Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Thighs are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with tender, juicy chicken thighs baked to golden perfection in a rich and tangy honey mustard sauce.
This dish is easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight meal or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
The combination of ingredients results in a flavorful, satisfying dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes.
Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create this delicious meal, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Thighs:
6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (you can also use boneless, skinless if preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard (or whole grain mustard for extra texture)
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for a hint of acidity)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Season the chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken thighs and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce (if using), and lemon juice (if using) until well combined.
Bake the Chicken:
Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken thighs in the skillet, making sure each piece is well coated.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Baste the chicken with the sauce from the bottom of the skillet halfway through baking for extra flavor.
Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve the honey mustard baked chicken thighs with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.
Tips and Variations:
Boneless Chicken Option: If using boneless, skinless chicken thighs, reduce the oven baking time to 20-25 minutes.
Extra Herbs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an additional layer of flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Vegetable Addition: Add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts to the skillet around the chicken thighs before baking for a complete one-pan meal.
Gravy Option: For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken thighs once cooked, and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until reduced to your desired consistency.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Thighs are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both rich in flavor and visually appealing.
The combination of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and tender chicken makes this dish a surefire hit at the dinner table.
Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or entertaining guests, this recipe is a winner.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious meal!
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