Here's a simple and delicious recipe for Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe:
** Servings: 4-6**
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1/2 cup honey
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy cleanup.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Brush the honey-Dijon glaze all over the chicken breasts, making sure they're evenly coated.
6. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
8. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
**Tips for Correct Cooking Techniques:**
* Make sure to bake the chicken at the correct temperature (400°F) to ensure it cooks evenly and prevent it from drying out.
* Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
* Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, making it more tender and juicy.
* You can adjust the amount of honey and Dijon mustard to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a little more honey. If you prefer a tangier glaze, add a little more Dijon mustard.
**Variations and Substitutions:**
* **Spicy Honey Dijon Chicken:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or hot sauce to the honey-Dijon glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon-Herb Honey Dijon Chicken:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme) to the honey-Dijon glaze.
* **Chipotle Honey Dijon Chicken:** Replace the paprika with 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
* **Garlic Parmesan Honey Dijon Chicken:** Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and 1-2 cloves of minced garlic over the chicken breasts before baking.
* **Asian-Style Honey Dijon Chicken:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1-2 teaspoons of grated ginger to the honey-Dijon glaze for a sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavor.
I hope you enjoy this Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe!