Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Simple and Flavorful Dish

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, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; to taste salt and pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

by Emily on April 25, 2025

If you’re looking for a simple yet tasty dinner idea, honey mustard chicken thighs should be your go-to. This dish is packed with flavor and requires minimal effort. In this post, I’ll show you step-by-step how to prepare these succulent thighs. You’ll find all the ingredients, cooking tips, and even some fun variations. Let’s dive into the delicious world of honey mustard chicken!

$To make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, you will need the following items: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each serving of this dish is full of flavor and nutrition. It provides protein from the chicken thighs. The honey and mustard add natural sweetness and tang. Garlic and herbs give extra taste. On average, one serving includes: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fat: 20g - Fiber: 1g To prepare this dish, you will need a few key tools: - A large oven-safe skillet - A whisk for mixing - A small bowl for the sauce - A meat thermometer to check doneness - Paper towels for drying the chicken These tools help you cook the chicken thighs perfectly. The skillet allows for easy searing and baking. A meat thermometer ensures your chicken is safe to eat. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. While it heats, grab a small bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until it is smooth and well combined. Next, take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Season both sides with salt and pepper for extra flavor. Now, let’s get cooking! Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes. Look for golden brown skin. This step adds a lot of flavor. When the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is up. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken. Make sure to coat it well. Now, it’s time to bake! Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Once done, take the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch and added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs! To get crispy skin on chicken thighs, start with dry skin. Pat the thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Heat olive oil in your skillet. Add the chicken skin-side down to sear it. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Don't rush this step; it's key for crispiness. You can boost flavors with simple tweaks. Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. They bring out the taste in the honey mustard sauce. For a spicy kick, mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper. This makes the dish more exciting. Experiment and find what you enjoy most. One mistake is not searing the chicken long enough. This can lead to soggy skin. Another is not checking the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). Lastly, don't skip letting the chicken rest. This keeps it juicy and flavorful before serving. Pro Tips Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensuring the chicken skin is dry before searing helps achieve that perfect crispy texture. Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps retain its juices for a more flavorful bite. Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or tanginess of the honey mustard sauce by adding more honey or vinegar to suit your taste. {{image_2}} You can add herbs for extra flavor. Try using fresh rosemary or thyme. Just chop them finely and mix into your honey mustard sauce. This adds a fresh taste and makes the dish smell great while cooking. You can also sprinkle some herbs on top before serving for a lovely look. If you like heat, add some spice! Mix in cayenne pepper or hot sauce into your honey mustard sauce. Start with a small amount, taste it, and add more if you want more heat. This variation gives a nice kick that pairs well with the sweet honey. For grilling, make a honey mustard marinade. Use the same ingredients, but let the chicken marinate for at least an hour. This helps the flavors soak into the meat. Grill the thighs over medium heat until they reach 165°F (75°C). You get a smoky flavor that is perfect for summer cookouts! After enjoying Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, you may have some leftovers. The best way to store them is in an airtight container. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to keep the sauce with the chicken for extra flavor. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If using a microwave, place the chicken on a plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking to ensure it warms evenly. If you want to save the chicken for later, freezing works well. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. Boneless thighs may be a bit juicier since they have less fat. To know if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thigh. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it is cooked fully. You can serve Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with a variety of sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Creamy mashed potatoes - Mixed green salad with vinaigrette - Rice or quinoa for a hearty base - Roasted vegetables for added flavor These sides will balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. Enjoy your meal! In this post, I covered everything you need for Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. We talked about the best ingredients, cooking steps, and handy tips. You learned how to achieve crispy skin and avoid common mistakes. I also shared delicious variations to try and storage tips for leftovers. In closing, enjoy cooking this dish. It’s easy, tasty, and perfect for sharing.$

Why I Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: This recipe involves simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Sauce: The honey mustard sauce adds a delightful sweetness and tanginess that perfectly complements the chicken.
Juicy Chicken Thighs: Using bone-in, skin-on thighs ensures that the chicken stays moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
Beautiful Presentation: Garnishing with fresh parsley not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant touch to your dish.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

