Get ready to fall in love with this amazing Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe! It’s an irresistible dish that marries sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in a way that will have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a weekend family feast, this recipe is as comforting as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require any special skills.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The blend of honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic creates a glaze that is both unique and delicious.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters are likely to love the sweet and savory combination of these chicken breasts.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making dinner for the family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that make this dish so delightful.
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: These provide a blank canvas for our delectable glaze.
- 3 tbsp butter: Used to sauté the garlic, adding richness to the glaze.
- 6 cloves minced garlic: Offers a robust flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy elements.
- 1/3 cup honey: Provides sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelization on the chicken.
- 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick and unique texture to the glaze.
- Pinch salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the glaze and the chicken.
Variations
Feel free to tailor this Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe to suit your personal taste or dietary needs. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for some heat.
- Lemon Zest: Mix in some lemon zest to the glaze for an added fresh, citrusy flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Sprinkle your favorite herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, on top of the chicken before baking for extra aroma and taste.
How to Make Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and place it in a 425-degree oven to preheat. Ensuring the pan is hot when you add the chicken helps to seal in the juices and keeps the chicken moist.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
Melt the butter in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, cooking for just 30-60 seconds to soften without browning. Stir in the honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper, simmering for a minute or two to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Season and Bake
Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Remove the hot baking pan from the oven and arrange the chicken, ensuring space around each piece. Pour the hot glaze over the chicken, letting it coat them evenly before returning to the oven for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Baste and Finish Baking
After the initial roasting, remove the chicken and baste it with the glaze from the pan. Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes or until a thermometer reads 170 degrees F in the thickest part. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts
- Butter Quality: Use a good quality butter for a richer flavor in the garlic sauté.
- Garlic Patience: Avoid browning the garlic to keep it from becoming bitter.
- Basting Effectively: Basting ensures the chicken remains moist and evenly coated with the glaze.
- Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest post-baking to lock in the juices before slicing.
How to Serve Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top of these Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts adds a pop of color and a fragrant finish. You can also add lemon wedges on the side for a touch of citrus zest that complements the glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these chicken breasts with fluffy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the sweet and spicy notes of the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at a dinner party, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of rice pilaf or quinoa. Arrange a colorful medley of roasted vegetables around the chicken slices for a plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to three days and make for a quick and tasty lunch option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze any leftovers, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. Label and date, and it will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat, place frozen or thawed chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a 350-degree F oven until warmed through. You can also reheat gently in the microwave, though it might not stay as moist.
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, but the cooking time may be slightly longer. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F.
-
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
If you’re out of Dijon mustard, stone-ground mustard or even a bit of yellow mustard can work as substitutes.
-
Can I make this recipe in advance?
The glaze can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before pouring over the chicken.
-
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These chicken breasts hold up well in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prepping a few days ahead.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a delightful dish that’s sure to please! I hope you enjoy making and sharing these Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts as much as I do. They’re perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing your dinner guests with minimal effort. Happy cooking!
Print
Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Dijon Garlic Chicken Breasts are a flavorful and tender dish featuring juicy chicken breasts baked in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon garlic glaze. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and zesty flavors with minimal prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
For the glaze
- 3 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch salt and pepper
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp whole grain Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and place it in a 425°F oven to heat while preparing the glaze, ensuring the pan is just large enough to hold the chicken with about half an inch of space around each piece.
- Prepare the glaze: Melt the butter in a small sauté pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until softened, avoiding browning. Stir in honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced, blending all ingredients.
- Season the chicken: Lightly season each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Arrange chicken and apply glaze: Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared pan, spaced evenly. Pour the hot glaze over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake the chicken: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Afterward, remove from oven, baste the chicken with the glaze from the pan, and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F on a meat thermometer.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately determine doneness and prevent overcooking.
- The glaze can be prepared in advance and warmed before pouring over the chicken.
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
