Looking for super easy weeknight chicken dinners? I’ve got you covered with two fantastic baked chicken recipes that are perfect for busy schedules.
These recipes are simple, straightforward, and packed with flavor, making dinner prep a breeze for you.
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Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken for Quick Dinners
This honey dijon chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It comes together fast and bakes to a lovely golden finish.
Key Ingredients & Helpful Tips
- Dijon Mustard: Use a good quality Dijon mustard for the best flavor in your sauce. It makes a difference!
- Honey: This adds sweetness and helps create a lovely glaze on the chicken as it bakes.
- Chicken Thighs: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness and quick cooking, but chicken breasts also work well here.
What You Need for Honey Dijon Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make This Easy Baked Chicken
Step 1: Prep Oven & Make Sauce
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This creates your flavorful honey dijon sauce.
Step 2: Coat Chicken & Bake
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the prepared honey dijon sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful golden glaze.
📝 Final Note on Honey Dijon Chicken
For an extra bit of color and crispness, you can broil the chicken for the last minute or two, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Easy Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders for Dinner
You’ll love these baked ranch chicken tenders. They are simple to make and always a hit with everyone, especially kids.
Key Ingredients & Expert Tips
- Chicken Tenders: Using tenders means less prep work and a faster cooking time. They are great for quick meals.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: A good quality dry ranch seasoning mix is key to getting that classic, tasty ranch flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs give a much crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs when baked, which is a great texture.
What You Need for Ranch Chicken Tenders
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make These Crispy Baked Tenders
Step 1: Set Up Breading Stations
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, combine flour, salt, and pepper. In the second, whisk the egg. In the third, mix Panko breadcrumbs with the dry ranch seasoning mix.
Step 2: Coat and Bake Tenders
Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, then into the whisked egg, letting excess drip off, and finally into the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat well. Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through.
📝 Final Note on Ranch Chicken
Serve these baked chicken tenders with extra ranch dressing for dipping, or your family’s favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal.