This honey baked chicken recipe brings a sweet and savory twist to a classic dish. The combination of honey and mustard produces a delightful glaze, which caramelizes as the chicken bakes. This gives the chicken a sensational layer of flavor and a crispy exterior that complements the juicy interior. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
All the ingredients in this recipe are pretty common and should be easily available in your kitchen or local supermarket. However, you may want to pay attention to the mustard. While you can use any kind of mustard, a Dijon or wholegrain variety can add an extra depth of flavor. If you don't have honey on hand, it's worth picking up a bottle – it's a versatile sweetener that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Honey Baked Chicken: Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken breast: This is the main component of the dish. Chicken breast is a lean cut and it's high in protein.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the mustard. Honey also helps to create an amazing glaze.
Margarine or butter: Enhances flavor. Using butter can give a richer taste compared to margarine.
Mustard: Adds a tangy and robust flavor to the chicken. It complements the sweetness of the honey.
Salt: Helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
One reader, Jaymee Rees says:
This honey baked chicken recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turns out so tender and juicy, and the honey glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness. It's incredibly easy to make and always impresses my guests. I highly recommend trying it out for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Techniques Required
How to prepare the honey mixture: Combine the honey, margarine or butter, mustard, and salt in a mixing bowl and whisk until well combined.
How to arrange the chicken in the baking pan: Lay the chicken breasts flat in a shallow baking pan, ensuring they are evenly spaced to allow for even cooking and basting.
How to baste the chicken: Use a basting brush to coat the chicken with the honey mixture every 15 minutes during the baking process to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
How to check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the oven.
How To Make Honey Baked Chicken
Five ingredients and you can make this perfectly moist and juicy baked chicken. The rich flavors come from the combo of honey, mustard, and butter.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4chicken breast
- ⅓cuphoney
- ⅓cupmargarine,or butter
- 2tbspmustard
- ¼tspsalt
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
-
Combine honey, butter, mustard and salt in a mixing bowl.
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Arrange chicken breasts in a shallow baking pan laying flat. Pour whisked ingredients over chicken evenly.
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Bake for 1 hour, basting the chicken every 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 523.67kcal
- Fat: 31.42g
- Saturated Fat: 7.48g
- Trans Fat: 2.96g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.07g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.01g
- Carbohydrates: 23.86g
- Fiber: 0.37g
- Sugar: 23.27g
- Protein: 36.68g
- Cholesterol: 111.36mg
- Sodium: 464.08mg
- Calcium: 26.39mg
- Potassium: 412.71mg
- Iron: 1.56mg
- Vitamin A: 42.15µg
- Vitamin C: 0.16mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Honey Baked Chicken
When basting the chicken every 15 minutes, it's important to use a basting brush to evenly distribute the honey and butter mixture. This not only ensures that all parts of the chicken are well-coated, but also helps to create a deliciously caramelized exterior. Additionally, try to avoid opening the oven door too frequently. Each time you open the door, heat escapes, which can lead to uneven cooking. Instead, time your basting intervals accurately to minimize heat loss.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Honey Baked Chicken
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate meats the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Invest in tools: Quality kitchen tools such as a sharp knife, food processor, and slow cooker can help streamline the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Cook large quantities of food at once and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later.
Organize your kitchen: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily find ingredients and cooking utensils, saving time during meal preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Honey Baked Chicken Recipe
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast in this recipe. It has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way.
Honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a sweetener and glaze for the chicken, providing a similar caramelization and depth of flavor as honey.
Margarine or butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to margarine or butter, adding a rich and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
Mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute for regular mustard, adding a slightly sharper and more complex flavor to the dish.
Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can be used to add a savory and salty flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall umami taste of the chicken.
Best Way to Present This Delicious Dish
- Elevate the plating: Carefully arrange the honey baked chicken on a pristine white plate, ensuring each piece is positioned thoughtfully and elegantly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the chicken to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
- Drizzle with honey reduction: Create a delicate honey reduction and drizzle it around the edge of the plate for a touch of sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables: Accompany the honey baked chicken with a colorful medley of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, for a visually appealing and well-balanced presentation.
