Name: Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ cup honey; ¼ cup Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)

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If you’ve been searching for a dish that brings together juicy tenderness with a crave-worthy sweet and tangy kick, look no further than this Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe. Each bite is a delightful dance of caramelized honey, sharp mustards, and aromatic herbs, perfectly baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight meal or impressing friends at a casual dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of four raw chicken thighs on a white plate, each piece showing pale pink skin with a soft texture. The thighs are seasoned with a layer of black pepper and a light dusting of yellowish seasoning spread evenly over the skin. The chicken pieces overlap slightly, filling the round plate, which sits on a white marbled surface. The lighting is bright, highlighting the fresh and simple appearance of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe relies on a simple but thoughtfully balanced ingredient list. Each one plays a vital role—from seasoning the chicken for depth to creating a luscious glaze that bakes into sweet, tangy magic.

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Provides juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin once cooked.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, warm bite to season the chicken.
1 teaspoon paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken skin.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps achieve a golden sear on the chicken skin before baking.
¼ cup honey: The star sweetener that forms the sticky, caramelized glaze you will love.
¼ cup Dijon mustard: Brings creamy tang and depth to the glaze’s flavor profile.
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard: Adds a slightly coarse texture and bursts of sharp flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the glaze with savory warmth.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Balances sweetness with a lively touch of acidity.
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary): Offers herby notes that gently perfume the glaze and chicken.

How to Make Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking dish or sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup. This initial step sets you up perfectly for baking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken thighs dry to ensure crispy skin later. Then, season them evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika to create a simple, flavorful base.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and place the chicken skin-side down. Searing for 4 to 5 minutes locks in juices and crisps the skin to golden perfection, giving each piece irresistible texture.

Step 4: Arrange for Baking

Transfer the seared chicken thighs to your foil-lined baking dish with the skin-side up. This positioning helps maintain crisp skin while baking and lets the glaze coat beautifully.

Step 5: Mix the Honey Mustard Glaze

Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and dried thyme in a small bowl. This vibrant glaze creates the signature sweet-and-sour profile of this Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe.

Step 6: Glaze and Bake

Generously brush the glaze over each chicken thigh, ensuring each piece is coated in that thick, flavorful sauce. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, basting once halfway through cooking. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the glaze has caramelized into a sticky coating.

Step 7: Optional Broil for Extra Crisp

If you crave an extra crispy finish, put the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning but enjoy the irresistible crunch this adds.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe

The image shows a white baking dish filled with several browned, cooked chicken thighs sitting in a layer of clear, golden-yellow sauce with some darker browned spots. The chicken pieces are arranged in a single layer, each with a slightly crispy, textured skin with some darker charred areas. The sauce pools around the chicken, giving a shiny, moist look. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a simple yet flavorful garnish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the chicken just before serving. A little citrus zest, like lemon or orange, can also brighten the dish and complement the glaze’s sweet and tangy notes.

Side Dishes

Roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make perfect earthy counterparts. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice soak up the extra honey mustard sauce beautifully, rounding out the meal in a satisfying way.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken thighs on a rustic wooden board for a casual dinner vibe, paired with a bowl of the extra glaze on the side for dipping. Alternatively, arrange the chicken atop a bed of couscous mixed with fresh herbs and toasted almonds to add texture and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the leftovers just as enjoyable as the fresh batch.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze cooked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This helps maintain the crisp skin while keeping the meat juicy. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy exterior intact.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs work well and cook a bit faster, so reduce baking time by 8 to 10 minutes to avoid drying them out. The flavor from the glaze remains just as delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mustard and check labels on any additional ingredients you add.

How do I get the glaze to caramelize without burning?

Keeping an eye on the baking time and basting the chicken halfway through helps prevent burning. If broiling for extra crispness, do so only for a couple of minutes and watch carefully.

Can I add heat to the honey mustard glaze?

Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture before brushing onto the chicken for an enjoyable spicy kick.

What sides pair best with this chicken?

Roasted veggies, creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or even a fresh garden salad all pair wonderfully. Choose sides that will soak up the glaze and complement the sweet and tangy flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something so rewarding about making a Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs Recipe that brings joy to every bite without fussing over complicated techniques or rare ingredients. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite or your go-to for impressing friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor. So heat that oven and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious chicken!