Name: Honey Mustard Chicken: Juicy Baked Chicken in a Sweet and Tangy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ cup Dijon mustard; ¼ cup honey; 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard (optional); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon paprika

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with tender, juicy chicken, this Honey Mustard Chicken: Juicy Baked Chicken in a Sweet and Tangy Sauce Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Imagine succulent chicken breasts or thighs baked to golden perfection under a luscious honey mustard sauce that’s creamy, sharp, and herbaceous all at once. It’s an effortless family-friendly meal packed with flavor that feels special but comes together with simple pantry staples. Once you try it, you’ll see why this recipe quickly becomes a staple in your weeknight dinner lineup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A raw whole chicken placed in the center of a round white plate on a white marbled surface. Around the plate, there is a small clear bowl with colorful spices including red, green, and white powders. Next to it is a small silver cup filled with yellow mustard sauce, and a white wooden spoon holding coarse salt. On the right side of the image, a striped cloth is partly visible, adding a soft texture to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Honey Mustard Chicken: Juicy Baked Chicken in a Sweet and Tangy Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from the tangy Dijon mustard that adds brightness to the honey’s natural sweetness, to the paprika’s subtle warmth, and the creamy mayo or Greek yogurt that brings everything together smoothly. Using fresh garlic and the right balance of vinegar keeps the sauce lively, making the chicken shine every time.

1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra tenderness and juiciness, breasts for a leaner option.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavor depth.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a perfect golden crust before baking.
¼ cup Dijon mustard: The core of the sauce, delivering tang and a slight kick.
¼ cup honey: Provides natural sweetness that balances the tangy mustard.
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard (optional): Adds texture and a subtle mustardy pop, but it’s optional if you prefer smooth sauce.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy texture—swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed twist.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the richness.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers aromatic depth and a punch of savory flavor.
½ teaspoon paprika: Provides a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken: Juicy Baked Chicken in a Sweet and Tangy Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish. This creates the perfect environment for the chicken to bake evenly and prevents sticking, ensuring easy clean-up afterward.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning step is crucial as it enhances the chicken’s natural flavor and forms a seasoned crust when seared.

Step 3: Sear for Golden Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in the hot pan and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a lightly golden crust. This step locks in juices and adds great texture before baking.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Honey Mustard Sauce

While the chicken is searing or resting, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, whole-grain mustard, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, garlic, and paprika in a bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish, marrying sweet, tangy, creamy, and savory flavors perfectly.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the seared chicken into the prepared baking dish. Pour the luscious honey mustard sauce evenly over each piece, ensuring every bite is coated. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The sauce will thicken slightly and glaze the chicken beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Spoon More Sauce

Once out of the oven, spoon some of the extra sauce from the pan over the chicken before plating. This adds a fresh burst of flavor and an irresistible glaze that keeps each bite moist and delicious.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken: Juicy Baked Chicken in a Sweet and Tangy Sauce Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a meal with three sections: two pieces of chicken covered with thick, creamy yellow sauce with visible small herbs and black pepper on top, bright green cooked green beans stacked neatly on one side, and golden roasted potato wedges with a crispy texture placed beside the green beans and chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives add a lovely pop of green color and fresh flavor that contrasts against the creamy, golden sauce. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or cracked black pepper can also elevate the dish’s texture and presentation.

Side Dishes

This Honey Mustard Chicken: Juicy Baked Chicken in a Sweet and Tangy Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or buttered quinoa to soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or green beans add color and an earthy balance. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more elegant presentation, slice the baked chicken and arrange it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower puree, and drizzle extra sauce on top. You can also stuff cooked chicken breasts with a small spoonful of sauce before baking for a fun twist. For casual gatherings, wrap the chicken slices in warm tortillas with fresh greens and a dollop of sauce for honey mustard chicken wraps.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Honey Mustard Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors develop even more after resting, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze individual portions of the cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you want a quick meal, this recipe defrosts and reheats beautifully without losing moisture or flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to preserve juiciness and avoid drying out. Alternatively, microwave on a medium setting, covered with a damp paper towel, stirring the sauce occasionally for even heat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually recommended if you want an extra juicy, tender result. They’re more forgiving to bake and stay moist even if slightly overcooked. Feel free to use either depending on your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with a dairy-free mayo alternative or use a bit of extra olive oil to maintain creaminess. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

If you like some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce before baking. This will give a lovely spicy kick that balances the sweet and tangy notes perfectly.

Can I prepare this recipe without searing the chicken first?

While searing adds great color and flavor, you can skip this step to save time. Just bake the seasoned chicken with the sauce at 400°F for about 30 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F internal temperature, though it might have a less crispy exterior.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce feels too thin, you can whisk in a small amount of Dijon mustard or mayonnaise to thicken it before pouring over the chicken. Another method is to cook the sauce separately on the stove over medium heat for a few minutes to reduce it before adding to the chicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about this Honey Mustard Chicken: Juicy Baked Chicken in a Sweet and Tangy Sauce Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of flavors that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with loved ones. Once you bake this chicken coated in that gorgeous honey mustard sauce, it’s hard not to make it again and again. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes one of your most beloved go-to dinners.