Garlic Dijon Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Garlic Dijon Chicken dish is bursting with bright flavors and is simple to prepare. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a savory, garlicky Dijon mustard sauce, then baked to juicy perfection. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt
- Ground black pepper
- 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Step 2: Remove the chicken thighs from the fridge, pat them dry with paper towels, and season both sides generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Set aside for a few minutes.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, ground coriander, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper if using, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to create the sauce.
- Step 4: Add a few pieces of chicken to the bowl at a time and use tongs to thoroughly coat each piece with the sauce. Transfer the coated chicken to a large lightly oiled cast iron skillet or baking sheet. Spoon any leftover sauce over the chicken, then scatter the roughly chopped onions on top.
- Step 5: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through, about 25 to 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for 1 to 2 hours before baking.
- Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts, but reduce baking time slightly to prevent drying out.
- Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet for a veggie-packed meal.
- If you like a milder heat, omit the cayenne pepper.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they cook more quickly and can dry out. Keep an eye on cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F without overcooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Dijon mustard and honey, which are typically gluten-free but always check labels to be sure.
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Garlic Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Garlic Dijon Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs marinated in a flavorful mixture of Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and spices, then baked to perfection with onions. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Additional
- 1 large yellow onion, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly and achieving a nice, caramelized texture.
- Season the Chicken: Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator, pat them dry with paper towels, and season both sides generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Let them rest for a few minutes while preparing the sauce to allow the seasoning to penetrate.
- Prepare the Garlic Dijon Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, ground coriander, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir the ingredients well until a uniform sauce forms.
- Coat the Chicken in Sauce: Working in batches if necessary, add the chicken pieces to the bowl and use tongs to fully coat each thigh in the garlic Dijon sauce. Transfer the coated chicken to a large, lightly oiled cast iron skillet or baking sheet. Pour any remaining sauce from the bowl evenly over the chicken. Scatter the roughly chopped yellow onions on and around the chicken pieces.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the skillet or baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the onions are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest briefly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top as garnish. Serve hot for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For an extra kick, don’t omit the cayenne pepper, but adjust according to your heat preference.
- Using boneless, skinless thighs keeps the chicken moist and tender while allowing for quicker cooking.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, a baking sheet or oven-safe dish will work just fine.
- Allow the chicken to rest 5 minutes before serving to help retain the juices.
- Serve with a simple side salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Garlic Dijon Chicken, baked chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, honey mustard chicken, weeknight dinner
