Description
Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts are juicy, flavorful chicken breasts glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture of honey, whole grain Dijon mustard, and garlic. This easy baked chicken recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet with a buttery garlic glaze that enhances every bite, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
- pinch salt and pepper
Glaze
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves minced garlic
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard
- pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring it is large enough to leave a half inch space around each chicken breast but not too large to avoid glaze burning. Place the empty pan in a 425 degree F oven to heat while preparing the glaze.
- Make the Glaze: Melt the butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until softened but not browned. Stir in the honey, whole grain Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer the glaze for 1 to 2 minutes to start reducing and blending the flavors.
- Season Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Arrange and Glaze Chicken: Remove the hot baking pan from the oven. Place the chicken breasts evenly spaced within the pan. Pour the hot honey Dijon glaze evenly over each breast to coat fully.
- Bake the Chicken: Return the pan to the 425 degree F oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the pan and baste the chicken breasts with the glaze collected at the bottom. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 170 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
Notes
- Make sure not to brown the garlic during glaze preparation to keep a mellow flavor.
- Using an 8x8 inch pan ensures the glaze remains shallow and does not burn.
- Basting halfway through cooking helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Resting the chicken before serving maximizes juiciness.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
- Check chicken with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and dryness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approx. 6 ounces)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 270 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
