Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts | Easy Dinner idea
Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts is a dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory. The combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic coats tender chicken breasts, resulting in a dish that feels gourmet without a lot of fuss. When you take that first bite, the glaze glistens, providing an exciting burst of flavor with every mouthful.
Table of Contents
I first whipped up this Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe on a busy weeknight, and it has become a regular at our dinner table ever since. The ease of preparation and the delightful aroma filling the kitchen makes this a go-to meal, especially when I have friends over or just want to treat my family to something special. Each time, I’m reminded of how effortless it is to create a dish that tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and tangy glaze caramelizes beautifully, bringing the chicken to life.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The rich golden hue from the glaze makes this dish a showstopper on any plate.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it solo, with rice, or toss it into a salad for an easy lunch.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Suitable for gluten-free diets and low lactose needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each): This lean protein is the star of the dish, providing a tender and juicy bite when cooked properly.
- Pinch of salt and pepper: Seasoning is key to enhancing flavor; don’t skip this!
- 3 tbsp butter: Adds richness and depth to the glaze while helping to sauté the garlic.
- 6 cloves minced garlic: Fresh garlic brings a robust flavor that melds beautifully with the honey and Dijon.
- 1/3 cup honey: A natural sweetener that caramelizes and adds a beautiful sheen to the chicken.
- 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard: This gives the glaze its tangy kick, with some texture from the mustard seeds.
- Pinch of salt and pepper: A little extra seasoning goes a long way, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
How to Make Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe | Easy Dinner Idea
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gives that lovely caramelization on the glaze.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, allowing for some extra space around each chicken breast. This prevents the glaze from getting too shallow and burning. It also makes for easy cleanup!
Melt the Butter: In a small sauté pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. As it melts, it will create a rich base for your glaze.
Sauté the Garlic: Add 6 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook gently for about 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic softens but doesn’t brown; you want it fragrant, not burnt.
Combine Glaze Ingredients: Stir in 1/3 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of whole grain Dijon mustard. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s slightly reduced and thickens just enough to cling to the chicken.
Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance their natural flavor as they cook.
Add Chicken to the Pan: Carefully remove the hot baking pan from the oven and place the chicken breasts inside, spacing them evenly apart to ensure even cooking.
Glaze the Chicken: Pour the hot honey Dijon glaze evenly over the chicken breasts. This glaze will create a sticky, delicious coating as the chicken cooks.
Bake the Chicken: Return the pan to the oven and bake the chicken for about 15 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your home, making your mouth water in anticipation.
Baste and Continue Baking: After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and baste the chicken with the glaze that has collected at the bottom. Place the pan back in the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it should read at least 170 degrees Fahrenheit when done.
Rest Before Serving: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is key to locking in the juicy goodness before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. The texture may change slightly, but refreshing it with a squeeze of lemon juice can bring back some brightness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender; a meat thermometer is your best friend.
- Let the chicken come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking; this ensures even cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier note, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
- Feel free to double the glaze; it’s perfect for drizzling over accompanying sides like roasted vegetables or rice.
- This dish can be made ahead of time; just reheat it in the oven before serving for the best flavor.
With flavors that meld beautifully and an easy preparation process, this recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when comfort food is just what you need. Don’t hesitate to experiment with sides to complement your meal; fluffy rice or a light salad pairs beautifully. I’m excited for you to enjoy this dish as much as I do!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and have a bit more fat, which means they can stay juicier; just adjust cooking times slightly for tender, moist results.
What can I serve with Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts?
This dish goes perfectly with a variety of sides. Consider steamed vegetables, a hearty grain like quinoa, or even a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you choose a gluten-free brand of Dijon mustard. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.
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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: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken offers a delightful blend of flavors with minimal prep. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner, it features tender chicken breasts bathed in a sweet and savory glaze made from honey and Dijon mustard.
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 your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring enough space around each chicken breast to prevent burning.
- Melt butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook gently for 30 to 60 seconds until soft but not browned. Stir in honey, whole grain Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly.
- Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper on both sides. Carefully remove the hot baking pan from the oven and arrange the chicken breasts in it, spacing them evenly.
- Pour the hot honey Dijon glaze evenly over the chicken breasts. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Take the pan out of the oven and baste the chicken breasts with the glaze collected at the bottom. Place the pan back in the oven and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to ensure moist, tender meat.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the glaze for 1-2 hours before cooking.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
