This Honey Mustard Rosemary Chicken is tender, juicy, and bursting with layered flavor. The chicken breasts are seasoned lightly with a savory chicken spice blend, then seared in olive oil until golden. Three mustards —Dijon, yellow, and wholegrain—form a rich, tangy base. This base pairs beautifully with sweet honey. Together, they achieve the perfect balance of bold and comforting flavors.
A splash of white vinegar brightens the sauce, while paprika adds warmth and subtle color. Fresh rosemary sprigs infuse the chicken as it cooks. They give the dish a fragrant, earthy aroma. This elevates even simple weeknight meals. The final result is a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that clings to the chicken and caramelizes slightly in the pan. It’s quick, elegant, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
To create the irresistible Baked Honey Mustard Chicken, you’ll need the next ingredients:
- Chicken Pieces: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for optimal flavor and tenderness. Boneless options work well too if you prefer.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that adds a rich, sticky glaze and balances the tanginess of the mustard.
- Mustard: Use your favorite mustard type. You choose Dijon or whole grain. It provides a sharp flavor that complements the honey.
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps the glaze adhere to the chicken, enhancing its golden color and crispy texture.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth and a fragrant aroma to the marinade.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami punch and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Add a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor.
Gather these ingredients. You’ll soon enjoy a deliciously baked chicken dish. Everyone will want to dig into it!
Ingredients for Baked Honey Mustard Rosemary Chicken
- ▢ 4 (4 ounces each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ▢ 1 teaspoon (or to taste) chicken seasoning blend <– click here for the recipe
- ▢ 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- ▢ 1/4 cup honey
- ▢ 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ▢ 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- ▢ 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- ▢ 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- ▢ 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- ▢ 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, optional but recommended
INSTRUCTIONS for For Honey Mustard Rosemary Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly grease a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet.
- Season chicken breasts with the chicken seasoning blend. Add chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until browned.
- In the meantime, prepare the honey mustard sauce.
- Combine 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, honey, mustard, white vinegar, and paprika in a small mixing bowl; whisk until well mixed.
- Transfer chicken breasts from skillet to earlier prepared baking dish.
- Pour prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken breasts, turning chicken over so to cover each chicken breast entirely.
- Lay sprigs of rosemary between chicken breasts.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove cover and continue to bake for 15 minutes more, or until chicken is cooked through. Cooking time will vary depending on the size/thickness of the chicken.
- Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes.
- Serve.
Serving Suggestions For Honey Mustard Rosemary Chicken:
- Fresh Garden Salad: Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onions. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers. The caramelization from roasting complements the honey mustard flavor.
- Grain Bowl: Create a hearty grain bowl with quinoa, brown rice, or farro as the base. Add the sliced honey mustard chicken, avocado, and steamed veggies for a nutritious meal.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can add a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken. Try a simple slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a light vinegar dressing.
- Sweet Potatoes: Serve the chicken with sweet potatoes prepared in various ways. They can be mashed, roasted, or baked. These techniques offer a deliciously sweet and earthy flavor. This pairs well with the marinade.
- Pasta Salad: Toss the chicken with a cold pasta salad made with veggies, olives, and a light dressing. This combination creates a refreshing side perfect for warm days.
- Wraps or Sandwiches: Use sliced honey mustard chicken in wraps or sandwiches with crisp lettuce and tomato. Add a spread of your choice. This makes a tasty lunch choice.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: The sweetness of grilled corn pairs beautifully with honey mustard chicken. It adds a classic summer dish to your meal.
- Rice Pilaf: Serve the chicken over a flavorful rice pilaf. Garnish it with herbs, nuts, or dried fruits. This will enhance the overall dish.
- Pickled Vegetables: Offer a side of pickled vegetables. They give a tangy contrast. This contrast brightens up the rich flavors of the honey mustard chicken.
- Herb-Infused Couscous: Serve the chicken over fluffy couscous mixed with herbs and lemon zest for a light, flavorful side.
- Fruit Salsa: Create a refreshing fruit salsa. Use mango, pineapple, or peaches for a sweet and tangy topping. This pairs nicely with the chicken.
- These serving suggestions will help create a well-rounded meal. They enhance the flavors of your Honey Mustard Chicken. This combination ensures a delightful dining experience!
Tips for Honey Mustard Rosemary Chicken Marinade
- Marinate for Optimal Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, aim for 2-4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
- Choose the Right Chicken Cut: Breast, thighs, or drumsticks can all work well. Thighs are particularly forgiving due to their higher fat content, while breasts gain from more marinating time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs can elevate your marinade significantly. Consider using freshly minced garlic and freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.
- Balance Sweetness and Tartness: Adjust the ratio of honey and mustard according to your taste preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more honey; for tanginess, increase the mustard.
- Add Depth with Extra Ingredients: Consider adding a splash of soy sauce. Worcestershire sauce can also be used for added umami. Add some chili flakes for a hint of spice.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Marinade: If you’re marinating multiple pieces of chicken, make sure they are spaced out in the marinade. This ensures that each piece gets an even coating of flavors.