To make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, you will need the following items:

– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this dish is full of flavor and nutrition. It provides protein from the chicken thighs. The honey and mustard add natural sweetness and tang. Garlic and herbs give extra taste. On average, one serving includes:

– Calories: 350

– Protein: 25g

– Carbohydrates: 15g

– Fat: 20g

– Fiber: 1g

Recommended Cooking Equipment

To prepare this dish, you will need a few key tools:

– A large oven-safe skillet

– A whisk for mixing

– A small bowl for the sauce

– A meat thermometer to check doneness

– Paper towels for drying the chicken

These tools help you cook the chicken thighs perfectly. The skillet allows for easy searing and baking. A meat thermometer ensures your chicken is safe to eat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating and Preparation

First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. While it heats, grab a small bowl. In this bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until it is smooth and well combined. Next, take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Season both sides with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Searing the Chicken Thighs

Now, let’s get cooking! Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes. Look for golden brown skin. This step adds a lot of flavor. When the skin is crispy, flip the chicken thighs so the skin side is up. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken. Make sure to coat it well.

Baking Instructions

Now, it’s time to bake! Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Once done, take the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch and added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispy Skin

To get crispy skin on chicken thighs, start with dry skin. Pat the thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Heat olive oil in your skillet. Add the chicken skin-side down to sear it. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Don’t rush this step; it’s key for crispiness.

Flavor Enhancements

You can boost flavors with simple tweaks. Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. They bring out the taste in the honey mustard sauce. For a spicy kick, mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper. This makes the dish more exciting. Experiment and find what you enjoy most.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One mistake is not searing the chicken long enough. This can lead to soggy skin. Another is not checking the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C). Lastly, don’t skip letting the chicken rest. This keeps it juicy and flavorful before serving.

Pro Tips

Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensuring the chicken skin is dry before searing helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps retain its juices for a more flavorful bite.
Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sweetness or tanginess of the honey mustard sauce by adding more honey or vinegar to suit your taste.

Variations

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with Herbs

You can add herbs for extra flavor. Try using fresh rosemary or thyme. Just chop them finely and mix into your honey mustard sauce. This adds a fresh taste and makes the dish smell great while cooking. You can also sprinkle some herbs on top before serving for a lovely look.

Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken Option

If you like heat, add some spice! Mix in cayenne pepper or hot sauce into your honey mustard sauce. Start with a small amount, taste it, and add more if you want more heat. This variation gives a nice kick that pairs well with the sweet honey.

Honey Mustard Marinade for Grilling

For grilling, make a honey mustard marinade. Use the same ingredients, but let the chicken marinate for at least an hour. This helps the flavors soak into the meat. Grill the thighs over medium heat until they reach 165°F (75°C). You get a smoky flavor that is perfect for summer cookouts!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, you may have some leftovers. The best way to store them is in an airtight container. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature first. Then, place it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to keep the sauce with the chicken for extra flavor.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If using a microwave, place the chicken on a plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking to ensure it warms evenly.

Freezing Tips

If you want to save the chicken for later, freezing works well. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the chicken juicy and tasty.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. Boneless thighs may be a bit juicier since they have less fat.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

To know if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the thigh. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it is cooked fully.

What can I serve with Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs?

You can serve Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:

– Steamed broccoli or green beans

– Creamy mashed potatoes

– Mixed green salad with vinaigrette

– Rice or quinoa for a hearty base

– Roasted vegetables for added flavor

These sides will balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. Enjoy your meal!

In this post, I covered everything you need for Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. We talked about the best ingredients, cooking steps, and handy tips. You learned how to achieve crispy skin and avoid common mistakes. I also shared delicious variations to try and storage tips for leftovers.

In closing, enjoy cooking this dish. It’s easy, tasty, and perfect for sharin

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Deliciously baked 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, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for about 5-7 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Flip the chicken thighs over so the skin side is up and pour the honey mustard sauce over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken, honey mustard