Description

This Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful honey mustard sauce, baked to juicy perfection. The combination of whole grain and Dijon mustards with sweet honey and garlic creates a balanced, tangy glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. Easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish offers a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 trimmed chicken breasts)

Honey Mustard Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

4 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400º F (204º C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Make the honey mustard sauce: In a bowl, combine olive oil, honey, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, salt, and minced garlic. Mix well until thoroughly blended.
Pound the chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Gently pound them with a meat tenderizer, rolling pin, or heavy pan until they are approximately 1 inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
Prepare for baking: Remove the chicken breasts from the plastic wrap and arrange them in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the honey mustard sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. If using, add fresh thyme sprigs around the chicken in the dish.
Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This helps retain moisture in the chicken while cooking.
Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes uncovered. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165º F (74º C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Rest and serve: Cover the dish again and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Notes

Using plastic wrap to pound the chicken helps prevent mess and keeps the meat intact.
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165º F to ensure safety.
Fresh thyme is optional but adds a fragrant herbal note to the dish.
For thicker sauce coating, baste the chicken once during baking by spooning some sauce back over the top.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.