- Use as a Glaze: Reserve some of the marinade before adding it to the chicken. You can use it to baste the chicken during cooking for extra flavor. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly if reusing it.
- Experiment with Other Proteins: This marinade isn’t limited to chicken. Try it with pork, tofu, or even roasted vegetables for a delicious change!
- Grill for Smoky Flavor: If grilling, try to achieve a nice char on the chicken. A nice char adds a fantastic smoky flavor. This flavor complements the marinade beautifully.
- Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair the finished chicken with fresh salads. Add roasted vegetables or grain bowls. This will balance the sweet and tangy flavors.
Video
Frequently Asking Questions (FAQs)
- What is honey mustard chicken marinade?
It is a mixture of honey, mustard (Dijon or yellow), and olive oil. It often includes garlic and vinegar or juice. This mix is used to flavor and tenderize chicken before cooking.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, 2–4 hours in the fridge. You can marinate as little as 30 minutes, but longer marinates deepen flavor.
3. Can I use any cut of chicken?
Yes—breasts, thighs, or drumsticks work well. Thighs stay juicier; breasts cook faster but can dry out if over marinated.
4. Can I marinate and cook at the same time?
Yes, but don’t reuse leftover marinade that contacted raw chicken as a sauce unless you boil it first. If you want to baste, set aside a part before adding raw chicken.
5. How do I cook honey mustard chicken after marinating?
Grill, bake, or pan-sear. For grilling, cook over medium heat until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). For baking, 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes (time varies by cut).
6. Can I use this marinade for other proteins?
Yes. It works well with pork, tofu, or vegetables as a glaze or dipping sauce.
7. How can I adjust sweetness or tanginess?
Increase honey for sweetness or more mustard for tang. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar for extra acidity.
8. Should I save marinade?
If you included raw chicken, reserve a piece before adding the chicken to mix as a glaze later. Do not reuse the raw-marinated portion without cooking it first.
9. How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying.
10. What should I serve it with?
Roasted vegetables, grains (rice, quinoa, farro), salads, or a light coleslaw pair nicely.
11. Any tips for beginners?
Pat chicken dry before marinating, don’t overcrowd the pan/grill, and watch cooking to avoid overcooking, which can dry the meat.
12. CAN I USE CHICKEN THIGHS
Absolutely, but cooking times will vary. Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness. The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165° Fahrenheit, or 75° Celsius.
13. HOW TO STORE COOKED CHICKEN LEFTOVERS
Store chicken in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Baked Honey Mustard Chicken! This easy recipe combines tender chicken and a sweet-tangy glaze for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 (4 ounces each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon (or to taste) chicken seasoning blend <-- click here for the recipe
- 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, optional but recommended
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly grease a 9" x 13" baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet.
- Season chicken breasts with the chicken seasoning blend. Add chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until browned.
- In the meantime, prepare the honey mustard sauce.
- Combine 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, honey, mustard, white vinegar, and paprika in a small mixing bowl; whisk until well mixed.
- Transfer chicken breasts from skillet to earlier prepared baking dish.
- Pour prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken breasts, turning chicken over so to cover each chicken breast entirely.
- Lay sprigs of rosemary between chicken breasts.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove cover and continue to bake for 15 minutes more, or until chicken is cooked through. Cooking time will vary depending on the size/thickness of the chicken.
- Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes.
- Serve.
Notes
- Marinate for Optimal Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, aim for 2-4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.
- Choose the Right Chicken Cut: Breast, thighs, or drumsticks can all work well. Thighs are particularly forgiving due to their higher fat content, while breasts gain from more marinating time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs can elevate your marinade significantly. Consider using freshly minced garlic and freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.
- Balance Sweetness and Tartness: Adjust the ratio of honey and mustard according to your taste preferences. If you like it sweeter, add more honey; for tanginess, increase the mustard.
- Add Depth with Extra Ingredients: Consider adding a splash of soy sauce. Worcestershire sauce can also be used for added umami. Add some chili flakes for a hint of spice.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Marinade: If you’re marinating multiple pieces of chicken, make sure they are spaced out in the marinade. This ensures that each piece gets an even coating of flavors.
- Use as a Glaze: Reserve some of the marinade before adding it to the chicken. You can use it to baste the chicken during cooking for extra flavor. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly if reusing it.
- Experiment with Other Proteins: This marinade isn't limited to chicken. Try it with pork, tofu, or even roasted vegetables for a delicious change!
- Grill for Smoky Flavor: If grilling, try to achieve a nice char on the chicken. A nice char adds a fantastic smoky flavor. This flavor complements the marinade beautifully.
- Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair the finished chicken with fresh salads. Add roasted vegetables or grain bowls. This will balance the sweet and tangy flavors.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 182Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 304mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 18gProtein: 10g
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
