Herb-Crusted Honey Dijon Chicken
This Herb-Crusted Honey Dijon Chicken is a delectable dish that combines the succulent flavor of bone-in chicken breasts with a tangy honey Dijon dressing. Born out of a quest to creatively use up ingredients while preparing for a move, this recipe has become a family favorite. Its simple preparation and robust flavor make it perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to explore different varieties of salad dressings to suit your taste, but the honey Dijon gives this dish a uniquely satisfying sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crispy breadcrumb crust. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a delightful meal that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen. Remember, using bone-in chicken is key to achieving that juicy, tender result that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
450
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
bone-in skinless chicken breast halves
2 1/2 lbs (approximately 4 pieces)
light honey Dijon salad dressing
1/4-1/2 cup
fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (minced)
dried breadcrumbs
1/4-1/2 cup (seasoned variety recommended)
seasoning salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2
Prepare a roasting rack and shallow roasting pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lightly greasing it with your choice of oil.
3
Carefully remove the skin from the chicken breasts, rinse them under cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels.
4
Using a pastry brush, generously coat both sides of each chicken breast with the honey Dijon salad dressing, reserving a bit for later use.
5
Place the chicken breasts, meaty side up, on the prepared roasting rack. Sprinkle the minced fresh rosemary evenly over the chicken.
6
Season the chicken breasts generously with seasoned salt and black pepper to taste.
7
Evenly sprinkle the dried breadcrumbs over the top of each chicken breast. If you prefer additional coating, consider rolling the chicken in your breadcrumb mixture.
8
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then carefully flip the pieces over using tongs.
9
Brush the flipped chicken with a bit more honey Dijon dressing for added flavor and moisture. If you rolled the chicken in breadcrumbs, skip this step.
10
Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
11
The total cooking time may vary based on the exact weight of your chicken, so plan for approximately 15 minutes per pound, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking after flipping.
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
10g
Carbs
37.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of bone-in skinless chicken breast halves, which is approximately 4 pieces.
What oven temperature is required for Herb-Crusted Honey Dijon Chicken?
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) to bake this chicken.
Should the chicken skin be left on or removed?
The recipe specifies to carefully remove the skin from the chicken breasts before rinsing and patting them dry.
How do I prepare the roasting pan?
Prepare a roasting rack and shallow roasting pan by spraying it with nonstick spray or lightly greasing it with your choice of oil.
What kind of dressing is best for this recipe?
A light honey Dijon salad dressing is recommended for its uniquely satisfying sweetness.
Can I use different types of salad dressing?
Yes, you can explore different varieties of salad dressings to suit your taste, although honey Dijon is the primary flavor profile.
Which fresh herb is featured in this crust?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of minced fresh rosemary to provide an aromatic herb crust.
How long should the chicken bake before flipping?
The chicken should bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes before you carefully flip the pieces over using tongs.
What is the total cooking time for the chicken?
After flipping, the chicken needs an additional 40 minutes, making the total baking time approximately 60 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Why is bone-in chicken recommended for this dish?
Using bone-in chicken is key to achieving a juicy, tender result that prevents the meat from drying out at high temperatures.
How many calories are in one serving?
This Herb-Crusted Honey Dijon Chicken contains 450 calories per serving.
What are the nutritional details for fat and protein?
Each serving contains 25g of fat and 37.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 to 1/2 cup of dried breadcrumbs; a seasoned variety is recommended for better flavor.
How do I apply the dressing to the chicken?
Use a pastry brush to generously coat both sides of each chicken breast with the dressing.
What seasonings should I add to the chicken?
Season the chicken breasts generously with seasoning salt and black pepper to taste.
How can I get an extra thick breadcrumb coating?
If you prefer an additional coating, consider rolling the chicken directly in your breadcrumb mixture rather than just sprinkling it on top.
What should I do after flipping the chicken pieces?
Brush the flipped chicken with a bit more honey Dijon dressing for added flavor and moisture before returning it to the oven.
How do I determine the cooking time based on weight?
A general rule of thumb is approximately 15 minutes per pound, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for cooking after flipping.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This chicken pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a delightful, complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy weeknight?
Yes, its simple preparation and robust flavor make it perfect for busy weeknights.
What is the recommended amount of honey Dijon dressing?
You will need between 1/4 and 1/2 cup of light honey Dijon salad dressing.
Do I need to rinse the chicken before cooking?
Yes, the instructions suggest rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels.
Where should the chicken be placed in the pan?
Place the chicken breasts meaty side up on the prepared roasting rack inside the shallow pan.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, the tags categorize this recipe as comfort food and a family favorite main dish.
Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?
The recipe specifically asks for minced fresh rosemary for the best flavor profile.
What tool should I use to flip the chicken?
It is recommended to use tongs to carefully flip the chicken pieces after the first 20 minutes of baking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe has a count of 6 main ingredients: chicken, dressing, rosemary, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
What should I do with the remaining dressing?
You should reserve a bit of the honey Dijon dressing to brush on the chicken after flipping it midway through cooking.