Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken has become a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s one of those recipes that manages to be both incredibly simple to throw together and unbelievably delicious. Even on the busiest weeknights, I know I can rely on this dish to deliver a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will devour – and they always do! There’s something magical about the sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze caramelizing in the oven, coating the chicken in a sticky, golden perfection. Honestly, the aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water. If you’re searching for a foolproof recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, look no further. This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is about to become your new go-to for effortless weeknight dinners and beyond.

Ingredients for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: About 2.5-3 lbs of chicken pieces, bone-in and skin-on (such as thighs, drumsticks, or a mix), or boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. Bone-in and skin-on pieces offer more flavor and stay juicier during baking, while boneless options cook faster and are leaner.
• Honey: ½ cup of honey. This natural sweetener adds a beautiful sweetness that balances the tanginess of the mustard and creates a lovely caramelized glaze. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: ½ cup of Dijon mustard. Dijon provides a sharp, complex mustard flavor that is essential for the classic honey mustard taste. Its intensity complements the sweetness of the honey perfectly.
• Yellow Mustard: ¼ cup of yellow mustard. Yellow mustard adds a milder, more familiar mustard flavor that rounds out the Dijon and contributes to the overall depth of the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Soy sauce introduces a savory umami element to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile and adding a touch of saltiness. Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control salt levels.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil helps to emulsify the marinade, ensuring it coats the chicken evenly. It also adds a touch of richness and helps with browning during baking. Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy and flavorful choice.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Garlic powder provides a convenient way to add a consistent garlic flavor throughout the chicken. Its subtle pungency enhances the savory notes of the dish.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds a foundational savory flavor that complements the other seasonings and enhances the overall taste of the chicken.
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon of paprika. Paprika adds a mild, slightly sweet pepper flavor and a beautiful reddish color to the chicken. Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper, smoky flavor dimension.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste. Salt is crucial for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the other flavors in the marinade. Adjust to your preference, especially if using regular soy sauce.
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness and tanginess of the honey mustard glaze.

Instructions for Making Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is ideal for baking chicken, ensuring it cooks through while achieving a beautiful golden-brown exterior. While the oven is preheating, prepare your baking dish. You can use a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large roasting pan, depending on the amount of chicken you are cooking. Lightly grease the dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. This will also make cleanup easier later.
2. Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the marinade is smooth and emulsified. Taste the marinade and adjust seasonings as needed. You might prefer a bit more honey for sweetness, mustard for tanginess, or salt and pepper to your preference. This marinade is the heart of the dish, so getting the flavor balance right is key.
3. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the bowl with the honey mustard marinade. Use your hands or tongs to toss the chicken thoroughly, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for longer in the refrigerator. Marinating time can range from 30 minutes to up to 4 hours in the fridge. Longer marinating times allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final dish. If marinating in the refrigerator, bring the chicken to near room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
4. Arrange Chicken in Baking Dish: Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Ensure that the chicken pieces are not overcrowded, as this can lead to steaming rather than baking, and prevent proper browning. If necessary, use two baking dishes or bake in batches. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken in the dish. This extra marinade will help to keep the chicken moist and will caramelize beautifully during baking, creating a delicious glaze.
5. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork or a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the bone) registers 165°F (74°C). Baking time can vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces used. Bone-in pieces will generally take a bit longer to cook than boneless pieces.
6. Baste and Continue Baking (Optional for Extra Glaze): For an extra glossy and flavorful glaze, you can baste the chicken with the pan juices about halfway through the baking time, around 20-25 minutes in. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon the pan juices over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for the remaining time. Basting helps to keep the chicken moist and enhances the caramelized glaze.
7. Broil for Extra Browning (Optional): If you desire a more deeply browned and caramelized top, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Turn the oven to broil (high setting) and carefully watch the chicken. Broil for just a few minutes until the skin is nicely browned and slightly crispy. Be very careful when broiling, as it can quickly burn if not monitored closely. Keep the oven door slightly ajar and watch the chicken constantly to prevent burning.
8. Rest Before Serving: Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil during the resting period to keep the chicken warm.
9. Serve and Enjoy: After resting, the Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is ready to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired, for a touch of freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately while hot, alongside your favorite side dishes. The caramelized honey mustard glaze is incredibly flavorful and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments.

Nutrition Facts for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

(Per Serving, approximate, based on using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and dividing the recipe into 6 servings. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

• Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (approx. 4-5 oz cooked weight)
• Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
• Protein: 30-35g

Note: These values are estimates and can vary. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.

Preparation Time for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (This includes time to prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken.)
Cook Time: 35-45 minutes (Baking time in the oven, may vary depending on chicken pieces.)
Total Time: 50-65 minutes (From start to finish, ready to serve.)

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal because the active preparation time is minimal. Most of the time is hands-off baking in the oven, allowing you to focus on other tasks while dinner cooks. Even with marinating time, this dish can be ready in just over an hour, making it a convenient and delicious option for busy days.

