Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

$- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup whole grain mustard - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish For this honey mustard chicken thighs recipe, I love using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy and have great flavor. Whole grain mustard gives a nice texture and bite to the sauce. Honey adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of the mustard. You only need a few more items. Olive oil helps the chicken brown nicely. Minced garlic adds depth to the flavor. Dried thyme gives an earthy note, while paprika adds a warm color and mild spice. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They enhance all the flavors in the dish. Fresh parsley makes for a beautiful garnish. It adds a bright touch and fresh flavor when you serve the chicken. Gather these simple ingredients, and you’ll have everything you need for this delightful dish. Each ingredient plays an important role, making the chicken tasty and easy to prepare. Enjoy the cooking process as much as the delicious meal you will create! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heats the oven for even cooking. 2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy. 3. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. This adds flavor. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole grain mustard and honey. 2. Add olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 3. Stir until the mixture is well mixed. This creates a tasty honey mustard sauce. 1. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or a zip-top bag. 2. Pour the honey mustard mixture over the chicken. Make sure each thigh is well coated. 3. If you can, marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. This makes the chicken extra tasty. 4. Put the marinated chicken thighs in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. 5. Check that the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). 6. Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking for extra flavor. 7. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. 8. Garnish with fresh parsley and drizzle any remaining sauce on top for added taste. Marinating chicken makes a big difference. It helps the meat soak up all the great flavors. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, one hour is even better! This way, the honey mustard mix really gets into the chicken. Basting is also key. Halfway through cooking, brush some sauce on the chicken. This keeps it moist and adds more flavor. For the best results, use a glass or ceramic baking dish. These types of dishes heat evenly and help the chicken cook well. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. Garnishes make your dish pop! Fresh parsley adds a nice color and a fresh taste. You can also drizzle any leftover sauce from the dish over the chicken before serving. For serving ideas, pair the chicken with roasted veggies or a simple salad. This makes for a lovely and colorful plate that looks and tastes great! Pro Tips Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply. Skin Crispy: To achieve a crispy skin, make sure the chicken thighs are patted dry before seasoning and baking. Excess moisture can prevent crisping. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Leftover Use: If you have any leftover honey mustard chicken, shred the meat and use it in salads, sandwiches, or tacos for a quick meal. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of the honey mustard chicken thighs easily. Try adding some heat! Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy honey mustard. This adds a kick that many enjoy. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Fresh herbs give a bright taste that pairs well with the honey and mustard. Cooking methods can change the texture and flavor of this dish. Grilling the chicken thighs gives a smoky flavor and crispy skin. Just marinate the chicken as usual, then grill over medium heat until cooked through. If you prefer baking, follow the recipe for juicy, tender chicken. For those who love slow cooking, this dish works well in a slow cooker. Place the chicken and the sauce in the cooker. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You will get fall-off-the-bone chicken! If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free mustard. Most honey is safe, but check the label just in case. For a low-sugar alternative, use sugar-free honey or maple syrup instead of regular honey. This gives you a sweet taste without the sugar. These simple changes let you enjoy honey mustard chicken thighs while meeting your dietary needs. To keep your honey mustard chicken thighs fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps it tasty. - Freezing: If you want to store it longer, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps it safe for up to three months. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you have a couple of options: - Oven Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy. - Microwave Reheating: If you're short on time, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals until warm. This method is fast but can dry the chicken out if overcooked. How long will your honey mustard chicken last? - Refrigerated: It stays good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. - Frozen: If frozen, it can last for about three months. After that, the flavor may fade. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. You can pair honey mustard chicken thighs with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted potatoes - Rice pilaf - Mixed green salad - Garlic bread These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also complement the sweet and tangy taste of the chicken. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes. Always check the temperature to make sure they reach 165°F. To check if your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. The chicken is safe to eat at 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. - Is it safe to eat chicken at 165°F? Yes, it is safe. Cooking chicken to this temperature kills harmful bacteria. Always ensure your chicken reaches this temperature for safe eating. This blog post covered how to make tasty honey mustard chicken thighs. We started with the key ingredients: chicken, mustard, and honey. I shared step-by-step cooking and preparation tips to boost flavor. Next, we explored fun variations and smart storage advice. In conclusion, you now have the tools to make chicken that’s both easy and delicious. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with flavors. Your meals can be simple yet full of taste!$

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Deliciously marinated chicken thighs baked to perfection with a honey mustard glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Make Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Marinate: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or a zip-top bag, pour the honey mustard mixture over them, and make sure each thigh is well coated. If you have time, marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour for added flavor.
Bake Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through cooking for extra flavor.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will ensure the juices are sealed in.
Garnish: Serve the chicken thighs garnished with fresh parsley. Drizzle any remaining sauce from the baking dish over the top for extra flavor.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor.

Keyword baked chicken, chicken, honey mustard