Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Juicy and Flavorful Meal

Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 0.25 cup honey; 0.25 cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

by Charlotte on February 27, 2025

Looking for a dinner option that’s both juicy and bursting with flavor? Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs are the answer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests. This step-by-step guide will help you nail the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Get ready to bring deliciousness to your table that everyone will love!

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) To make honey mustard chicken thighs, gather these key ingredients. The chicken thighs are perfect for this dish. Their skin locks in moisture and adds great flavor. Honey and Dijon mustard create a sweet and tangy sauce. Apple cider vinegar adds brightness, while garlic gives depth. Seasonings like thyme and paprika enhance the taste. Don't forget salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Olive oil helps in the cooking process and ensures a nice sear. Finally, fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness to your plate. With these ingredients ready, you can create a dish that is juicy and full of flavor. Each bite will delight your taste buds. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. In a bowl, mix the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This honey mustard sauce adds great flavor. 1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. 2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper. This brings out the best taste. 3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. 4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. 1. Flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is up. Pour the honey mustard sauce over them. Make sure they are well-coated. 2. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). 3. Once cooked, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle. 4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This adds a nice touch to your meal. To get that nice crispy skin, start by drying the chicken well. Use paper towels to pat each thigh dry. This step helps remove moisture. Extra moisture can lead to soggy skin. Then, heat the olive oil until it shimmers in the skillet. When the oil is hot, it will crisp the skin perfectly. You can boost the flavor by adding spices. Consider using rosemary or cayenne for a kick. If you plan ahead, marinate the chicken. Let it sit in the honey mustard mix for at least an hour. This makes the chicken more flavorful and juicy. Serving is just as important as cooking. Place the chicken on a rustic wooden board. Drizzle any leftover sauce on top for flair. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. For sides, roasted vegetables or a green salad pair well. They add freshness and balance to the meal. Pro Tips Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensuring your chicken thighs are patted dry helps achieve a perfectly crispy skin when seared. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier bite. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the honey mustard sauce by adding herbs like rosemary or spices like cayenne for a personal touch. {{image_4}} You can use different cuts for this recipe. Boneless chicken thighs are a great choice. They cook fast and stay juicy. Chicken breasts work too if you want a leaner option. Drumsticks also fit perfectly in this dish. They add a fun twist and are easy to hold. Feel free to mix up the flavors. You can add a bit of heat for a sweet and spicy kick. Just toss in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. You can also try whole grain mustard for a different taste. You can switch up how you cook this dish. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Just marinate the chicken in the sauce and grill until cooked through. Slow cooking is another option. Place the chicken in a slow cooker with the sauce and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you own an Instant Pot, it’s perfect for this recipe too. Just use the sauté function for searing. Then, add the sauce and cook on high pressure for about 8-10 minutes. Each method gives you tasty chicken with a unique twist. After enjoying your honey mustard chicken thighs, you may have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Do not leave it out for more than two hours. Next, place the chicken in airtight containers. This prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store the containers in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, it stays good for up to three months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best methods are the oven or stovetop. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm. For the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help keep it moist. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway. To maintain moisture and texture, avoid using the microwave if possible. Microwaving can dry out the chicken. Always check the internal temperature before serving. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's safe to eat. I recommend baking honey mustard chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Make sure to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe for eating. This will ensure your chicken is juicy and tender. Yes, you can use other mustards. Yellow mustard adds a milder taste. Spicy brown mustard will give a bolder flavor. Each type will change the taste a bit, but they all work well with honey. Honey mustard chicken thighs go great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli - A simple green salad with vinaigrette - Mashed potatoes or rice for a filling meal - Garlic bread to soak up the sauce In this blog post, we explored how to make honey mustard chicken thighs. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and ways to enhance flavors. Remember to dry the chicken for crispy skin and try custom flavors to suit your taste. You can also enjoy this dish with various sides. Whether you're a cooking novice or an expert, this recipe offers fun and tasty options. Enjoy your meal and impress your guests with your skills!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Flavorful Combination: The mix of honey and Dijon mustard creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that elevates the chicken to a whole new level.
Crispy Skin: Searing the chicken thighs ensures a deliciously crispy skin that locks in moisture for succulent meat.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Versatile Dish: This honey mustard chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a great addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

To make honey mustard chicken thighs, gather these key ingredients. The chicken thighs are perfect for this dish. Their skin locks in moisture and adds great flavor. Honey and Dijon mustard create a sweet and tangy sauce. Apple cider vinegar adds brightness, while garlic gives depth. Seasonings like thyme and paprika enhance the taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Olive oil helps in the cooking process and ensures a nice sear. Finally, fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness to your plate.

