Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 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 These main ingredients come together to create a tasty dish. The chicken thighs bring a juicy, rich flavor. Honey adds a sweet touch, while Dijon mustard adds a tangy edge. Olive oil helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps it moist. Garlic brings in a nice aroma and depth of flavor. Thyme and smoked paprika round out the taste, making each bite delightful. - Fresh parsley, chopped While optional, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. It brightens the dish and makes it look more appealing. You can sprinkle it on right before serving for a nice touch. If you don’t have all the ingredients, you can swap some out. Here are a few ideas: - Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness. - If you lack Dijon mustard, yellow mustard can work, but the flavor will change. - Any oil can replace olive oil, like canola or avocado oil. - Fresh herbs can stand in for dried thyme if you have them on hand. These substitutions can help you make this dish with what you have. Enjoy the cooking process and make it your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a medium bowl, whisk together these items. Mix until they blend well. This marinade gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor. Next, take your chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the thighs in a baking dish. Now, pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken. Make sure to coat each piece well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes. If you have time, longer marinating in the fridge adds even more flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the chicken has marinated, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). For crispy skin, turn on the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes at the end. Watch it closely to avoid burning. After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for color. Enjoy your tasty meal! To get crispy skin on your chicken, start by drying the thighs. Use paper towels to pat them dry well. Season both sides with salt and pepper. The salt helps draw out moisture. After marinating, bake the thighs at 400°F. For the last step, broil them for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. This technique ensures a golden, crunchy skin. To boost the flavor, try adding some spices. A dash of cayenne pepper adds heat. You could also mix in some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. For a tangy kick, squeeze in lemon juice before baking. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination. Marinating your chicken thighs is key. I suggest at least 20 minutes for good flavor. If you have more time, let them sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This longer marinating time allows the flavors to soak in deeper. Just remember to cover them to keep them fresh. The result will be juicy, flavorful chicken ready to impress your guests. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken thighs marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor absorption. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme can enhance the flavor profile even more than dried thyme; consider using it if available. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety. Serve with Accompaniments: Pair the chicken with sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal. {{image_2}} You can use boneless chicken thighs for a quicker meal. This cut cooks faster and stays juicy. Just follow the same marinade steps. Coat the chicken well and bake. You’ll cut down on cooking time by about 10 minutes. This option is great for busy nights when you want something tasty fast. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Use the same marinade for your chicken. Let it soak for at least 20 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for nice grill marks and an internal temp of 165°F. The char will give a fantastic taste! Herbs can take your dish to the next level! Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade. Just chop them fine and mix them in. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving. This adds a fresh, bright note to the sweet and tangy sauce. It makes your meal look even better too! After you enjoy your honey mustard chicken thighs, let them cool down. Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the sauce separate if you can. This keeps the chicken skin crispy. To reheat your chicken, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check that the chicken is warm all the way through. You can also use a microwave, but it may not keep the skin crispy. If you want to freeze your chicken, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer bag. This way, they can last up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This will ensure they are safe to eat. Boneless thighs will still soak up the honey mustard flavor well. Many sides go great with honey mustard chicken thighs. Here are some ideas: - Roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli - A fresh garden salad with mixed greens - Creamy mashed potatoes - Quinoa or rice for a heartier option - Sweet potato fries for a tasty crunch These sides will balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. To ensure chicken thighs are fully cooked, check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for best results. The safe temperature is 165°F (75°C). Another way to check is by cutting into the meat. The juices should run clear, and there should be no pink meat. If you see pink, keep cooking for a few more minutes. Always prioritize food safety! In this blog post, we covered how to make honey mustard chicken thighs. We talked about key ingredients, marinating tips, and different cooking methods. You learned how to bake for crispy skin and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, you can customize this dish with different variations as you like. Cooking should be fun, so experiment and make it your own. Enjoy your tasty chicken thighs with loved ones!$

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze.

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Prep Time 25

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1 5

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
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 medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish and pour the honey mustard mixture over them, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly.
Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes (or longer in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Once marinated, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
For extra crispy skin, broil on high for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking while keeping a close eye on them to avoid burning.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, broil on high for a few minutes at the end.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken, honey mustard