![To make this recipe, gather these items: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried) - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness. - Switch Dijon mustard with yellow mustard for a milder taste. - If you don't have apple cider vinegar, try white wine vinegar or lemon juice. - Fresh thyme can be replaced with rosemary or oregano. - Use chicken breasts if you prefer less fat. To enhance the flavor of your chicken thighs, consider these seasonings: - Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. - Try using smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. - Include some fresh lemon zest for brightness. - Garlic powder can boost the garlic flavor if you love it. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to mix and match based on what you have at home. For a full, detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe to enjoy these savory honey mustard chicken thighs. To start, gather your chicken thighs. I prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best flavor. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Drying helps the skin crisp up nicely. You want to make sure there’s no excess water. This step is key for great texture later. Next, we prepare the marinade. In a bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk them until they blend well. This mixture is both sweet and tangy, giving the chicken great depth. Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for up to 2 hours. This extra time allows the flavors to infuse deeply. After marinating, it’s time to cook. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting the extra drip off. Place the thighs skin-side down in the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. This step adds flavor and texture. Once done, flip the thighs over. Pour the leftover marinade over the chicken and place the skillet in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be juicy, and the skin should remain crispy. Once finished, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get that perfect crispy skin, you need to start with dry chicken. Pat the thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. When cooking, always sear the chicken skin-side down first. Use a hot skillet with olive oil. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes without moving it. This will create a beautiful golden crust. You can also use a high oven temperature for roasting. This keeps the skin crispy while cooking through. Marinating adds flavor and moisture to your chicken. Use a mix of honey, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce to create a balanced taste. Make sure to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. You can use a zip-top bag for easy marinating. Just seal it tight and give it a good shake. Make sure every piece of chicken gets coated in the marinade. To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). This guarantees it's safe to eat. When baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle back into the meat. If you follow these tips, your chicken thighs will turn out juicy and flavorful every time. For a detailed recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can add fresh herbs to boost the flavor. Try rosemary, sage, or oregano. Simply chop the herbs and mix them into the marinade. The herbs add a nice touch and make the chicken extra tasty. I love using fresh thyme, as it pairs well with honey mustard. You can also use dried herbs if that’s what you have on hand. For a kick, add some heat to your honey mustard chicken. You can stir in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Just a pinch will do! This adds a warm spice that balances the sweetness of honey. If you want more heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors! You don’t have to stick with thighs. You can use drumsticks or chicken breasts instead. Drumsticks will have a great flavor, and they stay juicy. If you prefer chicken breasts, just make sure not to overcook them. They can dry out quickly. No matter the cut, the honey mustard marinade works well, so feel free to mix it up! For a complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To keep your honey mustard chicken thighs fresh, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them properly. You can use the oven or the microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. In the microwave, place the chicken on a plate, cover it, and heat for 2-3 minutes. Check that it’s hot all the way through. Freezing is a great way to save your honey mustard chicken thighs. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, place the chicken in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavor and texture intact. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Enjoy your cooking! Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster than bone-in thighs. Adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. I love serving these chicken thighs with roasted vegetables. You can use carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. A side of fluffy rice or quinoa pairs well. You can also serve a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette. These sides balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This way, the chicken stays moist and tasty for your next meal. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave. Remember to check the temperature before eating. For the full recipe, check out the details above! In this post, we covered how to make honey mustard chicken thighs. We listed the ingredients, shared substitution tips, and suggested seasonings. You learned how to prepare, marinate, and cook the chicken perfectly. We shared tricks for crispy skin and storage tips for leftovers. Now you can enjoy delicious variations, like adding herbs or spice. Use these steps to impress at your next meal. Follow this guide for tasty results every time. Enjoy cooking!](https://mysavedrecipe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/f6801e4c-abe1-413e-96fb-9cd9455b7c97-250x250.webp)
- Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Savor the delicious flavors of easy Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, a recipe that marries sweet and tangy in every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can create juicy, crispy chicken that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, this flexible recipe allows for ingredient swaps and tasty variations. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!