe. The combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and savory garlic transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or just want to enjoy a wholesome weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Table of Contents
I first whipped up this dish during a busy week when my family craved something comforting yet delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it became a quick go-to in our kitchen. The best part? Every bite is bursting with flavor, thanks to the irresistible honey garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully while baking. Once you try this Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation for years to come!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 60 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
- Irresistible Flavor: The honey and Dijon combination creates a sweet and savory glaze that’s finger-licking good.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The glossy glaze gives the chicken a restaurant-quality look right at home.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to meal prep for the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free with low lactose, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each): This lean protein is the star of the dish, offering a healthy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Pinch salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural taste. Feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- 3 tbsp butter: Provides richness and helps the garlic soften while adding a rich flavor to the glaze.
- 6 cloves minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic fragrance that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- 1/3 cup honey: This natural sweetener not only adds a sticky glaze but also balances the sharpness of the Dijon mustard.
- 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a slight tang, giving the honey a flavorful kick.
- Pinch salt and pepper: To season the glaze just right, ensuring no flavor goes overlooked.
How to Make Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe | Easy Dinner idea
Preheat the Oven: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, creating a vessel for the chicken. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit to warm it while you prepare the glaze.
Melt Butter: In a small sauté pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 6 cloves of minced garlic and sauté gently for 30 to 60 seconds, allowing the garlic to soften and release its fragrant aroma without browning.
Prepare the Glaze: Stir in 1/3 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of whole grain Dijon mustard. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then simmer the glaze for about 1 to 2 minutes until it slightly thickens. This step creates the delicious skin that clings to your chicken!
Season Chicken: Take the hot baking pan out of the oven with caution. Lightly sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides before placing them in the pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced for optimal cooking.
Add Glaze: Pour the hot honey Dijon glaze over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. The hot pan will help the glaze start to caramelize, providing that signature sticky finish you love to see.
Bake: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and trust me, it’s amazing!
Baste the Chicken: After the initial baking time, carefully remove the pan from the oven and baste the chicken with any glaze collected at the bottom of the pan. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let it Rest: Once done, take the pan out and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period is essential — it lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Note that the glaze may lose some of its original stickiness, but you can refresh it by adding a little honey or reheating with a splash of chicken broth.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; 170 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal to prevent dry chicken.
- Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- Basting is key: It retains moisture and builds flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Experiment with garnishes: Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make great finishing touches, adding both color and bright flavor.
- For a green side, consider sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to brighten the meal.
There you have it, a simple yet flavorful recipe that will impress your family and friends alike. The blend of honey, Dijon, and garlic creates a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but gives you a warm, satisfying feeling with every bite. Don’t shy away from trying new variations — maybe add some herbs or spices to the glaze! Enjoy this Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe and let me know how it turned out!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture to the dish. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure they reach the same internal temperature.
What if I don’t have honey?
You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 170 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. Combine and bake them when you’re ready for dinner. This will save time on busy nights!
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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: Main Dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken is a delightful blend of flavors, featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a sweet and tangy glaze, making it an ideal choice for a quick, satisfying meal.
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, ensuring there's space around each chicken breast.
- Melt butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until softened but not browned. Stir in honey and whole grain Dijon mustard, seasoning with salt and pepper, and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Carefully remove the hot baking pan from the oven and place the chicken breasts inside, keeping them spaced out.
- Pour the hot honey Dijon glaze evenly over the chicken breasts in the pan. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the oven and baste the chicken breasts with any collected glaze. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute for moist meat.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Serve with sides like roasted vegetables or rice to complete the meal.
Ensure chicken is fully cooked for safe consumption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
