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Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This baked honey mustard chicken recipe transforms a simple whole roasting chicken into a show-stopping meal with just a few minutes of prep and a flavorful honey mustard marinade. This classic dish is perfect for any season—serve it hot with vegetables in the midst of summer or slice it for sandwiches during the Superbowl. Whether you're feeding your family on a busy night or entertaining guests for dinner, this recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with crispy golden skin and caramelized vegetables—all in one pan.
Try making Bacon Wrapped Shrimp as an appetizer
Why This Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe Works
What makes this easy honey mustard chicken stand out is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The honey mustard marinade penetrates deep into the meat, keeping it moist while creating a beautiful glaze that caramelizes during roasting. Unlike quick-cook methods, roasting a whole chicken low and slow ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.
This recipe is ideal for
- Busy weeknights when you need hands-off cooking time
- Entertaining guests without stress
- Meal prep for the week ahead
- Anyone who wants restaurant-quality chicken at home
The secret is in the marinade. By combining honey with Dijon mustard, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic garlic, you create a sauce that does double duty—tenderizing the meat while adding layers of flavor. The result? Chicken so delicious, your family will request it again and again.
What You'll Need for Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
For the Chicken
- 1 whole roasting chicken (5 pounds)
- 1/2 cup Bee Inspired Honey (try our Eastern Shore Spring Honey or Wildflower Honey)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 4 tablespoons Montreal Chicken Seasoning, divided
- 5 large cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 lemons total (2 for juicing, 2 for roasting)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
For the Roasted Vegetables
- 1 bag whole baby potatoes
- 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 whole onions, peeled and quartered
- Additional olive oil for vegetables (from the divided amount above)
- Additional Montreal Chicken Seasoning for vegetables (from the divided amount above)
Our Wildflower Honey is great for baking
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Marinade
Preheat your oven to 450°F.
Juice 2 of the lemons to get 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, Montreal Chicken Seasoning, lemon juice, and minced garlic until well combined and slightly emulsified. The mixture should have a smooth, glossy consistency. This honey mustard marinade is what makes this recipe so special—it's both a flavor enhancer and a tenderizer.
Reserve a small amount of the marinade if you plan to baste during cooking (make sure this portion never touches raw chicken).
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Clean the chicken and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Drying the skin is crucial for achieving that crispy, golden exterior everyone loves in roasted honey mustard chicken.
Pour a small amount of marinade into the cavity of the chicken. Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine—this helps the bird cook evenly and maintain its shape.
Place the chicken in a large ziplock bag. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat all surfaces. Seal the bag and gently toss the chicken to incorporate the marinade, ensuring even coverage.
Refrigerate for a few hours before cooking. The marinating time allows the honey and mustard to work their magic, creating incredibly tender meat.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken marinates (or about 30 minutes before you're ready to cook), prepare your roasted vegetables.
Peel and cut the carrots into 1-inch pieces. Peel and cut the onions into quarters. Leave the baby potatoes whole. Cut the remaining 2 lemons into wedges.
In a large bowl, toss the baby potatoes, carrot chunks, and onion quarters with olive oil and Montreal Chicken Seasoning until well coated.
Arrange the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in the bottom of a large rectangular glass baking dish. Scatter lemon wedges over the vegetables and tuck in fresh rosemary sprigs for added aroma and flavor.
These vegetables will roast alongside the chicken, soaking up the delicious juices and honey mustard drippings for a complete one-pan meal.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on top of the vegetables in your glass baking dish. The oven should already be preheated to 450°F from step 1.
Place the dish in the oven and roast the chicken, uncovered, for 15 minutes at 450°F.
After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue cooking for about another 50 minutes. Baste the chicken as necessary during cooking to build up that beautiful glaze.
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches about 165°F when measured in the thickest part of the thigh with a meat thermometer. The potatoes should be brown on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Carve the chicken and serve alongside the roasted vegetables. Drizzle any pan juices over the top for extra flavor.
A Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Salad would be delicious
Tips for Perfect Honey Mustard Chicken Every Time
Choose the Right Chicken
A 5-pound roasting chicken is ideal for this recipe. It's large enough to feed 4-6 people with leftovers, yet small enough to cook evenly. Look for fresh, high-quality chicken from your local butcher or grocery store.
Don't Skip the Marinating
Marinate the chicken for a few hours in the refrigerator before cooking. This makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and flavor. The acids in the mustard and lemon juice help break down proteins, resulting in more tender meat.
Keep the Skin Dry
Pat the chicken completely dry before marinating and again before placing it in the oven. Moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Also, avoid adding excess marinade liquid to the roasting pan.
Use a Meat Thermometer
The most reliable way to know when your chicken is done is to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone—it should read 165°F.
Let It Rest
Resting isn't optional! Those 10 minutes allow the juices to redistribute, making the difference between dry chicken and juicy, tender meat.
Creative Variations to Try
While this recipe is perfect as written, here are some delicious ways to customize your honey mustard baked chicken:
Make It Spicy
Add 1-2 teaspoons of spicy mustard or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a kick. You can also use mustard with horseradish for extra heat.
