Sweet & Savory Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish This dish shines with simple yet flavorful ingredients. The chicken thighs have skin that crisps up nicely, giving a great texture. The honey adds sweetness, while the Dijon mustard brings tang. Olive oil helps with cooking and adds richness. Garlic adds depth to the sauce, making it tasty. Apple cider vinegar gives a nice kick, balancing the flavors well. Fresh thyme adds a hint of earthiness. Don’t forget salt and pepper to bring out all the tastes! You can also play with garnish options. Chopped parsley looks great and adds freshness to the plate. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is not only tasty but also easy to prepare. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the chicken evenly. While the oven heats up, you can make the honey mustard sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients until smooth. This sauce will give your chicken great flavor. Now, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy in the oven. Next, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes. You want the skin to be golden brown and crispy. After searing, flip the chicken thighs over. Drizzle the honey mustard sauce over the top. Make sure each thigh is well coated for the best flavor. Now, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For a special touch, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. This will caramelize the sauce nicely. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. When it’s done, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious honey mustard chicken thighs! To get crispy skin, first, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is key. It removes moisture that can make the skin soggy. Next, heat your skillet on medium-high before adding the chicken. A hot skillet will help sear the skin nicely. This searing step takes about 5-7 minutes. You want the skin to turn golden brown and crispy. For more flavor, consider marinating the chicken. You can soak it in the honey mustard sauce for at least an hour. This helps the chicken soak up those tasty notes. Feel free to add herbs like rosemary or oregano. These herbs pair well with the sweetness of honey. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick, too. When it comes to side dishes, roasted veggies work great. Think carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. They balance the dish well. You can also serve it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. For presentation, plate the chicken on a colorful dish. Drizzle some sauce on top and add fresh parsley for a pop of color. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes. Pro Tips Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensuring the chicken thighs are dry helps the skin become crispy when seared. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a vibrant flavor compared to dried thyme, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Monitor the Broiling: When broiling, keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning the sauce during the final caramelization. Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can easily change the recipe for honey mustard chicken thighs. One great option is to use boneless chicken thighs. These cook faster and are easier to eat. Just remember to adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking. If you want to switch up the honey and mustard, you have options. Maple syrup works well instead of honey. For mustard, try whole grain or spicy brown mustard for a different taste. This gives your dish a unique twist. There are different ways to cook honey mustard chicken thighs. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Just marinate the chicken in the sauce first, then grill on medium heat. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. You can also use a slow cooker. Coat the chicken thighs in the honey mustard sauce and place them in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender and flavorful. You can add more flavors to your honey mustard chicken thighs. Spices like cayenne pepper or paprika give a nice kick. Just sprinkle a little on the chicken before cooking. Incorporating fruit flavors can brighten the dish. Try adding chopped apples or peaches to the sauce. They add sweetness and a hint of tartness. This makes the meal even more delicious and interesting. For short-term storage, keep your honey mustard chicken thighs in the fridge. Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, let them cool first. For long-term storage, you can freeze your chicken thighs. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. Honey mustard chicken thighs can last up to three days in the fridge. If stored properly, they can last up to three months in the freezer. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your delicious chicken safely! Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. The sauce will still taste great with breasts. How can I tell when chicken is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) inside. Check the thickest part of the thigh to be sure. What to do if the chicken is dry? If the chicken is dry, it may have cooked too long. Next time, check the temperature earlier. You can also add a bit of broth to the pan to help keep it moist. How to fix a sauce that is too thick or thin? If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Mix well and heat gently. If it’s too thin, simmer it on low heat until it thickens. Stir often to avoid burning. Adjustments for smaller or larger chicken pieces For smaller pieces, reduce cooking time to about 15-20 minutes. For larger pieces, like whole legs, increase time to 30-35 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. Cooking in a convection oven vs. standard oven A convection oven cooks faster due to the fan. Reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking. This blog post covers a tasty honey mustard chicken thigh recipe. You learned about key ingredients, like chicken, honey, and garlic. I provided step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and cooking variations. You saw how to achieve crispy skin and serve it well. In summary, this dish is easy to make and fun to share. Try different herbs or side dishes to make it your own. Enjoy cooking!$

Sweet & Savory Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Deliciously glazed chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
0.25 cup honey
0.25 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add a bit of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the skillet. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs over, then drizzle the honey mustard sauce over the top, ensuring each thigh is well coated.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
For an extra touch, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and added freshness if desired.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken skin is dry before searing.

Keyword chicken, dinner, honey mustard