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This Chicken Dijon recipe is a quick and delicious way to savor tender chicken thighs coated in a rich honey Dijon sauce bursting with flavor. In just 15 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Best Chicken Dijon Recipe
Chicken is a staple in my family, and I’m sure it is for many others as well. It’s one of those ingredients that everyone enjoys, and honestly, what’s not to love? I can’t imagine a week without chicken in our meals—most of my protein comes from chicken and seafood, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
With some Dijon mustard and garlic sitting in my pantry, I decided it was time to put them to good use. When hunger strikes and you need something quick, skillet cooking is the way to go for a healthy, homemade meal in no time.
Although I’m not usually a big fan of Dijon mustard due to its strong flavor, I ensured to balance it in this recipe. The honey adds the perfect touch of sweetness, while the mustard provides just the right amount of heat and flavor. And of course, a generous amount of garlic enhances everything! Similar to my Creamy Garlic Chicken, Vietnamese Caramel Chicken, Chili Lime Grilled Chicken, and Chipotle Lime Chicken, I always debone the thighs for easier eating.
This Chicken Dijon recipe is a must-try for a quick, tasty meal that will surely please everyone. Enjoy! Don’t forget to check out my tips below for making perfect honey Dijon chicken every time!
Add This To Your Weekly Dinner Favorites
- Great for busy nights: This Dijon chicken comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
- The perfect sweet and savory combo: The honey and Dijon mustard create a mouthwatering balance of sweetness and tang, hitting all the right notes without overpowering the dish. It’s the kind of flavor that makes you want more with every bite.
- One-skillet, no fuss cleanup: Made in just one skillet, this recipe means less mess and more time to relax after dinner. Simple prep and quick cleanup—what’s not to love?
- Great for meal prep: Make extra and you’ll have a delicious lunch or dinner ready for the next day. The chicken stays juicy, and the sauce reheats perfectly every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – You can use chicken breasts or thighs. I had a lot of Costco chicken thighs in my fridge, so I opted for thighs.
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Honey
- Dijon mustard – Dijon adds that perfect tang, but if you don’t have it, yellow mustard works for a milder flavor, or you can use whole-grain mustard for a little extra texture.
- Water
For all the details on each ingredient, be sure to check out the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Chicken Dijon
First, debone the chicken thighs while leaving the skin on—trust me, it makes a big difference in flavor. Then, simply sprinkle some salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken to season it.
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and add about a teaspoon of olive oil. Place the chicken in and pan-fry it on both sides until fully cooked. Once done, remove any excess fat from the skin but keep those tasty chicken juices—they’re pure gold. Set everything aside for now.
Now, grab a saucepan and heat the remaining teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir it until it’s just slightly browned—you’ll start to smell that wonderful aroma. Then, add the honey, Dijon mustard, water, and a pinch of salt, and stir well to combine.
Finally, pour that sauce right into the skillet with the chicken. Turn the heat back on and stir to ensure the chicken is nicely coated with that sweet and tangy Honey Dijon sauce. Once everything is coated, take it off the heat and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Other Ways To Cook It
- Bake: For a hands-off option, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by searing the chicken in a skillet to get that crispy skin, then transfer it to a baking dish. Pour the honey-Dijon sauce over the chicken and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll get juicy, tender chicken with just a little extra time in the oven!
- Air Fry: If you’re in the mood for air frying, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken thighs in the basket, skin-side down, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). While that cooks, whip up the honey-Dijon sauce. Once the chicken is ready, toss it in the sauce, and you’re all set!
Secrets To Flavorful And Tender Chicken Dijon
- I love using skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe because the skin provides a crispy, flavorful crunch while keeping the meat juicy. I usually debone them for easy eating, especially for my family. If you’re unsure how to debone, check out my guide on How to Debone Chicken Thighs!
- Garlic really elevates the sauce! Sauté it until it’s lightly browned to bring out that sweet, rich flavor. Just be cautious not to burn it—burnt garlic becomes bitter, and we want all that savory goodness in the sauce!
- Those chicken drippings in the skillet? That’s liquid gold! Don’t even think about tossing it. That flavor-packed goodness will enhance your Honey Dijon sauce significantly. Pour it right into the sauce for an extra burst of richness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce the day before. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet and warm up the sauce in a saucepan. Combine them right before serving for the best flavor and texture!
Absolutely! The sweet and tangy honey-Dijon sauce is always a hit with kids. If your little one isn’t a fan of stronger flavors, just reduce the amount of Dijon and add a bit more honey to balance it out. They’ll love it!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat to keep everything tender and flavorful. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make the chicken a bit rubbery.
Yes, you can freeze Dijon chicken! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop. Note that the texture of the sauce may change slightly, but it will still taste great.
This recipe contains approximately 428 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Chicken Dijon
For an easy and wholesome weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
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