Name: Baked Apple Honey Dijon Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491616H40M27S
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large organic chicken breasts, bone-in (can also use boneless, see notes for cooking time adjustment); 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 2 tsp On Everything All-Purpose Blend seasoning; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp sea salt; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 medium apple, sliced (skin on, see blog for best apple types); 1 cup organic chicken stock; 1/2 cup raw honey; 2 tbsp dijon mustard; 1 medium apple, sliced; 1/4 cup organic chicken stock

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that beautifully balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, then the Baked Apple Honey Dijon Chicken Breasts Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This recipe takes simple chicken breasts and transforms them with the warmth of cinnamon and smoked paprika, the crisp freshness of sliced apples, and a luscious honey-Dijon glaze that caramelizes in the oven. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience—comforting yet elegant, and perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of a wooden table with a large bowl at the center holding four raw chicken pieces showing pale pink skin and fat. To the left of the bowl are two shiny red apples placed on the wooden surface. Above the bowl is a small brown bowl with three kinds of ground spices in warm tones of orange, red, and light brown, arranged in separate sections. To the right of the bowl of chicken, there is a tall green bottle of extra virgin olive oil and a small spice container with a white label. The whole scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture, making the dish more than just the sum of its parts. The combination of spices, fresh fruit, and pantry staples ensures you get a meal that’s flavorful, colorful, and wholesome.

4 large organic chicken breasts, bone-in: Using bone-in adds extra juiciness and depth during baking.
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and keeps it moist while baking.
2 teaspoons On Everything All-Purpose Blend: A blend of spices to enhance the savory profile of the dish.
2 teaspoons smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the honey and apples.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for bringing out all the vibrant flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cumin: Introduces a warm, slightly earthy note.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a subtle hint of sweetness and warmth that complements the apples perfectly.
1 medium apple, sliced: Keeping the skin on adds texture and vibrant color.
1 cup organic chicken stock: Keeps the chicken moist while providing a rich base for the glaze.
1/2 cup raw honey: Sweetens the dish naturally and helps to caramelize the glaze beautifully.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Injects tanginess into the glaze, balancing the honey’s sweetness.
1/4 cup organic chicken stock (additional): Used to simmer the glaze for perfect consistency.

How to Make Baked Apple Honey Dijon Chicken Breasts Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a non-stick griddle pan or an oven-safe cast iron skillet. Next, in a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil and your spice blend: salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, cumin, cinnamon, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until your chicken is fully coated with this aromatic mixture. For an extra burst of flavor, score each breast with slit-like cuts about an inch apart before marinating, which helps the seasoning penetrate deeply.

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Although this step is optional, marinating your chicken for at least 3 hours—or even better, overnight—in a sealed bag in the refrigerator, will transform the dish. The spices and olive oil will infuse the meat, making the final bake incredibly juicy and flavorful. When you’re ready to cook, allow the chicken to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, ensuring more even cooking.

Step 3: Arrange Chicken and Apples for Baking

Lay out your seasoned chicken breasts side by side on your prepared pan, leaving a little space between each piece. Nestle the sliced apples around and between the breasts. You can even add other vegetables, like potatoes or butternut squash, to soak up all the delicious juices during baking. Pour 1 cup of organic chicken stock around everything before placing the pan in the oven to bake.

Step 4: Bake and Add the Glaze

Bake the chicken and apples for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken’s skin turns golden brown and crispy and the meat is cooked all the way through. During the last 15 minutes of baking, it’s time to prepare the star of the show—the apple honey Dijon glaze. Combine the honey, Dijon mustard, sliced apples, and 1/4 cup of additional chicken stock in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Glaze and Caramelize

Generously spoon your homemade cider and honey Dijon glaze over the chicken and apples in the pan. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes to allow the glaze to bake onto the chicken, creating that irresistible caramelized finish. This step brings the entire dish together, making the flavor complex yet beautifully balanced.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once out of the oven, let your dish cool just slightly before spooning any leftover glaze over the top. This beautiful chicken plate is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Baked Apple Honey Dijon Chicken Breasts Recipe

A round metal bowl held by a woman's hand on each side contains two large pieces of marinated chicken with a shiny, orange-brown coating of herbs and spices. Beneath the chicken pieces, several small yellow potato chunks are visible, also covered lightly in the marinade. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary adds a pop of green color and an herbal brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet glaze. You can also add thin apple slices on top for extra freshness and crunch that invites guests in.

Side Dishes

Since the chicken is vibrant and flavorful, pairing it with simple sides like mashed potatoes, fluffy brown or basmati rice, or even a crisp salad keeps the meal well-rounded and comforting. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or a light pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic also complement this dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken breasts whole to show off the delicious caramelized skin with apple slices artistically arranged around the plate. Alternatively, slice the chicken after baking and fan it out over rice, drizzling extra glaze over the top for a restaurant-worthy look at your very own table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Baked Apple Honey Dijon Chicken Breasts Recipe will keep perfectly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great dish to plan ahead with.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken breasts with the glaze but store them separately if possible to preserve texture. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a covered dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through, to maintain juiciness and prevent the glaze from drying out. Alternatively, a quick reheat in a skillet over medium heat works well when you’re short on time.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of bone-in?

Yes! You can absolutely use boneless chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that cooking time will likely be a bit shorter—around 25-30 minutes instead of 35-40 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached 165°F internally for safety.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm apples that hold shape well during baking, like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith, are ideal. Their balanced sweetness and crisp texture really shine alongside the savory spices and honey Dijon glaze.

Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can substitute with yellow mustard or a mix of spicy brown mustard and a touch of honey. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight infuses incredible flavor. Just be sure to keep the chicken refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or butternut squash roast beautifully alongside the chicken and apples, absorbing some of the glaze and enriching the overall meal.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Baked Apple Honey Dijon Chicken Breasts Recipe, it will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation. The combination of warm spices, fresh apple sweetness, and that irresistibly sticky glaze creates a comforting yet vibrant dish that feels special without any fuss. Grab your ingredients, invite some loved ones to the table, and cook up this guaranteed crowd-pleaser tonight!