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- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish - Calories per serving: About 350 calories. - Protein: 24 grams. - Fat: 25 grams. - Carbohydrates: 8 grams. The main ingredients in this dish offer great health benefits. Chicken thighs are a good source of protein, which helps build muscle. Honey adds natural sweetness and can boost energy. Mustard provides flavor and may have some health benefits, like aiding digestion. Olive oil contains healthy fats that support heart health. Garlic has many benefits too, including boosting the immune system. This recipe not only tastes great but also packs a punch of nutrients. For the full recipe, check out the cooking instructions. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it a nice, crispy skin. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Marinating is key. Let the chicken sit in this mixture for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, 2 hours in the fridge will bring out great flavors. Take the chicken thighs and place them in a large bowl or a ziplock bag. Pour the honey mustard marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. A ziplock bag can help coat the chicken better since you can seal it and shake it around. Once marinated, take your chicken and arrange the thighs skin-side up in a greased baking dish. A glass or metal dish works best. Make sure the skin faces up so it can get that perfect crisp. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The goal is for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If your thighs are bigger, you may need to bake them a bit longer. Use a meat thermometer to be sure. In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken. This adds flavor and gives it a beautiful glaze. When done, remove the chicken from the oven. For a nice touch, garnish it with fresh parsley before serving. Try serving your honey mustard baked chicken thighs on a large platter. A drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce and some roasted vegetables or a salad make it a complete meal. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get that perfect crispy skin, start by patting the chicken dry. This step removes extra moisture, helping the skin to crisp up nicely. Use a paper towel to dry each thigh well. Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down for about 5 minutes. This step adds flavor and texture. You can then transfer the chicken to the oven for baking. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let them sit for up to 2 hours. This gives the honey mustard mix time to soak into the meat. Use a ziplock bag for easy coating. Just pour in the marinade and seal the bag. Shake it gently to coat each thigh well. Cooking time may vary based on the size of your chicken thighs. For smaller thighs, check after 25 minutes. For larger thighs, you may need an extra 5 to 10 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is safe to eat and perfectly juicy. {{image_2}} You can use different mustards to change the taste. For a spicier kick, try whole grain mustard. If you want a milder flavor, yellow mustard works well too. You can also mix mustards for a unique twist. Adjust the sweetness level based on your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangier taste, use less honey and add a splash of vinegar. Experimenting with these options makes your dish special. Instead of thyme, consider using rosemary or oregano. Both herbs add a lovely flavor to the chicken. You can also try a mix of dried herbs for depth. Adding fresh herbs can boost the dish. Chopped basil or parsley can add freshness. You can sprinkle them on before serving for a pop of color and taste. Incorporating vegetables turns this dish into a one-pan meal. You can add chopped carrots, bell peppers, or onions. These veggies roast beautifully alongside the chicken. Recommended vegetable pairings include zucchini and asparagus. These options cook quickly and add great flavor. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking. This way, you create a complete meal that's both tasty and colorful. For the full recipe, check the section above. To keep your honey mustard baked chicken thighs fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container. This method helps keep moisture and flavor. The chicken stays good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When reheating, the oven is the best choice. It warms the chicken evenly, keeping it juicy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you use a microwave, use a lower power setting to avoid drying it out. Heat in short bursts, checking often. To freeze cooked thighs, let them cool completely first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. The chicken can last for about 2 to 3 months. For the best results, thaw in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture nice and moist. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Aim for about 20 to 25 minutes in the oven. Check their internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C). Boneless thighs may have a softer texture, but they still taste great. Just remember to watch the time closely! To make honey mustard baked chicken thighs healthier, you can try these tips: - Use skinless chicken thighs or breast for less fat. - Swap honey for a sugar-free sweetener to lower calories. - Use less olive oil or substitute with a cooking spray. These changes still keep the dish tasty while making it lighter. You have plenty of options for side dishes! Here are some ideas: - Serve with roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. - Pair with a light salad for a fresh touch. - Offer brown rice or quinoa as a hearty side. These options create a balanced meal and complement the chicken's sweet and tangy flavor. Absolutely! You can use different proteins like: - Turkey thighs: Adjust cooking time to about 25 to 30 minutes. - Pork chops: These will need 20 to 25 minutes, depending on thickness. - Tofu: Marinate and bake for about 25 minutes until golden. Just keep an eye on cooking times. Each protein brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish! This blog post covered how to make honey mustard baked chicken thighs. You learned what ingredients to use and how to prep the chicken for the oven. I shared tips for achieving crispy skin and offered ideas for variations and storage. Remember, cooking is about creativity and fun! Try new flavors and make this dish your own. Enjoy delicious meals and make lasting memories in your kitchen!

Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Thighs

Discover the mouthwatering flavors of Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Thighs! This easy recipe features tender chicken coated in a delightful honey and Dijon mustard marinade, guaranteeing a juicy and crispy finish. Perfect for dinner or meal prep, this dish is ready in just one hour. Don’t miss out on creating a delicious meal that's sure to impress.
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Ingredients
  

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

      Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a ziplock bag. Pour the honey mustard marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

        Arrange in Baking Dish: Once marinated, arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a greased baking dish, reserving the marinade.

          Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is crispy.

            Glaze the Chicken: During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken to enhance the flavor and create a beautiful glaze.

              Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                  Presentation Tips: Serve the baked chicken thighs on a large platter with a drizzle of extra honey mustard sauce on top. Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.