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To make honey mustard chicken thighs, gather these key items: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can boost the taste with these optional ingredients: - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for tang - 1 teaspoon chili powder for heat - Lemon zest for a fresh kick - A sprinkle of brown sugar for extra sweetness This dish is not only tasty but also has solid nutrition. Each serving of honey mustard chicken thighs has: - About 350 calories - 20 grams of fat - 30 grams of protein - 5 grams of carbohydrates - Rich vitamins from the garlic and herbs These ingredients come together to create a meal that is both simple and full of flavor. Every bite offers sweet, tangy goodness that makes your taste buds dance. First, you need to preheat your oven. This step is key for great cooking. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy. While the oven warms up, you can prepare the marinade and chicken. Now, let’s whip up the honey mustard marinade. In a medium bowl, add 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard and 1/4 cup of honey. These two ingredients balance well, giving a sweet and tangy flavor. Next, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil for richness. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves for a flavor boost. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of paprika and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme for extra taste. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed. This marinade is what makes the chicken shine. Now, it’s time to work with the chicken. Take 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important. Dry skin gets crispy when cooked. Place the chicken in a large bowl or a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece gets covered. For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it longer. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply. After marinating, you’re ready to bake your chicken! Check the full recipe for more details. To get that perfect crispy skin, start with dry chicken. Pat the chicken thighs with paper towels before marinating. This step helps remove excess moisture. For the best results, use bone-in, skin-on thighs. The skin will crisp up beautifully in the oven. A high oven temperature of 400°F (200°C) also aids in achieving crispy skin. If you want an extra crunch, broil the chicken for the last few minutes. Just watch closely to avoid burning. Marinating chicken is key for flavor. I suggest a minimum of 20 minutes. This allows the marinade to soak in. For even deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. You can also prepare the chicken in the morning and let it sit in the fridge until dinner. Just remember, longer marination means more flavor, but don’t exceed 24 hours. The acidity in the mustard can affect the texture if left too long. To ensure your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding bone. If you don't have a thermometer, check the juices. They should run clear, not pink. The skin should look golden brown. If it’s still pale, give it a few more minutes in the oven. Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps keep it juicy and tender. For the full recipe, check out the section above. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your honey mustard chicken thighs by using different herbs. Try rosemary for a woodsy taste. You can also use oregano for a hint of the Mediterranean. Basil adds a fresh twist, while cilantro gives it a bright flavor. Mix and match these herbs to find your favorite blend. Experimenting with herbs makes cooking fun and exciting! Grilling honey mustard chicken thighs brings a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. Start by following the marinade steps from the Full Recipe. After marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 7-10 minutes per side. This gives you crispy skin and juicy meat. You can brush extra marinade on during cooking for added flavor. Using a slow cooker for honey mustard chicken thighs is super easy. First, prepare the marinade like in the Full Recipe. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them. Set it to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender and full of flavor. Serve it with rice to soak up the delicious sauce! To keep your honey mustard chicken thighs fresh, let them cool completely. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Always label the container with the date to track storage time. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the skin crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the skin may lose its crispiness. If you use the microwave, heat on medium power for short bursts, checking often. If you want to freeze the chicken, first ensure it is completely cooled. Wrap each thigh in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air before sealing. You can freeze honey mustard chicken thighs for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy this simple and tasty meal anytime! You can find the full recipe in the article to make it again. You can serve honey mustard chicken thighs with many sides. Some great options include: - Roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli - Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes - A fresh garden salad with a light dressing - Rice or quinoa for a hearty side - Garlic bread or dinner rolls for a cozy touch These sides balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. They also add color and texture to your meal. Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs. They will cook faster than bone-in thighs. To adjust the cooking time, bake them for about 25-30 minutes. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Boneless thighs will still absorb the honey mustard flavor well. To add spice, try these options: - Mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the marinade. - Substitute some Dijon mustard with spicy brown mustard. - Add minced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for heat. These tweaks will give your chicken a nice kick without losing its sweet taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! This blog post explored the tasty world of honey mustard chicken thighs. We reviewed main ingredients, optional add-ons, and their nutrition facts. I detailed simple steps for cooking, from preheating the oven to making a flavorful marinade. With tips for crispy skin and perfect doneness, you can easily wow your family or friends. We also looked at fun recipe variations, storage tips, and addressed common questions. Enjoying this dish is simple, and you can create your own favorite twist. Happy cooking!

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Savor the deliciousness of honey mustard chicken thighs with this easy recipe! Juicy chicken is marinated in a tasty blend of Dijon mustard, honey, and spices, then baked to perfection for a crispy, golden skin. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish is indulgent yet simple.Click through to explore the irresistible details!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it's hot and ready for baking.

    Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, dried thyme, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well blended and smooth.

      Prepare the Chicken: Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.

        Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or a baking dish. Pour the prepared honey mustard marinade over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is thoroughly coated. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes.

          Arrange for Baking: After marinating, position the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch drips and allow for easy cleanup.

            Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is a beautiful golden brown and crispy.

              Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to make sure they don’t burn.

                Let Rest and Garnish: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps in redistributing the juices for moist meat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color.

                  Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                    Presentation Tips: Serve your honey mustard chicken thighs on a large platter, drizzled with any remaining marinade from the baking sheet, and sprinkle with additional fresh parsley for a beautiful, appetizing presentation. Consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.