Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

The Juiciest Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Succulent baked honey dijon chicken promises a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds dance with delight.

Golden brown edges hint at the mouthwatering journey ahead.

Tangy mustard meets sweet honey in a culinary romance that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

You can easily master this recipe without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

A perfect balance of zesty and sweet creates an irresistible coating that seals in moisture.

Prepare to fall in love with a chicken recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

What Pairs Well with Honey Dijon Chicken

  • Flavor Harmony: Pair the honey Dijon chicken with a crisp, dry Riesling to balance the tangy mustard notes and complement the sweetness of honey.
  • Wine-Inspired Sides: Serve roasted asparagus with lemon zest and quinoa pilaf to echo the bright, zesty flavors of the chicken's glaze.
  • Textural Contrast: Add a crunchy apple slaw with green onions to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, savory chicken dish.
  • Mediterranean Twist: Include a small Greek salad with feta, cucumber, and olives to bring out the herbal undertones of the Dijon marinade.

Honey Dijon Chicken Flavor Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Use cornstarch instead of wheat flour for the gravy to maintain a similar texture and consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Substitute sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Choose plant-based butter or olive oil for cooking to eliminate dairy ingredients.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use crushed pork rinds or ground almonds as a binding agent. Replace beef broth with bone broth for added nutrition and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add fresh herbs like oregano and mint to the meatball mixture. Replace beef broth with white wine and incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

  • How can I ensure my meatballs stay moist and tender?

Mix the meat gently without overworking it, use a combination of ground beef and pork for better texture, and avoid overcooking. The egg yolks and Panko breadcrumbs help retain moisture.

  • What's the purpose of adding allspice and nutmeg to the meatball mixture?

These spices add depth and warmth to the meat, providing a subtle, complex flavor that enhances the overall taste of the meatballs without overpowering the dish.

  • Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can actually help the flavors meld together and make preparation easier on the day of serving.

  • Why do I need to brown the meatballs before adding them to the gravy?

Browning creates a flavorful crust and helps seal in the juices. It also develops a rich, caramelized exterior that adds depth to the overall taste of the meatballs.

Why Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Stands Out

  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The honey Dijon combination creates a mouthwatering glaze that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love every bite.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Easily adaptable for different occasions, from a quick weeknight dinner to an impressive dish for casual entertaining, this recipe fits multiple dining scenarios.
  • One-Pan Dish: Minimize cleanup with a simple cooking method that uses just a single skillet, saving time and reducing kitchen mess for hassle-free meal preparation.

Ingredients for Baked Honey Dijon Chicken

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful base for the meatballs.
  • Ground Pork: Adds richness and depth to the meat mixture.
  • Panko: Light and crispy Japanese breadcrumbs for texture.
  • Egg Yolks: Helps bind the meatballs together.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Allspice, Nutmeg: Warm and aromatic spices that enhance the meat flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced taste.
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing onions and browning meatballs.
  • Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor to the meat mixture.
  • Butter: Creates a rich base for the gravy.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce.
  • Beef Broth: Provides depth to the gravy.
  • Sour Cream: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
  • Parsley: Optional fresh herb for garnish.

How to Make Honey Dijon Chicken

Step 1: Sauté Sweet Onions

Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Gently cook onions, stirring frequently until they turn soft and translucent, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Mix Meat Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ground beef
  • Ground pork
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Egg yolks
  • Allspice
  • Nutmeg
  • Cooked onions

Season with salt and pepper.

Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon or clean hands until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Form Perfect Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, aiming for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

You should create approximately 24 meatballs.

Step 4: Brown Meatballs

Add remaining olive oil to the skillet.

Cook meatballs in batches, rotating to brown all sides, which takes about 4-5 minutes.

Transfer browned meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Create Creamy Gravy

Melt butter in the skillet.

Whisk in flour until it turns light brown, about 1 minute.

Slowly incorporate beef broth, whisking constantly until the sauce slightly thickens.

Stir in sour cream and season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Gravy

Return meatballs to the skillet with gravy.

Gently stir and cook for 8-10 minutes until heated through and sauce reaches desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the meatballs immediately.

Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

Useful Tips for Honey Dijon Chicken

  • Combine ground beef and pork evenly by using your hands or a wooden spoon to ensure consistent flavor and texture throughout the meatballs.
  • Roll meatballs to an exact 1 1/4-to-1 1/2-inch size for consistent cooking and professional presentation.
  • Cook meatballs in batches to prevent overcrowding, allowing each meatball to brown perfectly and develop a delicious crispy exterior.
  • Whisk flour and broth gradually to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the meatballs beautifully.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor profile.

Storing and Reheating Honey Dijon Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Heat chicken in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture level to prevent dryness, stirring or rotating midway through reheating.
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Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe

Baked Honey Dijon Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Baked Honey Dijon Chicken delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate. Crispy golden exterior and juicy interior promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 2 large egg yolks

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Base and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Gravy:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, and olive oil in a medium mixing bowl to create a vibrant, aromatic marinade.
  3. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the marinade adheres effectively and promotes better caramelization.
  4. Generously coat each chicken piece with the honey Dijon mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, allowing space between pieces for even heat circulation.
  6. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken to enhance the overall seasoning profile.
  7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with additional marinade to maintain moisture and intensify the glaze.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensure tender, succulent meat.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme leaves for a bright, fresh presentation before serving.

Notes

  • Swap ground meats for leaner options like turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
  • Utilize gluten-free Panko crumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Control sodium by choosing low-sodium beef broth and monitoring salt additions.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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