With these ingredients ready, you can create a dish that is juicy and full of flavor. Each bite will delight your taste buds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Chicken Thighs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking.

2. In a bowl, mix the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. This honey mustard sauce adds great flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy.

2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper. This brings out the best taste.

3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Baking and Final Touches

1. Flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is up. Pour the honey mustard sauce over them. Make sure they are well-coated.

2. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

3. Once cooked, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle.

4. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This adds a nice touch to your meal.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispy Skin

To get that nice crispy skin, start by drying the chicken well. Use paper towels to pat each thigh dry. This step helps remove moisture. Extra moisture can lead to soggy skin. Then, heat the olive oil until it shimmers in the skillet. When the oil is hot, it will crisp the skin perfectly.

Enhancing Flavor

You can boost the flavor by adding spices. Consider using rosemary or cayenne for a kick. If you plan ahead, marinate the chicken. Let it sit in the honey mustard mix for at least an hour. This makes the chicken more flavorful and juicy.

Presentation Ideas

Serving is just as important as cooking. Place the chicken on a rustic wooden board. Drizzle any leftover sauce on top for flair. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. For sides, roasted vegetables or a green salad pair well. They add freshness and balance to the meal.

Pro Tips

Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensuring your chicken thighs are patted dry helps achieve a perfectly crispy skin when seared.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier bite.
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the honey mustard sauce by adding herbs like rosemary or spices like cayenne for a personal touch.

Variations

Different Cuts of Chicken

You can use different cuts for this recipe. Boneless chicken thighs are a great choice. They cook fast and stay juicy. Chicken breasts work too if you want a leaner option. Drumsticks also fit perfectly in this dish. They add a fun twist and are easy to hold.

Flavor Customizations

Feel free to mix up the flavors. You can add a bit of heat for a sweet and spicy kick. Just toss in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you have dietary needs, there are easy swaps. Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option. You can also try whole grain mustard for a different taste.

Cooking Method Changes

You can switch up how you cook this dish. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Just marinate the chicken in the sauce and grill until cooked through. Slow cooking is another option. Place the chicken in a slow cooker with the sauce and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

If you own an Instant Pot, it’s perfect for this recipe too. Just use the sauté function for searing. Then, add the sauce and cook on high pressure for about 8-10 minutes. Each method gives you tasty chicken with a unique twist.

Storage Info

Keeping Leftovers

After enjoying your honey mustard chicken thighs, you may have some leftovers. To keep them fresh, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Do not leave it out for more than two hours. Next, place the chicken in airtight containers. This prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store the containers in the fridge for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, it stays good for up to three months.

Reheating Methods

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best methods are the oven or stovetop. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warm. For the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to help keep it moist. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.

To maintain moisture and texture, avoid using the microwave if possible. Microwaving can dry out the chicken. Always check the internal temperature before serving. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

FAQs

How long should I bake honey mustard chicken thighs?

I recommend baking honey mustard chicken thighs for 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Make sure to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe for eating. This will ensure your chicken is juicy and tender.

Can I use other types of mustard?

Yes, you can use other mustards. Yellow mustard adds a milder taste. Spicy brown mustard will give a bolder flavor. Each type will change the taste a bit, but they all work well with honey.

What sides pair well with honey mustard chicken thighs?

Honey mustard chicken thighs go great with many sides. Here are some ideas:

– Roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli

– A simple green salad with vinaigrette

– Mashed potatoes or rice for a filling meal

– Garlic bread to soak up the sauce

In this blog post, we explored how to make honey mustard chicken thighs. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and ways to enhance flavors. Remember to dry the chicken for crispy skin and try custom flavors to suit your taste. You can also enjoy this dish with various sides.

Whether you’re a cooking novice or an expert, this recipe offers fun and tasty options. Enjoy your meal and impress your guests with your skill

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Deliciously crispy chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

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 apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for the chicken.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated.
Take your chicken thighs and gently pat them dry using paper towels, which will help in achieving crispy skin. Generously season both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down into the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy.
Carefully flip the chicken thighs over so that the skin side is facing up. Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce evenly over the top of the thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to confirm the chicken is fully cooked.
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
To serve, garnish the chicken with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch and a burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken, honey mustard, thighs