Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Make the Honey Dijon Sauce:

3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a smooth, glossy sauce.

Coat the Chicken:

4. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides.
5. Brush with Sauce: Generously brush the honey Dijon sauce over the top of each chicken breast, making sure to coat the chicken evenly with the glaze.

Bake the Chicken:

6. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has caramelized slightly.
7. Baste (Optional): Halfway through cooking, you can baste the chicken with the sauce in the baking dish for extra flavor and moisture.

Finishing Touches:

8. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, if desired, and serve immediately.