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- 4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, you will need fresh ingredients. The chicken thighs are the star. They offer a juicy bite and crispy skin. Honey adds sweetness, while Dijon mustard brings tanginess. Olive oil helps to blend the flavors smoothly. Garlic gives it a bold taste. Dried thyme adds nice herbal notes. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness and color. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. For garnish, fresh parsley looks great and adds a pop of color. You can choose to leave out the garnish if you prefer a simpler look. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a dish that is both rich in flavor and easy to prepare. Be sure to use quality ingredients for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Mix the honey mustard marinade. In a bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste. This mix gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor. 3. Coat chicken thighs in marinade. Place 4 chicken thighs in a large baking dish. Pour the honey mustard mix over the thighs. Make sure each piece is well coated. Turn the chicken skin-side up. This helps the skin get crispy while baking. 1. Baking details and timing. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The skin should be golden brown and crispy. 2. Optional broiling for crispiness. If you want extra crunch, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. 3. Resting time before serving. After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh touch. - Ensuring crispy skin: Start with skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps to remove moisture. Moisture leads to soggy skin. Use high heat in the oven, around 400°F (200°C). This helps the skin crisp up nicely. - Marinade time for enhanced flavor: For the best taste, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for several hours or overnight in the fridge. The longer it sits, the more flavor it will absorb. - Checking for doneness: The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the meat. The juices should run clear, not pink. - Recommended side dishes: Serve your honey mustard chicken thighs with roasted veggies. They pair well with steamed green beans or garlic mashed potatoes. A fresh salad can also brighten up the meal. - Ideal pairings with flavors: This dish goes nicely with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the honey mustard flavor. - Presentation ideas: For a beautiful plate, drizzle extra honey mustard sauce over the chicken. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color. Serve with lemon wedges for a pop of freshness. A colorful side makes the meal look appealing and inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality honey will elevate the flavor of your honey mustard sauce, giving it a more vibrant taste. Let it Marinate: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the honey mustard mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Serve with Sides: Pair these chicken thighs with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal. {{image_2}} You can customize honey mustard chicken thighs with simple swaps. Here are some ideas: - Alternative sweeteners: Use maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar. Each adds a unique touch. - Mustard variations: Try whole grain mustard for texture. You can also use spicy brown mustard for more kick. - Herb substitutions: Swap dried thyme for oregano or rosemary. Each herb brings its own flavor. You can change how you cook these chicken thighs for variety. Here are some methods: - Grilling instead of baking: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Cook chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side. This adds a nice char and smoky flavor. - Slow cooker version: Place the chicken and marinade in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method keeps the chicken juicy and tender. - Instant pot alternative: Add chicken and marinade to the pot. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release. This fast method locks in moisture. To store leftover Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, wait until they cool. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh for up to three days. Avoid letting the chicken sit out for long. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature. For the best storage, use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials keep food safe and free from odors. Make sure the lid seals tightly. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps the chicken juicy. If you want to save Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C). This keeps the skin crispy. Heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Enjoy your meal just as you made it! To add heat, mix in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also use spicy mustard instead of Dijon. This will give you the kick you want! Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster, so check them after 25-30 minutes. Adjust the baking time to avoid overcooking. Great sides include rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. They balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken well. Potatoes, either mashed or roasted, work nicely too. Bake chicken thighs for 35-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. Cook a batch, cool it down, and store in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. You learned the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. I provided tips for crispiness, flavor, and serving ideas. You also discovered variations, storage tips, and answers to common questions. In the end, this dish is easy and tasty. Experiment with the flavors and enjoy your meal. Happy cooking!

Sweet & Tangy Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Delicious chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in
  • 0.25 cup honey
  • 0.25 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Place the chicken thighs in a large baking dish and pour the honey mustard mixture over them, ensuring each thigh is well coated.
  • Turn the chicken thighs skin-side up in the dish to allow the skin to get crispy during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  • If preferred, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to enhance the crispiness of the skin.
  • Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.
Keyword baked chicken, chicken, honey mustard