If you’re craving something irresistibly savory and just a little sweet, this Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken is your answer. Bathed in a golden, tangy glaze and accented with fresh rosemary, this is the chicken dinner that magically balances cozy comfort with lively flavor, and that everyone at your table will request again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor Combo: The marriage of honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh rosemary creates a sweet, tangy, and aromatic glaze you’ll want to mop up with every bite.
- Ridiculously Easy: With just a handful of pantry staples and 10 minutes of prep, this recipe is a weeknight lifesaver that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.
- Versatile & Family Friendly: Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken pleases even picky eaters and can be made with chicken breasts or thighs, letting you adjust for your favorite cut.
- Clean-up is a Breeze: The whole dish comes together in one pan, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised by how everyday ingredients create such a beautifully nuanced dish! Each item in this Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken brings something special to the party—don’t skip any. Here’s a quick look at what makes this recipe shine.
- Honey: Brings luscious sweetness and natural caramelization as the chicken bakes.
- Dijon Mustard & Whole Grain Dijon: Classic Dijon delivers punchy tang, while the whole grain version adds pops of texture and flavor depth.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a splash wakes up all the other flavors and keeps things bright.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Adds umami notes and balance—tamari or omitting it makes the chicken gluten-free.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic boosts the savory profile with an aromatic kick.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, helping every flavor sing.
- Chicken Broth (or Water): Keeps the chicken moist and yields an ultra-flavorful pan sauce for serving.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or Thighs): Both options work—thighs offer extra juiciness, while breasts keep it classic and lean.
- Fresh Rosemary: Sprigs infuse the dish with herbaceous aroma and that unmistakable Mediterranean vibe.
Variations
This Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken is the definition of flexible—feel free to make it your own! There are endless ways to personalize it to your tastes, pantry staples, or dietary needs, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for even juicier, richer results—they stay totally succulent in the oven.
- Add Vegetables: Tuck wedges of red onion, carrots, or small potatoes alongside the chicken to soak up the sauce as they roast.
- Go Fully Gluten-Free: Skip the soy sauce or substitute with tamari or coconut aminos—it’s just as flavorful and perfect for gluten-free diets.
- Try Different Herbs: If you’re out of rosemary, thyme or sage add a delicious herbal note that still complements the honey-mustard glaze.
- Spice It Up: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle warmth in every bite.
How to Make Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken
Step 1: Make the Honey Dijon Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, both mustards, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and give it one more quick whisk until all the ingredients blend into a silky, golden sauce. This step takes less than two minutes but totally makes the dish!
Step 2: Arrange Chicken and Add Rosemary
Place your chicken breasts or thighs in a baking dish, nestling them in a single layer for even cooking. Pour the honey-Dijon marinade over the top, making sure every piece gets a generous, sticky coating. Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around and between the chicken—these will infuse the whole dish as it bakes and make your kitchen smell incredible.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated 350°F (180°C) oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken, until the juices run clear and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). About halfway through, you can baste the chicken with the sauce for extra shine and flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the luscious rosemary-scented sauce over the baked chicken, and scatter a bit more fresh rosemary if you like. This dish begs to be served with a crusty roll or over rice to soak up every last drop of golden, herby pan sauce. Your Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken is ready to wow!
Pro Tips for Making Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken
- Marinate for More Flavor: If you have time, let the chicken sit in the honey Dijon marinade (even just 30 minutes) before baking for maximum rosemary-infused flavor.
- Opt for Whole Grain Dijon: The little mustard seeds add delightful pops of texture and visual appeal in every slice of chicken.
- Don’t Overbake: Check the chicken at the 25-minute mark; overcooked chicken loses that lovely juiciness. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here!
- Sauce is Gold—Don’t Waste It: Pour all the pan juices right over your chicken (or veggies, or rice); every drop is liquid flavor magic.
How to Serve Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken
Garnishes
A fresh sprinkle of chopped rosemary or parsley right before serving brings color and brightness to your Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken. A squeeze of lemon, or even a few lemon zest curls, is lovely if you want to ramp up the freshness even more.
Side Dishes
This saucy, fragrant chicken can round out your table with almost any side. Roasted potatoes or a batch of fluffy rice are perfect for sopping up the pan sauce, while simple green beans, steamed broccoli, or a crisp salad lighten and balance the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the baked chicken and serving it family-style on a platter, drizzled with sauce and rosemary sprigs. Or for a more elegant touch, plate each breast atop a bed of lemony arugula, letting the sauce spill onto the greens—it’s dinner party-worthy in minutes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to pour the extra sauce over the top so the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely and transfer to airtight, freezer-safe containers with its sauce. It’ll keep for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For juicy reheated chicken, cover and warm gently in the oven at 325ºF, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce is thickened. The microwave works too—just slice the chicken and reheat with sauce in short bursts to avoid drying out.
FAQs
-
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken?
Absolutely! Bone-in thighs or drumsticks work beautifully—just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
-
What’s the best way to keep chicken breasts from drying out?
Baste the chicken with the sauce once or twice as it bakes, and pull it from the oven as soon as it’s just cooked through. Resting the chicken for a few minutes before slicing also helps lock in juices.
-
Can I prepare Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken in advance?
Yes! Mix the marinade and coat the chicken up to a day ahead; cover and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. The flavors actually deepen if the chicken sits in the marinade longer.
-
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free and gluten-free?
Definitely—Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken is naturally dairy-free, and simply using tamari or omitting soy sauce entirely makes it gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
I hope you love this Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken as much as my family does. It’s one of those special dishes that feels a little bit fancy, but is blissfully simple to pull off. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature dinner favorite!
Print
Honey Dijon Rosemary Baked Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe is a flavorful and simple dish that combines the sweetness of honey with tangy dijon mustard for a delicious chicken dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari or omit for gluten-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced/grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 2–3 sprigs of rosemary
Instructions
- Mix the sauce: Combine honey, mustards, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and broth. Toss with chicken in a baking dish.
- Add rosemary and bake: Place rosemary sprigs between the chicken pieces. Bake at 350F/180C until chicken reaches 165F/75C, about 25-35 minutes.
- Serve: Top with pan sauce before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the honey and mustard ratios to suit your taste preferences.
- Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 20g
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg
- Fat: Approximately 5g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g
- Fiber: Approximately 1g
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 80mg
