Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

$To make honey mustard chicken thighs, you need to gather a few simple ingredients. Here is the list: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish flavorful and juicy. The chicken thighs provide a rich, tender base. Honey adds sweetness, while Dijon mustard gives a nice tang. Olive oil helps keep the chicken moist. Apple cider vinegar adds a bit of zest. Garlic and thyme bring depth to the flavor. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance everything, and parsley brightens the dish for a beautiful finish. Feel free to experiment with these ingredients. You can adjust the honey or mustard to suit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup honey and 1/4 cup Dijon mustard. Then, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Next, add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This marinade is key for flavor. Marinating gives the chicken time to soak up those tasty flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Now, take your chicken thighs. Pat them dry using paper towels. This step helps the skin get crispy when cooked. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish. Pour the honey mustard marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat. This ensures the chicken absorbs all those great flavors. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once heated, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the chicken for 35-45 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Check this with a meat thermometer. For extra flavor, baste the chicken with the marinade every 15 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and adds a rich glaze. When the chicken is done, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle, making each bite tender and flavorful. To get crispy skin on your chicken thighs, follow these steps: - Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps remove extra moisture. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven crisps the skin well. - Bake the chicken in a single layer. Leave space between each piece for even heat. - Baste the chicken with the marinade halfway through cooking. This adds flavor and moisture. Let the chicken rest for five minutes after baking. Resting helps keep the juices inside. This makes the meat more tender and juicy. Want to boost the flavor of your dish? Here are some ideas: - Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. They bring a lovely aroma and taste. - Try spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. A little goes a long way! - The longer you marinate the chicken, the better it tastes. Aim for at least 30 minutes. If you can, marinate for up to two hours in the fridge. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the honey mustard mixture to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees that the chicken is cooked through while remaining juicy. Get Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken thighs for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning while achieving that golden-brown perfection. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary or oregano along with the thyme. This can elevate the flavor profile of the dish even further. {{image_2}} You can use different cuts of chicken for this dish. Boneless or skinless chicken thighs work well. They cook faster than bone-in pieces. If you choose these cuts, reduce your cooking time by about 10 to 15 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe. You can add a spicy kick to your honey mustard chicken. Sriracha or cayenne pepper gives it heat. Start with a small amount, then taste and adjust. You can also add fruit flavors. Orange juice or pineapple juice mix well with the honey. These add a sweet and tangy twist. Try these variations to keep the dish exciting. To keep your honey mustard chicken thighs fresh, store them in a safe way. First, let the chicken cool to room temperature. Then, place the thighs in an airtight container. You can also use a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. Keep the chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating, you want to keep the chicken juicy and tasty. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave the chicken, but it may dry out. If using the microwave, place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can. Many people like using yellow mustard or whole grain mustard. Each type offers a unique flavor. Yellow mustard is milder, while whole grain has a nice texture. You can mix and match to find what you enjoy most. Some great side dishes include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Roasted carrots and Brussels sprouts pair well with the chicken’s sweet and tangy taste. You could also serve it with rice or a grain like quinoa for a hearty meal. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy. If you cut into the thigh, the juices should run clear. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This blog shared a simple yet tasty recipe for honey mustard chicken thighs. We explored the ingredients you need and how to prepare, bake, and store the dish. Tips for crispy skin and flavor boosts can make a big difference. Experiment with different chicken cuts and flavors for variety. Remember, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Enjoy your cooking journey and have fun making this dish your own! It's easy and delicious, and I hope you try it soon.$

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Delicious and flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste Salt
to taste Pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be your marinade.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and place them in a baking dish.
Pour the honey mustard marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
Once marinated, transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
Occasionally baste the chicken with the marinade during cooking for added flavor and moisture.
When done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For more flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the fridge.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken, honey mustard, thighs