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To make honey mustard chicken thighs, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients blend to create a tasty marinade. The honey adds sweetness, while the Dijon mustard gives a nice tang. Garlic and smoked paprika add depth. Dried thyme adds earthiness, and the chicken thighs bring a rich flavor that pairs well with the sauce. Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy. The skin crisps up nicely when baked, giving a great texture. You can adjust the amount of honey and mustard based on your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. For a tangy kick, increase the mustard. This recipe is easy. You can prep it quickly. Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking chicken thighs evenly. If you skip this, your chicken may not cook right. Preheating helps lock in juices and gives a nice, crispy skin. In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. A good marinade is the heart of this dish. It coats the chicken well and adds tons of flavor. Next, take your chicken thighs and place them in a large zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal the bag. Massage the bag gently to coat each piece. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even better taste, leave it for up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to soak in deep. After marinating, take the chicken thighs out. Let any extra marinade drip off. Arrange them skin-side up in a greased baking dish. Make sure they have space so they cook evenly. Pour any leftover marinade on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown. For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. To achieve a crispy skin on your chicken thighs, dry the skin with paper towels. This helps remove moisture. Apply the marinade evenly, but don’t let it pool on the skin. When baking, place the thighs skin-side up, ensuring good air circulation. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for the best results. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If you don't have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. Pair your honey mustard chicken thighs with a simple green salad or roasted veggies. You can also serve them with rice or mashed potatoes. For drinks, a chilled white wine or sparkling water complements the meal well. For presentation, serve the chicken on a rustic platter. Drizzle the remaining juices over the chicken. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. This adds a nice touch and makes the dish look great. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. This results in dry meat. Watch the cooking time closely. Remove the chicken when it reaches the right temperature. Another mistake is under-seasoning. The marinade adds flavor, but ensure you season the chicken well. Don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. This will elevate the dish and make it more enjoyable. For the Full Recipe, refer back to the main section. {{image_4}} You can change the honey mustard flavor by using different mustards. Try whole grain, spicy, or honey garlic mustard for a twist. Adding spices can also enhance the taste. Consider using herbs like rosemary or oregano, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra zing. You have choices for cooking these chicken thighs. Baking gives a nice, even cook and a crisp skin. Grilling adds a smoky flavor and can make the skin extra crispy. You can also use a slow cooker for a tender, juicy result. Just adjust the cooking time to about 4-6 hours on low. If you need gluten-free options, make sure to select gluten-free mustard and check other ingredients. You can also lower sodium by using low-sodium mustard and reducing salt. This keeps the dish healthier without losing flavor. For the Full Recipe, visit the main recipe section. To store leftover honey mustard chicken thighs, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and flavorful. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. In the fridge, the chicken will last for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before storing it. This helps keep the texture and taste. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap each thigh in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. Label the bag with the date. The chicken can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, take the chicken out of the freezer and thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can then bake it at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave it for a quick meal, but be careful to heat it evenly. Following these tips ensures your honey mustard chicken stays tasty, whether you eat it fresh or later. For complete details, refer to the Full Recipe. The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. Always check the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear and not be pink. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They cook faster, so reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes. Check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C) as well. This way, you still enjoy the same delicious flavor. Some great sides include: - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Rice pilaf - Green salad - Steamed broccoli These pair well and balance the sweetness of the chicken. Absolutely! You can mix the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is a great tip for meal prep. Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors. Just remember to let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly. For the full recipe, check out the details above. In this post, I covered how to make honey mustard chicken thighs. We explored the ingredients, from chicken thighs to garlic and spices. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating and baking. You learned tips for perfecting your chicken, serving ideas, and common mistakes to avoid. As you try this recipe, remember to have fun in the kitchen. Feel free to experiment with marinades and cooking methods. Enjoy your delicious honey mustard chicken!

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Discover the deliciousness of Sweet & Savory Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with this easy recipe that’s sure to impress! Marinated in a flavorful blend of honey, Dijon mustard, and spices, these chicken thighs are baked to perfection for a crispy, golden finish. Perfect for dinner and quick to prepare, this dish will become a family favorite. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this mouthwatering meal to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect cooking temperature for the chicken thighs.

    Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and create a smooth marinade.

      Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large zip-top plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is generously coated. Seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse, or up to 4 hours for an even richer taste.

        Arrange the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken thighs from the bag and let any excess marinade drip off. Arrange the thighs skin-side up in a greased baking dish, making sure they are spaced evenly to allow for even cooking.

          Bake to Perfection: Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken thighs in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is beautifully golden brown and crisp.

            Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps to lock in the juices. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving for a touch of color and freshness.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken thighs on a rustic wooden platter or a colorful ceramic plate, drizzled with any remaining juices from the baking dish. Add a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to enhance the meal's appeal.