Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breast
I still remember the first time I made honey mustard baked chicken breast for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed something quick, easy, and delicious. This recipe exceeded all my expectations - the sweet and tangy glaze, the juicy meat, and the best part, it was ready in just 30 minutes!
As a home cook, I've learned that the key to a great chicken dinner is keeping it simple yet flavorful. This honey mustard baked chicken breast is a perfect example of that. The combination of honey, mustard, and herbs creates a sticky and savory glaze that complements the chicken beautifully.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. You can serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
What I love most about this recipe is that it's versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. You can adjust the amount of honey and mustard to your liking, and even add some garlic or lemon juice for extra flavor. So, let's dive into the recipe and learn how to make this delicious honey mustard baked chicken breast!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. The instructions are easy to follow, and the result is a mouth-watering dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. So, go ahead and give it a try - I promise you won't be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- The combination of honey and mustard creates a sticky and savory glaze that's sure to impress
- The dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences
- The chicken is juicy and tender, with a crispy exterior that's sure to please
- The dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion
- The recipe is budget-friendly and uses common ingredients
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this recipe is the combination of honey and mustard, which creates a sticky and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The acidity in the mustard helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender and juicy.
The key to achieving this perfect glaze is to cook the chicken at a high temperature for a short amount of time. This helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender. Additionally, the honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the savory flavor of the mustard.
The use of fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary adds a fragrant and aromatic flavor to the dish. These herbs complement the honey and mustard perfectly, creating a well-balanced and delicious flavor profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this delicious honey mustard baked chicken breast, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The key players are chicken breast, honey, mustard, and fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary. You'll also need some olive oil, salt, and pepper to bring everything together.
When shopping for ingredients, make sure to choose fresh and high-quality items. Opt for boneless and skinless chicken breast for the best results. You can also use other types of chicken, such as thighs or tenders, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)Make sure to choose fresh and high-quality chicken breast for the best results. You can also use other types of chicken, such as thighs or tenders, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- 1/4 cup honeyUse high-quality honey that's pure and has a rich flavor. You can also use other types of honey, such as clover or manuka, for a different flavor profile.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustardDijon mustard has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the honey. You can also use other types of mustard, such as whole-grain or spicy, for a different flavor profile.
- 2 tbsp olive oilUse high-quality olive oil that's rich and flavorful. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado or grapeseed, for a different flavor profile.
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thymeFresh thyme has a fragrant and aromatic flavor that complements the honey and mustard perfectly. You can also use other types of herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, for a different flavor profile.
- 1 tsp saltUse high-quality salt that's pure and has a rich flavor. You can also use other types of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, for a different flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp black pepperUse high-quality pepper that's pure and has a rich flavor. You can also use other types of pepper, such as white or green, for a different flavor profile.
- 1 tsp garlic powderGarlic powder adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the dish. You can also use fresh garlic, but adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- 1 tsp onion powderOnion powder adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the dish. You can also use fresh onion, but adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- 1/4 cup chicken brothChicken broth adds moisture and flavor to the dish. You can also use other types of broth, such as beef or vegetable, for a different flavor profile.
Equipment You’ll Need
How to Make Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breast
- 1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure to use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct temperature.
- 2In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- 3Place the chicken breasts on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the honey mustard glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- 4Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, making sure they're evenly coated.
- 5Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- 6After 15 minutes of baking, baste the chicken with the chicken broth to keep it moist and add extra flavor.
- 7Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- 8Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- 9Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a pop of color and added flavor.
- 10Serve immediately and enjoy!
- 11To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- 12Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
Expert Tips
- Make sure to use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and pure honey, for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey and mustard to your taste preferences. You can also add other ingredients, such as garlic or lemon juice, for extra flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.
- To add extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the honey mustard glaze for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
- To make the dish more substantial, you can serve it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- To add a crunchy texture, you can top the chicken with chopped nuts or seeds before baking.
- To make the dish more spicy, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey mustard glaze.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
- Not letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing, which can make the meat tough and dry.
- Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh herbs and pure honey, which can affect the flavor of the dish.
- Not adjusting the amount of honey and mustard to your taste preferences, which can make the dish too sweet or too tangy.
- Not basting the chicken with chicken broth, which can make the meat dry and flavorless.
Variations and Substitutions
- To make the dish more substantial, you can serve it with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- To add extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the honey mustard glaze for 30 minutes to an hour before baking.
- To make the dish more spicy, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey mustard glaze.
- To add a crunchy texture, you can top the chicken with chopped nuts or seeds before baking.
- To make the dish more herbaceous, you can add other herbs, such as rosemary or parsley, to the honey mustard glaze.
- To make the dish more citrusy, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the honey mustard glaze.
- To make the dish more savory, you can add a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as parmesan or cheddar, to the top of the chicken before baking.
What to Serve With Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breast
This honey mustard baked chicken breast is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. The dish is also great for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Some other serving suggestions include serving the chicken with a side of quinoa or brown rice, or adding some steamed broccoli or green beans to the plate. You can also serve the dish with a side of warm bread or a crusty baguette for a more substantial meal.
Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating
To store the honey mustard baked chicken breast, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, place the chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and keep it in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to reheat, simply thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop.
To reheat the chicken, you can place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop in a pan with a little bit of oil or broth, until it's heated through.
It's also important to note that you can make the honey mustard glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply whisk the ingredients together and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the internal temperature of cooked chicken?
The internal temperature of cooked chicken should be at least 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
You can check if the chicken is cooked through by cutting into it and checking if the juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Can I make the honey mustard glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the honey mustard glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply whisk the ingredients together and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of chicken for this recipe, such as thighs or tenders. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I add other ingredients to the honey mustard glaze?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the honey mustard glaze, such as garlic or lemon juice, for extra flavor. Simply whisk the ingredients together and adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
How do I store the honey mustard baked chicken breast?
You can store the honey mustard baked chicken breast in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, place the chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.
Can I reheat the chicken in the microwave?
Yes, you can reheat the chicken in the microwave, but it's not recommended. The chicken may become dry and tough, and the microwave can unevenly heat the chicken. It's better to reheat the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. You can also baste the chicken with chicken broth during cooking to keep it moist.

Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure to use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct temperature.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, thyme, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the honey mustard glaze evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken breasts, making sure they're evenly coated.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- After 15 minutes of baking, baste the chicken with the chicken broth to keep it moist and add extra flavor.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
- To ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to stay tender.