![- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish You need these simple ingredients for honey mustard chicken thighs. Each item brings its own flavor. The chicken thighs give you juicy meat and crispy skin. Honey adds sweetness, while Dijon mustard provides a nice tang. Apple cider vinegar enhances the sauce's flavor. Garlic adds depth with its strong taste, and smoked paprika brings warmth. Salt and pepper season the dish just right. Olive oil helps the chicken brown beautifully. Fresh thyme adds a nice herbal note for garnish. - Additional spices for flavor - Alternative sweeteners Feel free to experiment with optional ingredients. You can add spices like cayenne for heat or rosemary for a fresh taste. If you want to adjust the sweetness, try maple syrup or agave nectar. Each choice can create a new twist on this classic dish. This flexibility makes it fun and exciting to cook. Don't forget to check the [Full Recipe] for detailed steps! - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. This sauce is the star of the dish. - Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help them get crispy. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. - Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet. - Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. You want the skin to be golden brown and crispy. - Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the honey mustard sauce over them. Make sure they are well coated. - Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Once done, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. - Drizzle some of the sauce from the skillet over the thighs before serving. - Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for added flavor and a nice look. You can find the full recipe for this delicious dish to make it easily at home. Enjoy your meal! To get crispy skin on chicken thighs, start by drying them well with paper towels. This helps the skin brown nicely. Use medium-high heat when searing the thighs. Place them skin-side down in a hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture. Ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat. After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the juices inside and makes the meat tender. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For more tang, increase the apple cider vinegar. Taste as you mix to find the perfect balance for you. When coating the chicken, pour the sauce evenly over the thighs. Make sure each piece is well covered. This helps the flavors soak in while cooking. Use a spoon to drizzle extra sauce over the thighs when serving. It adds a nice touch and enhances the dish. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can play with the mustard type in this recipe. Dijon mustard gives a nice kick, but you can also try yellow mustard or whole grain mustard. Each type brings its own flavor. If you want a milder taste, yellow mustard works well. Whole grain mustard adds texture and depth. You might also swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts cook faster and are leaner. Just be careful not to overcook them. They can dry out more quickly than thighs. Adjust the cooking time to suit the breasts. Adding herbs and spices can make a big difference. Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can brighten up the dish. You can also use dried herbs such as oregano or thyme. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat if you like spice. You can modify the sauce for different flavors too. Try adding soy sauce for a savory twist. A splash of orange juice can give a sweet and zesty note. Experiment with what you have on hand to keep it fresh and exciting. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store honey mustard chicken thighs, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This way, it stays fresh longer. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you want to eat it again, just reheat gently. If you have leftovers, freezing is a great option. Wrap each chicken thigh tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps to keep the flavor and moisture. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, take the chicken out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. This will help keep it juicy and tasty. Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe? Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Watch the cooking time closely. Boneless thighs should reach 165°F (74°C) quickly. How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh. It should read 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, not pink. What sides pair well with honey mustard chicken thighs? I love serving honey mustard chicken with: - Roasted vegetables - Garlic mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - A fresh garden salad Can this recipe be made on the grill? Yes, grilling is a great option! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes. Grill for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through. How to adapt this recipe for an air fryer? To use an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Coat the chicken thighs with the sauce. Place them in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 20-25 minutes or until they reach 165°F (74°C). Enjoy the crispy skin! For the full recipe, check out the detailed cooking steps provided earlier. This recipe for honey mustard chicken thighs is simple and tasty. We covered the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips that ensure success. You can vary flavors easily or store leftovers for later. Remember, cooking can be fun and creative! Whether you use chicken thighs or try new spices, enjoy making this dish. With easy steps and twists, you can impress family and friends. Happy cooking!](https://soyumrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ec571894-33ea-4bd7-a92c-af58471f3fc9-250x250.webp)
Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with these delicious honey mustard chicken thighs! This easy recipe combines sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard for a flavorful dish everyone will love. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you'll have juicy, golden-brown chicken ready in just 40 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your next meal a hit with family and friends!