This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my privacy policy.
This Chicken Dijon recipe is a quick, delicious way to enjoy tender chicken thighs with a rich honey Dijon sauce that’s full of flavor. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Table of Contents
Best Chicken Dijon Recipe
Chicken is definitely a go-to in my family, and I’m sure it’s the same for most people. It’s one of those ingredients that everyone loves, and honestly, there’s nothing not to like about it. I can’t imagine a week without chicken in the mix—most of my protein comes from chicken and seafood, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I had some Dijon mustard and garlic that were sprouting in my pantry, so I decided to use them up. When you’re hungry and need something quick, skillet cooking is the way to go for a healthy, homemade meal in a flash.
I’m usually not a huge fan of Dijon mustard since it can be a bit overpowering, but in this recipe, I made sure to keep it balanced. The honey adds the perfect sweetness, while the mustard gives just the right amount of heat and flavor. And of course, lots of garlic makes everything better! Similar to my Creamy Garlic Chicken, Vietnamese Caramel Chicken, Chili Lime Grilled Chicken, and Chipotle Lime Chicken, I always debone the thighs for easy eating.
This Chicken Dijon recipe is a must-try for a quick, tasty meal that’s sure to please everyone. Enjoy! Be sure to check out my tips below to make 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 to spare.
- 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 kick back after dinner. Simple prep, quick cleanup—what’s not to love?
- Great for meal prep. Make extra and you’ve got 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 – For the chicken, you can use chicken breasts or thighs. I had a ton of Costco chicken thighs in my fridge, so I opted for thighs.
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Honey
- Dijon mustard – Dijon gives 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
Alright, first, debone the chicken thighs but leave the skin on – trust me, it makes a big difference in flavor. Then, just sprinkle some salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken to season it up.
Now, heat up a skillet over medium heat and add about a teaspoon of olive oil. Pop the chicken in and pan-fry it on both sides until it’s fully cooked. Once done, get rid of any extra fat from the skin but definitely keep those tasty chicken juices – they’re pure gold. Set everything aside for now.
Next, grab a saucepan and heat up the remaining teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the garlic and stir it around until it’s just slightly browned – you’ll start to smell that amazing aroma. Then, add the honey, Dijon mustard, water, and a pinch of salt, and give it a good stir to mix everything together.
Now, pour that sauce right into the skillet with the chicken. Turn the heat back on and give it a good stir so the chicken is nicely coated with that sweet and tangy Honey Dijon sauce. Once everything’s all coated, take it off the heat and serve it up right away. 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 it’s fully cooked and reaches 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, and make sure they’re not 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’s cooking, whip up the honey-Dijon sauce. Once the chicken’s ready, toss it in the sauce and you’re good to go!
Secrets To Flavorful And Tender Chicken Dijon
- I love using skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe because the skin gives 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 How to Debone Chicken Thighs guide!
- Garlic really takes the sauce to the next level! Sauté it until it’s lightly browned to bring out that sweet, rich flavor. Just be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic gets bitter, and we want all that savory goodness in the sauce!
- Those chicken drippings in the skillet? That’s liquid gold right there! Don’t even think about tossing it. That flavor-packed goodness is what will take your Honey Dijon sauce to the next level. 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!
For sure! 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 cut back on the Dijon and add a bit more honey to balance things out. They’ll love it!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat to keep everything tender and flavorful. Skip 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’ll still taste great.
This recipe is only 428 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Chicken Dijon
For an easy and wholesome weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Recipes You Might Like
Chicken Dijon
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, deboned and skin on
- 1 pinch salt
- black pepper
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Debone the chicken thighs while keeping the skin on. Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of the chicken.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Pan-fry the chicken on both sides until fully cooked. Discard the excess fat from the chicken skin, but save the juices from the chicken. Set aside.
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat with the remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and stir-fry the garlic until slightly browned. Add the honey, Dijon mustard, water, and salt, and stir to combine well.
- Transfer the sauce to the skillet, turn on the heat, and stir to ensure the chicken is nicely coated with the Honey Dijon sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- I love using skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe because the skin gives 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 How to Debone Chicken Thighs guide!
- Garlic really takes the sauce to the next level! Sauté it until it’s lightly browned to bring out that sweet, rich flavor. Just be careful not to burn it—burnt garlic gets bitter, and we want all that savory goodness in the sauce!
- Those chicken drippings in the skillet? That’s liquid gold right there! Don’t even think about tossing it. That flavor-packed goodness is what will take your Honey Dijon sauce to the next level. Pour it right into the sauce for an extra burst of richness!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
this was SO good. my partner is very picky so it’s hard trying to come up with new ideas! he LOVED the chicken too. i’ve never rated a recipe, but i had to this time. best chicken i’ve ever had.
Thank you for your kind comment, Melissa. I am glad you like the recipe.