- Add a touch of edible flowers: Place a few carefully selected edible flowers on the plate to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall presentation.
- Use a combination of textures: Consider adding a crispy element, such as toasted almonds, to contrast the tender chicken and create a more dynamic dining experience.
- Incorporate a drizzle of mustard sauce: Create a decorative swirl of mustard sauce on the plate to complement the flavors of the honey baked chicken and add an artistic element to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Honey Baked Chicken
- Oven: Used for baking the chicken at the specified temperature.
- Mixing bowl: Used to combine the honey, butter, mustard, and salt.
- Whisk: Used to thoroughly mix the honey, butter, mustard, and salt.
- Shallow baking pan: Used to arrange and bake the chicken breasts.
How To Store and Freeze Honey Baked Chicken
Let the honey baked chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent the chicken from drying out and keep it fresh for longer.
Store the cooled honey baked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in the coldest part of the fridge, typically the back, to maintain its quality and freshness.
If you want to freeze the honey baked chicken for later use, wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring there are no air pockets. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents to help you keep track of when the honey baked chicken was frozen. This will also make it easier to identify the dish when you're looking for a quick meal in the future.
Frozen honey baked chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality or flavor. To maintain the best texture, try to consume the frozen chicken within the first month of freezing.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen honey baked chicken, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but be aware that this method may result in a slightly less crispy exterior.
How To Reheat Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover honey baked chicken is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken pieces in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the chicken moist. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overheat the chicken, as it can become tough and rubbery.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover honey baked chicken, try slicing it up and adding it to a salad or wrap. The sweet and savory flavors of the chicken will complement the fresh vegetables and greens perfectly.
For a quick and easy meal, shred the leftover chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or burritos. The honey mustard glaze will add a delicious twist to your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
If you have a lot of leftover chicken, consider making a chicken salad. Chop up the chicken into small pieces and mix it with some mayonnaise, chopped celery, and any other ingredients you like (such as grapes, nuts, or herbs). Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich for a tasty and satisfying lunch.
Random Fact About Honey Baked Chicken
The honey baked chicken recipe is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of baked chicken. This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and is a great option for a family dinner or a special occasion. The honey, butter, and mustard create a delicious glaze that coats the chicken, resulting in a mouthwatering dish. The simplicity of the ingredients and the baking process makes it an easy and convenient recipe to prepare. The end result is tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy flavor that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy!
Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this honey baked chicken recipe is quite favorable for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making it a budget-friendly option. The combination of honey, butter, and mustard adds depth of flavor to the chicken, making it a satisfying and economical choice. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, depending on the quality of ingredients used. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is Honey Baked Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?
The honey baked chicken recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few key ingredients:
- The recipe calls for a significant amount of honey and margarine or butter, which are high in sugar and saturated fat, respectively. Consuming too much of these ingredients can lead to weight gain and an increased risk of heart disease.
- The recipe lacks vegetables or other nutrient-dense ingredients, making it an unbalanced meal.
However, the recipe does use chicken breast, which is a lean protein source and can be part of a healthy diet when prepared with healthier ingredients.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of honey and replace some of it with low-sodium chicken broth or freshly squeezed citrus juice for added flavor without the extra sugar.
- Use a smaller amount of olive oil or avocado oil instead of margarine or butter to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini to the baking dish to increase the nutrient density of the meal and provide fiber.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as garlic, rosemary, or thyme, to enhance the flavor without relying on excessive amounts of honey or fat.
- Serve the chicken with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a leafy green salad to create a more balanced and nutritious meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Tasty Recipe
This honey baked chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of honey, butter, and mustard creates a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, resulting in a tender and succulent dish. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through, making it a perfect choice for a comforting and satisfying meal. The basting process ensures that the chicken remains moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful addition to any home cook's repertoire, guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
Why trust this Honey Baked Chicken Recipe:
This honey baked chicken recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. The honey and butter create a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. The addition of mustard adds a subtle tanginess, enhancing the overall taste. With simple yet quality ingredients, this recipe offers a balance of indulgence and wholesome goodness. Trust in the harmony of these ingredients to elevate your dining experience and create a memorable meal for your loved ones.
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