Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

$To make honey mustard chicken thighs, you'll need a few simple ingredients. These create a dish full of flavor. Here’s the list of what you need: - 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 fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender with the skin on. Honey gives a sweet touch while Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor. Olive oil helps the marinade stick and adds richness. Garlic brings warmth, and thyme adds a lovely herb note. Paprika gives a nice color and a hint of spice. Salt and pepper boost all the flavors. Lastly, parsley brightens the dish when you garnish it. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking, and you're set for a delightful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your mixing bowl. In it, combine 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard. Next, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This will help thin the sauce and add a nice flavor. Then, mince 2 cloves of garlic and toss them in. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves, or use 1/2 teaspoon if using dried thyme. Now, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of paprika, along with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all the ingredients together until they blend well. This marinade is key to tasty chicken thighs. Take 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and place them in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate overnight. This allows the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After marinating, remove the chicken from the bag or dish. Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, skin-side up. Remember to save some marinade for later. Bake the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Halfway through, brush the chicken with the reserved marinade for extra flavor. Once done, take the chicken out and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! To get that perfect crispy skin, start by drying the chicken thighs well. Pat them with paper towels before marinating. When baking, use high heat at 400°F (200°C). This helps the fat render and the skin crisp up. Halfway through, brush with the reserved marinade. This adds flavor and helps achieve that golden look. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least one hour. However, overnight is even better! The longer you let the chicken soak in the honey mustard mix, the more tasty it will be. Just remember, don’t go over 24 hours, as the texture might change. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your chicken. In a standard oven, bake for about 35 to 40 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). If your oven runs hot or cold, check the chicken a few minutes early or late. Always trust your meat thermometer for the best results. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Keep the Skin Crispy: For extra crispy skin, avoid covering the chicken with foil while baking and ensure there's enough space between pieces on the pan. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the marinade, such as rosemary or cayenne pepper, to personalize the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily add fresh herbs to this dish. Try using rosemary, oregano, or basil. Herbs brighten the flavor and make it more exciting. Just chop a tablespoon of your chosen herb and mix it into the marinade. The herbs give a fresh taste and make the chicken even more fragrant. You can use the same marinade process for these variations. If you like heat, make a spicy twist on this recipe. Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. This addition gives the chicken a nice kick. You can also add hot sauce for an extra layer of spice. Mix well and let the chicken soak in those spicy flavors. The sweet and spicy combo is sure to excite your taste buds. Grilling the chicken thighs brings out a smoky flavor. After marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes. Brush with reserved marinade while grilling for more flavor. The grill marks add a nice look, too. Serve it with your favorite sides for a perfect meal. You can store leftovers in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Ensure that it cools to room temperature before sealing. This helps maintain the chicken's flavor and texture. To freeze, wrap each thigh in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This slow thawing keeps the meat juicy and tender. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 20 minutes. You want it warm throughout. If you like crispy skin, remove the foil for the last five minutes. This step adds crunch back to the skin. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster, so reduce the baking time. Check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F. To make this dish healthier, use skinless chicken thighs. You can also cut back on honey and mustard. Add more herbs and spices for flavor without extra calories. Great sides include roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Mashed potatoes or quinoa also work well. Choose sides that complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. In this article, I shared how to make delicious honey mustard chicken thighs. We covered ingredients, marinade steps, and baking tips. You learned how to achieve crispy skin and suggested variations to change up the flavor. Proper storage and reheating tips ensure your meal stays fresh. Enjoy experimenting with different herbs or spice levels. This dish is simple yet flavorful, perfect for any meal. Try it today and let your taste buds enjoy the sweet and savory blend!$

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

A delicious and easy recipe for chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.

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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 honey
0.25 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined to create the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it, skin-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Reserve the marinade for later use.
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. Halfway through cooking, brush the chicken with some of the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, honey mustard