Looking for a tasty and easy dish? You’ve come to the right place! Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs combine sweet and savory flavors with tender, juicy meat. In this post, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create this mouthwatering meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this simple recipe will impress your family or guests. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for a tasty meal. Each one plays a key role in making honey mustard chicken thighs flavorful and juicy.
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
These ingredients work together to create a rich blend of sweet and savory flavors. You can find the full recipe and detailed cooking steps in the [Full Recipe].
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms up the oven, so your chicken cooks well.
Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, mix these ingredients:
– 3 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk until smooth. This marinade gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor.
Marinate the Chicken
Take 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and put them in a large bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating each thigh well. Seal the bag or cover the dish. For the best taste, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Sear and Bake
After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge. Let it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature. In a hot, oven-safe skillet, add the chicken skin-side down. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch.
Carefully flip the chicken. Spoon some leftover marinade on top. Then, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Enjoy the delicious Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions.
Tips & Tricks
Marinating Advice
Marinating chicken thighs makes them juicy and full of flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, try to marinate for up to 2 hours. This time lets the flavors soak in deeply.
Searing Tips
To get crispy skin, heat your skillet before adding the chicken. Use medium-high heat and place the thighs skin-side down. Let them sear for about 5–7 minutes. Don’t rush this step! A good sear adds great texture and flavor.
Checking Doneness
Always check the doneness of chicken to ensure it’s safe to eat. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices in and makes each bite tender. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section.
Variations
Honey Mustard Glaze
To make a thicker honey mustard glaze, try these methods. First, reduce the sauce by simmering it in a small pot. This step helps concentrate the flavors and thicken the glaze. Another option is to add a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce until it thickens.
Adding Spice
You can easily spice up your honey mustard chicken thighs. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes adds heat. For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika. You can also try adding ground cumin or coriander for a warm, earthy taste. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices to create your perfect blend.
Side Dish Pairings
Pair honey mustard chicken thighs with delicious sides. Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, add color and nutrition. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the dish well. For a heartier option, serve it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy a mix of flavors and textures for a satisfying meal.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your honey mustard chicken thighs fresh, store them correctly. First, let the chicken cool down completely. Then, place the chicken into an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents odors from other foods. Store the chicken in the fridge. This way, it will last for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating chicken can be tricky. You want to avoid drying it out. To do this, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the meat moist. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Check that it is heated through but not overcooked. This will keep the chicken juicy and tasty.
Freezing Tips
Freezing is a great way to save your leftovers. Start by letting the chicken cool completely. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the chicken safe and delicious.
FAQs
How long should I marinate chicken thighs?
I recommend marinating chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. This short time allows the flavors to start soaking in. For even better taste, aim for up to 2 hours. This extra time makes the chicken even more juicy and flavorful. If you forget to marinate, even 15 minutes can help.
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes in the oven. Check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe. Boneless thighs can be just as tasty with this honey mustard glaze.
What side dishes go well with honey mustard chicken thighs?
Many side dishes pair nicely with honey mustard chicken thighs. Here are some popular options:
– Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts
– Crisp green salad with mixed greens
– Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower
– Quinoa or rice for a hearty side
– Steamed asparagus or green beans for a fresh touch
These sides help create a balanced meal that complements the chicken’s sweet and savory flavor.
This recipe for honey mustard chicken thighs is easy and delicious. We covered the ingredients, marinade, and cooking methods. I shared tips for seasoning and serving suggestions too. Use this recipe to impress friends and family with your cooking skills. Remember, marinating adds flavor, and a quick sear gives crispy skin. Feel free to adapt the recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy making this dish, and don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen! Your meals can be simple yet special with just a bit of effort.
![Gather these simple ingredients for a tasty meal. Each one plays a key role in making honey mustard chicken thighs flavorful and juicy. - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a rich blend of sweet and savory flavors. You can find the full recipe and detailed cooking steps in the [Full Recipe]. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms up the oven, so your chicken cooks well. In a medium bowl, mix these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk until smooth. This marinade gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor. Take 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and put them in a large bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating each thigh well. Seal the bag or cover the dish. For the best taste, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge. Let it sit for 10 minutes at room temperature. In a hot, oven-safe skillet, add the chicken skin-side down. Sear for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch. Carefully flip the chicken. Spoon some leftover marinade on top. Then, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C) for safety. Enjoy the delicious Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs! For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. Marinating chicken thighs makes them juicy and full of flavor. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, try to marinate for up to 2 hours. This time lets the flavors soak in deeply. To get crispy skin, heat your skillet before adding the chicken. Use medium-high heat and place the thighs skin-side down. Let them sear for about 5–7 minutes. Don't rush this step! A good sear adds great texture and flavor. Always check the doneness of chicken to ensure it's safe to eat. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices in and makes each bite tender. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. {{image_4}} To make a thicker honey mustard glaze, try these methods. First, reduce the sauce by simmering it in a small pot. This step helps concentrate the flavors and thicken the glaze. Another option is to add a cornstarch slurry. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this mixture into the simmering sauce until it thickens. You can easily spice up your honey mustard chicken thighs. A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes adds heat. For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika in place of regular paprika. You can also try adding ground cumin or coriander for a warm, earthy taste. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices to create your perfect blend. Pair honey mustard chicken thighs with delicious sides. Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, add color and nutrition. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the dish well. For a heartier option, serve it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy a mix of flavors and textures for a satisfying meal. To keep your honey mustard chicken thighs fresh, store them correctly. First, let the chicken cool down completely. Then, place the chicken into an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps moisture in and prevents odors from other foods. Store the chicken in the fridge. This way, it will last for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheating chicken can be tricky. You want to avoid drying it out. To do this, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the meat moist. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Check that it is heated through but not overcooked. This will keep the chicken juicy and tasty. Freezing is a great way to save your leftovers. Start by letting the chicken cool completely. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. The chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the chicken safe and delicious. I recommend marinating chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. This short time allows the flavors to start soaking in. For even better taste, aim for up to 2 hours. This extra time makes the chicken even more juicy and flavorful. If you forget to marinate, even 15 minutes can help. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes in the oven. Check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe. Boneless thighs can be just as tasty with this honey mustard glaze. Many side dishes pair nicely with honey mustard chicken thighs. Here are some popular options: - Roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts - Crisp green salad with mixed greens - Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower - Quinoa or rice for a hearty side - Steamed asparagus or green beans for a fresh touch These sides help create a balanced meal that complements the chicken's sweet and savory flavor. This recipe for honey mustard chicken thighs is easy and delicious. We covered the ingredients, marinade, and cooking methods. I shared tips for seasoning and serving suggestions too. Use this recipe to impress friends and family with your cooking skills. Remember, marinating adds flavor, and a quick sear gives crispy skin. Feel free to adapt the recipe to fit your taste. Enjoy making this dish, and don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen! Your meals can be simple yet special with just a bit of effort.](https://mealinmoments.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/49330ebe-b77d-4b5d-bc46-cd6235e5fa14-250x250.webp)