Try Different Vegetables
Swap in your favorite vegetables! Sweet potatoes, parsnips, turnips, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers all work beautifully. Just keep in mind that different vegetables have different cooking times—denser vegetables should be cut smaller.
Herb It Up
While rosemary is traditional, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano. Tuck whole garlic cloves under the skin before roasting for an extra layer of flavor.
Add More Citrus
Place extra lemon slices on top of the chicken before roasting for more moisture and brightness. Orange slices also work wonderfully with honey mustard.
Use Chicken Parts
Don't have a whole chicken? This recipe works beautifully with chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or drumsticks. Just reduce the cooking time to 25-35 minutes for boneless pieces or 40-45 minutes for bone-in parts, checking with a thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
Try Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Cut boneless chicken breasts into strips, toss with the marinade, and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for a kid-friendly version.
What to Serve with Honey Mustard Chicken
While this recipe includes roasted vegetables for a complete one-pan meal, here are some other fantastic side dishes to consider:
- Asian Noodle Salad with Honey - The tangy honey dressing complements the rich chicken perfectly
- Honey-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes - A bright, fresh side that adds color to your plate
- Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus
- A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Crusty artisan bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices
For appetizers before your honey mustard chicken dinner, try Bacon Wrapped Shrimp or a cheese board featuring honey-drizzled cheeses.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken
Storage
Store leftover honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate the meat from the bones if desired to save space and make reheating easier.
Reheating
To maintain moisture, reheat chicken pieces in a covered dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave on 50% power in 1-minute intervals. Add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.
Freezing
This chicken freezes beautifully! Place cooled chicken pieces in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Creative Leftover Ideas
- Slice chicken for sandwiches with fresh greens and extra honey mustard
- Dice chicken and toss with pasta and vegetables for a quick dinner
- Add to salads like our Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Salad
- Shred and use in quesadillas, wraps, or grain bowls
- Mix into fried rice or stir-fry dishes
Why Choose Bee Inspired Goods Honey?
The quality of your honey makes a real difference in this recipe. Our Eastern Shore Spring Honey and Wildflower Honey are small-batch, raw honey harvested from our family's beekeeping operation on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
Unlike mass-produced honey, our raw honey maintains its natural enzymes, complex flavor notes, and authentic floral character. The result? A marinade with depth and character that you simply can't achieve with processed honey.
Did you know you can eat honeycomb? Try placing a scoop of our Raw Honeycomb on top of your chicken for a unique and fancy presentation
More Delicious Honey Chicken Recipes
If you loved this baked honey mustard chicken, you'll want to try these other honey chicken recipes from our collection:
- Honey-Glazed Chicken - Grilled chicken with a sweet honey-garlic glaze
- Szechwan Chicken Stir Fry - Spicy and satisfying with vegetables
- Chicken with Sautéed Mushrooms - Earthy mushrooms pair beautifully with chicken
- Honey BBQ Sauce - Perfect for grilled chicken or as a glaze
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs work wonderfully with this honey mustard marinade. For boneless pieces, reduce the baking time to 25-30 minutes at 375°F. For bone-in pieces, bake for 40-45 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What type of mustard works best?
Dijon mustard is ideal because its sharp, tangy flavor balances the sweetness of the honey. You can also use whole-grain mustard for added texture, or yellow mustard for a milder flavor. For extra spice, try spicy brown mustard or add a teaspoon of horseradish.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance in the refrigerator for deeper flavor. You can also prep the vegetables ahead of time and refrigerate them in a separate container. When ready to cook, simply arrange everything in the baking dish and roast as directed.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The most accurate method is using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone—it should read 165°F. The juices should also run clear, and the skin should be golden brown and crispy.
Can I cook this on the grill instead?
While this recipe is designed for oven roasting, you can adapt it for the grill! Use indirect heat at around 350°F and cook the chicken on a roasting rack in a disposable aluminum pan. The vegetables can be grilled separately in a grill basket. Cooking time will be similar, around 60-75 minutes.
What's the best way to get crispy skin?
Pat the chicken completely dry before marinating and before roasting. Make sure you don't add excess marinade liquid to the pan. Starting at a high temperature (450°F) then reducing helps crisp the skin while cooking the interior gently.
Learn all about honey & lips and keep your lips hydrated when you use our Honey Lip Balm made with beeswax
The Perfect One-Pan Dinner
This baked honey mustard chicken recipe truly is the ultimate one-pan dinner. With minimal prep time and mostly hands-off cooking, you get tender, flavorful chicken with perfectly roasted vegetables—all infused with that irresistible sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze.
Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for dinner, this recipe delivers impressive results without the stress. The combination of quality ingredients—especially our small-batch raw honey—makes all the difference in creating a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen.
Give this recipe a try and discover why honey mustard chicken has become a beloved classic. We'd love to hear how it turns out for you! Share your creation with us on social media using #BeeInspiredGoods.