How to Serve Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Classic Starchy Sides:
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a timeless pairing with honey mustard chicken. They soak up the delicious glaze and provide a comforting base for the meal.
  • Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, whether diced or wedges, offer a crispy and flavorful side that complements the chicken beautifully. Consider roasting them with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
  • Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa are excellent choices to absorb the flavorful sauce from the chicken. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some chopped herbs to the rice for extra flavor.
  • Pasta: Buttered noodles, egg noodles, or even a simple pasta salad can be served alongside the chicken. A creamy pasta salad with vegetables would be a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
• Fresh and Healthy Vegetable Sides:
  • Steamed or Roasted Broccoli: Broccoli, either steamed or roasted until tender-crisp, is a healthy and vibrant green side dish that pairs well with the chicken. A drizzle of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can elevate the broccoli.
  • Green Beans: Sautéed, steamed, or roasted green beans are another excellent green vegetable option. Almondine green beans or green beans with garlic and butter would be delicious.
  • Asparagus: Roasted or grilled asparagus spears are a sophisticated and flavorful side dish that complements the honey mustard chicken.
  • Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.
• Other Delicious Options:
  • Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a summery and sweet side dish that pairs wonderfully with the honey mustard flavors.
  • Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw or a vinegar-based coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy contrast to the warm chicken.
  • Mac and Cheese: For a more indulgent meal, creamy mac and cheese is a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish that many enjoy with chicken.
  • Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra honey mustard glaze from the plate.

Presentation Tips:

• Garnish: Garnish the plated chicken with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
• Sauce Drizzle: Drizzle any extra pan sauce over the chicken and side dishes for added flavor and moisture.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for guests to squeeze over the chicken for a bright and zesty finish.
• Colorful Sides: Choose side dishes with vibrant colors to create a visually appealing and appetizing plate.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

1. Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of this dish relies heavily on the quality of the honey and mustard. Opt for good quality honey and Dijon mustard for the best taste. Fresh spices also make a difference, so check the expiration dates on your garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: Marinating the chicken, even for just 30 minutes, makes a significant difference in flavor and tenderness. The longer you marinate (up to 4 hours in the fridge), the more flavorful and juicy the chicken will be. If you are short on time, even a quick 15-20 minute marinade will still improve the dish.
3. Pat the Chicken Dry Before Marinating: Before adding the chicken to the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better to the chicken and promotes better browning during baking. Excess moisture can hinder browning and create steam instead of roasting.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in chicken that is not as crispy and browned. If necessary, use two baking dishes or bake in batches.
5. Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess to Taste: The recipe provides a balanced honey mustard flavor, but you can adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your preference. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a bit more honey. For a tangier flavor, increase the Dijon mustard. Taste the marinade before adding the chicken and adjust accordingly.
6. Control the Broiling Carefully: If you choose to broil the chicken for extra browning, watch it very closely to prevent burning. Broiling can quickly turn the honey glaze from caramelized to burnt. Keep the oven door slightly ajar and monitor the chicken constantly during broiling.
7. Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the bone) and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Make it Ahead of Time: You can prepare the honey mustard marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, or even overnight for deeper flavor. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed. This makes meal prep easier for busy weeknights. Cooked chicken can also be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Baked Honey Mustard Chicken

Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of bone-in chicken pieces?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Boneless chicken will cook faster, so reduce the baking time accordingly. Start checking for doneness around 25-30 minutes. Keep in mind that bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier during baking, but boneless options are leaner and cook quicker.

Q2: Can I make this recipe with chicken wings?
A: Yes, honey mustard marinade is fantastic with chicken wings! Bake chicken wings at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until cooked through and crispy. You can also broil them for the last few minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Q3: I don’t have Dijon mustard. Can I substitute it with something else?
A: While Dijon mustard provides a unique and essential flavor to honey mustard sauce, you can substitute it in a pinch. Yellow mustard can be used as a substitute, but it will result in a milder flavor. You could also try using a grainy mustard or even a spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile. If using yellow mustard, you might want to add a touch more to compensate for the less intense flavor of Dijon.

Q4: Can I add other spices or herbs to the marinade?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices and herbs to customize the flavor. Good additions include dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor), a pinch of cayenne pepper (for a little heat), or a dash of onion powder. Fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley can also be added at the end for garnish and freshness.

Q5: How do I prevent the honey mustard glaze from burning in the oven?
A: Honey can caramelize and burn easily, especially at higher temperatures. To prevent burning, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and don’t bake at too high a temperature for too long. If you notice the glaze is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking dish with foil for part of the baking time to slow down browning. Also, avoid broiling for too long and watch the chicken very carefully if you choose to broil.

Q6: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
A: Yes, you can grill honey mustard chicken. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken pieces for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely grilled, brushing with extra marinade during the last few minutes of grilling. Grilling will impart a smoky flavor that complements the honey mustard glaze beautifully.

Q7: What’s the best way to store leftover baked honey mustard chicken?
A: Store leftover baked honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave. Reheating in the oven will help to maintain the crispiness of the skin better than microwaving.

Q8: Can I double or triple this recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes, this recipe is easily scalable. Simply double or triple all the ingredients proportionally to make a larger batch for a family gathering or potluck. You may need to use larger baking dishes or bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the chicken. Ensure you have enough marinade to coat all the chicken pieces evenly when scaling up the recipe.