There’s nothing like the delectable combination of honey and mustard to make your chicken dish stand out. Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is an easy, yet delightful recipe that combines the sweetness of honey with the tangy flavor of mustard. This dish is not only succulent but also loaded with flavors that tickle your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this baked chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite.
How to Prepare Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Preparing Baked Honey Mustard Chicken is a simple process that involves marinating chicken breasts in a flavorful honey mustard sauce and then baking them to perfection. The key is to use the right blend of ingredients and ensure that the chicken is baked at the right temperature. Here’s a small introduction to this divine dish before we dive into the ingredients and directions.
Ingredient for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup prepared mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Directions for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, and place in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the honey, mustard, basil, paprika, and parsley. Mix well.
- Pour 1/2 of this mixture over the chicken, and brush to cover.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Turn chicken pieces over and brush with the remaining 1/2 of the honey mustard mixture.
- Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Making the Perfect Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Here are some tips that will help you elevate your Baked Honey Mustard Chicken to the next level:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality honey and mustard for the best flavor. Opt for organic honey and Dijon mustard if possible.
- Marinating: For an even richer taste, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for a couple of hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Basting: Baste the chicken with the sauce a couple of times during baking to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Itshould reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
What can I serve with Baked Honey Mustard Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey mustard sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. When you’re ready to cook, simply preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of mustard such as whole grain mustard, spicy brown mustard, or honey mustard. Each type will give a slightly different flavor to the dish.
What can I do to make the chicken skin crispy?
If you’re using chicken with skin, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking to crisp up the skin. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning.
Can I add other herbs or spices to the honey mustard sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices such as thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can make this dish healthier by using a leaner cut of chicken like chicken breasts, reducing the amount of honey, and adding more herbs for flavor. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I use this recipe for other types of meat?
Yes, the honey mustard sauce is versatile and can be used for other types of meat like pork or turkey. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I know if the chicken is properly cooked without a thermometer?
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear and the meat should be white all the way through, with no pink remaining.
Can I make the honey mustard sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the honey mustard sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This can help save time when you are ready to cook.
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
- 6 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup prepared mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste, and place in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the honey, mustard, basil, paprika, and parsley. Mix well. Pour 1/2 of this mixture over the chicken, and brush to cover.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Turn chicken pieces over and brush with the remaining 1/2 of the honey mustard mixture. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
