Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breasts: A Deliciously Simple Recipe
Chicken breasts are a staple in many households, known for their versatility and lean protein content. But let’s face it, plain baked chicken can get a bit boring. That’s where this honey mustard baked chicken recipe comes in! It’s a flavor explosion that’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend meal. The combination of sweet honey and tangy mustard creates a delightful glaze that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. This recipe is also easily adaptable to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe simple and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to make:** With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for even the busiest of cooks.
* **Flavorful:** The honey mustard glaze adds a delicious sweet and tangy flavor that everyone will love.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and balanced meal.
* **Healthy:** Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein.
* **Adaptable:** Easily adjust the ingredients and cooking time to suit your preferences.
* **Kid-friendly:** The sweet and savory flavor is usually a hit with kids.
* **Great for meal prep:** Cook a batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken Breasts:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. About 4-6 breasts, depending on size and how many servings you need.
* **Honey:** Adds sweetness and contributes to the glaze’s beautiful shine. Use your favorite type of honey, such as clover, wildflower, or orange blossom.
* **Mustard:** Dijon mustard is recommended for its tangy flavor and smooth texture. You can also use yellow mustard for a milder flavor, or stone-ground mustard for a more rustic taste.
* **Olive Oil:** Helps to keep the chicken moist and aids in browning.
* **Garlic Powder:** Adds a subtle garlicky flavor that complements the honey and mustard.
* **Paprika:** Adds a touch of smokiness and color to the chicken.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning.
* **Optional Ingredients:** A dash of Worcestershire sauce, a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking Dish:** A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for baking the chicken breasts.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For preparing the honey mustard glaze.
* **Whisk:** For combining the glaze ingredients.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Meat Thermometer:** Essential for ensuring the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making delicious honey mustard baked chicken breasts:
**1. Prepare the Chicken:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays moist.
* If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness (about ½ inch). This helps them cook more evenly and quickly. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better in the oven. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that desirable golden-brown crust.
**2. Make the Honey Mustard Glaze:**
* In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Start with the suggested amounts in the recipe and adjust to your taste. Want a sweeter glaze? Add more honey. Prefer a tangier flavor? Increase the mustard. Experiment until you find your perfect balance.
* Taste the glaze and adjust the seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
**3. Assemble and Bake:**
* Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the dish during baking.
* Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are not overlapping. Overlapping chicken can result in uneven cooking.
* Pour the honey mustard glaze evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Use a brush or spoon to spread the glaze evenly over each piece of chicken.
* Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, avoiding the bone.
**4. Broil for Extra Color (Optional):**
* If you want a more caramelized and golden-brown crust, broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on the chicken while broiling to prevent it from burning. The sugars in the honey can burn quickly under the broiler.
**5. Rest and Serve:**
* Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
* Serve the honey mustard baked chicken breasts with your favorite sides. See serving suggestions below.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Chicken Breasts
* **Use a meat thermometer:** This is the most accurate way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
* **Don’t overcrowd the baking dish:** Overcrowding the baking dish can steam the chicken instead of baking it, resulting in a less desirable texture. Use a larger baking dish or bake in batches if necessary.
* **Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness:** This helps them cook more evenly and prevents some parts from being overcooked while others are undercooked.
* **Let the chicken rest before slicing:** This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
* **Marinate the chicken (optional):** For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard glaze for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, in the refrigerator.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard glaze for a little heat.
* **Use different mustards:** Experiment with different types of mustard, such as stone-ground mustard, spicy brown mustard, or even flavored mustards like honey mustard or horseradish mustard.
* **Add herbs:** Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano into the honey mustard glaze.
* **Use different sweeteners:** Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for honey.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Ensure that all ingredients, especially the mustard, are gluten-free.
* **Add vegetables:** Roast vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers alongside the chicken in the same baking dish. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and add them to the baking dish about 15-20 minutes before the chicken is done.
Serving Suggestions
This honey mustard baked chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Rice:** Serve with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Potatoes:** Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries are all great options.
* **Vegetables:** Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh salad.
* **Pasta:** Serve with a simple pasta salad or a creamy pasta dish.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious honey mustard sauce.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the honey mustard glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also marinate the chicken in the glaze for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
* **Storage:** Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
* **Freezing:** Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the following is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* **Calories:** Approximately 300-400 per serving
* **Protein:** 30-40 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30 grams
* **Fat:** 10-15 grams
Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25-35 minutes
**Total Time:** 35-45 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Grease a baking dish.
5. Place chicken breasts in the baking dish.
6. Pour honey mustard glaze over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
7. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Optional: Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra color.
9. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious and easy honey mustard baked chicken breasts! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be making this recipe again and again. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal!