Get ready for a weeknight dinner that feels like a weekend treat. These honey mustard chicken thighs recipes are truly a game-changer. They deliver incredibly tender meat with skin that crisps up beautifully.
My family just raves about this dish. It’s so simple to throw together after a busy day. Plus, leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day.
Why I Love This Recipe
Oh, let me count the ways I adore these chicken thigh recipes! First, they are just so fast to make. It’s truly perfect for those crazy weeknights. My kids, even the picky eaters, gobble them up every time. The flavor is a perfect sweet and savory combo. Plus, the crispy skin is utterly divine. These chicken thigh recipes also impress guests with minimal effort.
Chicken Thigh Recipes Ingredients
The magic of these chicken thigh recipes truly begins with a few simple ingredients. Each one plays a starring role in creating that irresistible honey mustard flavor. It’s truly a symphony of tastes!
Core Ingredients for Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
- Chicken Thighs: I always go for bone-in, skin-on thighs. They give you the best flavor and that amazing crispy skin.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These are your flavor foundation. Don’t be shy with seasoning the chicken.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch helps everything come together. It also aids in that gorgeous golden crisp.
- Whole Grain Dijon Mustard: This adds a lovely tangy kick and a bit of texture. It’s the “mustard” in honey mustard.
- Mustard (regular Dijon or yellow): Another layer of that signature mustard pungency. This balances the sweetness.
- Honey: Ah, the sweetness! It creates a wonderful glaze and sticky caramelization.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic really brightens up the sauce. It adds so much savory depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch gives a subtle warmth. It elevates the other flavors beautifully.
Substitutions and Tips for Your Chicken Thigh Recipes
Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap things around. Don’t worry, these chicken thigh recipes are forgiving! Want to use boneless, skinless thighs? Just adjust your baking time down to about 25 minutes. For a spicier kick, feel free to add more red pepper flakes. A dash of cayenne pepper works too! If you’re out of one type of mustard, using just one kind will still taste great. And remember, the exact amounts for the best chicken thigh recipes are waiting for you in the printable card below!
How to Make Chicken Thigh Recipes
Making these delicious chicken thigh recipes is easy. I promise you’ll find joy in every step. Just follow these simple directions!
Preparing Your Chicken Thighs
First, preheat your oven. Get it nice and hot to 425℉. Next, grab a large bowl. Put your chicken thighs right into it. Now, season them up! Use salt and pepper generously. Make sure every piece gets some love.
Crafting the Honey Mustard Glaze
In a small separate bowl, whisk together your sauce ingredients. This includes both mustards. Add in the honey and minced garlic. Don’t forget those red pepper flakes! Whisk until everything is smooth and happy. Pour this amazing sauce over your seasoned chicken thighs. Toss them well, coating every single one. You want all that goodness sticking to the chicken.
Baking for Perfection
Transfer the coated chicken to a 9×13 inch baking dish. Don’t grease the dish; it’s not needed. Be sure to include any extra sauce in the bowl. That sauce adds so much flavor. Pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 35 minutes. They are done when they hit 165℉ internally. The skin should also be wonderfully crispy for these chicken thigh recipes.
Resting and Serving Your Delicious Chicken Thigh Recipes
Once baked, gently transfer your chicken to a serving plate. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting time is key! It keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Now, these amazing honey mustard chicken thigh recipes are ready. Serve them up and enjoy!
How to Store Chicken Thigh Recipes
You can easily store these wonderful chicken thigh recipes. Once they’ve cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This makes them perfect for meal prepping!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; chicken needs space to crisp.
- Let those chicken thigh recipes rest; it keeps them juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste; make it your own.
- Don’t be afraid to double the sauce; it’s liquid gold!
- Fresh garlic makes a huge difference in these chicken thigh recipes.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl: Any sturdy bowl works just fine.
- Small whisk: A fork can do the trick too.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: A sturdy roasting pan is also great.
- Tongs or large spoon: For easy handling of the chicken.
- Meat thermometer: So important for perfectly cooked chicken!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fluffy white rice to soak up the extra sauce.
- Roasted asparagus makes a healthy, colorful side dish.
- A simple green salad adds freshness to your plate.
- Mashed potatoes are a comforting complement to these chicken thigh recipes.
- A crisp white wine or iced tea pairs beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chicken thigh recipes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whisk the sauce and season the chicken ahead of time. Just combine them right before baking. This saves so much time on busy nights.
What if I don’t have bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs?
No problem at all! You can easily use boneless, skinless thighs. Just remember to reduce the baking time to around 25 minutes. They will still be delicious chicken thigh recipes!
How do I know when my chicken thigh recipes are fully cooked?
The best way to tell is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The chicken is safe and ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C). For even crispier skin, I sometimes go for 175°F.
Can I adjust the spice level in these chicken thigh recipes?
Yes, you certainly can! If you love heat, add a little extra red pepper flakes. For a milder touch, just reduce or omit them completely. Play around with it to suit your taste buds!
Print
Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: ~45 minutes (including rest time)
Description
This recipe outlines how to prepare Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs seasoned and coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, then baked until crispy and cooked through.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thighs bone-in skin-on
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoons whole grain dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoons mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425℉.
- Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the thighs and toss them well.
- Transfer the chicken thighs to a 9×13 inch baking dish including any remaining sauce. No need to grease the dish.
- Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until the chicken thighs have an internal temperature of 165℉ degrees and skin is crispy.
- Transfer the chicken to a serving plate, cover with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on for max flavor and crispy skin. I’ve also made this with boneless, skinless thighs, just reduce bake time to around 25 minutes.
- Don’t skimp on the glaze. It’s perfectly balanced: sweet from the honey, tangy from the mustard, and just enough heat from the pepper flakes.
- Internal temp matters. Chicken thighs are safe to eat at 165°F (74°C), but I like taking them to 175°F (80°C) for extra crispiness on the skin.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes.
- Double the sauce if you’re serving with rice or mashed potatoes, it’s too good not to.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
