If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, easy-to-prepare dish that packs a whole lot of zesty flavor, look no further than this Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe. Juicy, golden chicken breasts are infused with tangy Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic thyme, then finished with a sprinkling of bright parsley. It’s a foolproof weeknight dinner or a showstopper for a dinner party—either way, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of real, unfussy ingredients for this Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe, and each one plays a starring role. From the sharpness of Dijon mustard to the fresh burst of lemon, every item in this lineup enhances the final dish’s flavor and color.
- Chicken Breasts: Juicy, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts act as the perfect protein canvas for all that piquant marinade.
- Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil keeps the chicken moist and helps infuse the marinade flavors deep into each bite.
- Dijon Mustard: Brings a wonderfully creamy tang and subtle heat—don’t swap for yellow mustard if you want to keep the classic profile.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: For an irresistible bright, citrusy kick that lifts all the other flavors in the marinade.
- Lemon Zest: Adding zest doubles down on that fresh lemon flavor and adds eye-catching bits of color, too.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives the whole dish depth and a delightful, savory aroma.
- Honey: Just a little honey balances out the lemon’s acidity and the mustard’s tang.
- Dried Thyme: Earthy and herby, dried thyme complements the citrus and ties everything together.
- Salt: Helps all the flavors pop, so don’t skimp here.
- Black Pepper: A little freshly ground pepper adds gentle heat and roundness.
- Lemon Slices and Fresh Parsley: The finishing touch for color, aroma, and a mouthwatering presentation.
How to Make Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Flavorful Marinade
Begin your Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe adventure by whisking together the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This mixture will become your new favorite marinade—rich, zesty, and irresistible. Whisk vigorously until everything is well-blended, making sure the honey dissolves fully so the marinade coats the chicken beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Transfer the chicken breasts to a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour every last drop of that gorgeous marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Seal it up (or cover the dish) and let the magic happen in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—though if you have time, marinate for up to 4 hours to let every layer of flavor completely soak in.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep Your Cooking Method
Decide whether you want to bake or grill your Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe. If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. For grilling, fire up your grill to medium-high. Either way, get your equipment ready while the chicken soaks in all that flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
For baking, arrange the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared dish and pour any remaining marinade over the top—this keeps the chicken extra juicy. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). Prefer grilling? Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side and brush with extra marinade for maximum flavor and a gorgeous golden glaze.
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes so all the delicious juices redistribute. Plate your chicken and shower it with fresh parsley and a few lemon slices for an inviting pop of color and aroma. Your Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish is what takes this dish from simple to stunning. Think generous sprinkles of chopped fresh parsley and a few lemon slices or wedges tucked alongside the chicken. Not only do they deliver bold color and freshness, but they also let everyone squeeze on extra brightness to taste.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with so many sides. Try it with fluffy rice to soak up every drop of zesty sauce, or alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome medley of textures and flavors. Even a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders if you’re in the mood for something lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of greens, piled into sandwiches with arugula and a swipe of leftover marinade (simmered, of course!), or tuck it into wraps for a picnic-perfect lunch. For a dinner party, slice each chicken breast at an angle and fan them out on a platter with extra lemon and parsley for that restaurant-worthy feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe, you’re in luck—this dish keeps its flavor and tenderness refrigerated for up to 3 days. Store the cooled chicken in an airtight container, and spoon over any leftover sauce or pan juices to keep it moist.
Freezing
For even longer storage, pop your cooked and cooled chicken breasts into a freezer-safe container or wrap each one tightly in foil before freezing. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 months. Just remember to label them—so you don’t forget about your tasty stash!
Reheating
To reheat, let frozen chicken thaw overnight in the fridge. Gently warm it on the stovetop or in a 300°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if you have it to keep things juicy. Microwaving works in a pinch, too—just use short intervals to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts?
Absolutely! This Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile. Chicken thighs or drumsticks work beautifully and might even stay a bit juicier, though you may need to adjust the cooking time—just check that safe internal temperature.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
At least 30 minutes imparts a wonderful flavor, but if you can swing it, give it up to 4 hours in the fridge. The longer marinating time lets the lemon and Dijon mustard permeate the chicken for really remarkable results.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Whisk up the marinade for your Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pour it over the chicken and start marinating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It sure is, as long as your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free (most are, but always double check the label to be safe). With natural ingredients and no breadcrumbs in sight, it fits beautifully into gluten-free diets.
What’s the best way to use leftover chicken?
Leftover Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe is a dream in salads, tossed into pasta, or even layered onto a sandwich with crisp lettuce and tomato. Slice it thin for wraps or dice it up to top grain bowls for an easy, meal-prepped lunch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about a dish that’s both easy to make and loaded with bold, bright flavors. This Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I hope you’ll love it just as much. Give it a try and watch it disappear from your table!
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Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Dijon Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ. The tangy Dijon mustard and fresh lemon juice create a zesty marinade that takes simple chicken breasts to the next level.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over them, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cooking Options: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat grill to medium-high. Bake chicken for 20–25 minutes or grill for 5–6 minutes per side, basting with marinade.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley.
Notes
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
- Try the marinade with chicken thighs or drumsticks for variation.
- For a sauce, reserve some marinade before adding raw chicken and simmer it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
