If you are craving a dish that balances sweet, tangy, and a little bit of spice all in one bite, then this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy, tender chicken thighs enveloped in a luscious sauce made from a blend of honey, whole grain mustard, and Dijon mustard create a melody of flavors that will delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share your meal. This recipe is not just easy to make but also full of vibrant colors and textures that make it perfect for both a cozy family dinner and a casual gathering with friends.

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe plays a crucial role, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that make the dish truly unforgettable. The simplicity of these ingredients allows the natural taste of the chicken to shine, while the spices and condiments provide depth and brightness.

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, excess skin trimmed: Ensures juicy and flavorful chicken with a crispy finish.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: The essential duo for seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for marinating and browning, helping to lock in moisture and develop a golden crust.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy element to the sauce and helps caramelize the shallots.
1 large shallot, finely chopped: Brings a delicate sweetness and a bit of texture to the sauce.
½ cup pure honey: The sweet star of the sauce that balances the tangy mustard perfectly.
⅓ cup whole grain (stone ground) mustard: Provides texture and a bold, slightly spicy taste.
¼ cup Dijon mustard: Offers smooth, tangy richness for complexity in the sauce.
2 teaspoons curry powder: Adds warmth and an exotic twist to the classic honey mustard flavor.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Introduces a light kick of heat that wakes up the palate.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth and a slight tanginess that elevates the sauce.
Cooked rice, side salad, or steamed broccoli, for serving (optional): Perfect companions to soak up the sauce and complement the flavors.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry so the skin can crisp up beautifully during cooking. Season the thighs generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then massage them with a tablespoon of olive oil. Slip everything into a resealable bag and let your chicken soak up those flavors for at least 20 minutes. This marinade is simple but essential in laying the foundation for taste and juiciness.

Step 2: Whip Up Your Honey Mustard Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, mix together honey, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, curry powder, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. This blend creates the vibrant, tangy, slightly spicy, and irresistibly sweet sauce that makes this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe stand out. Stir it well so that all those flavors marry perfectly together.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken to Perfection

Heat the remaining olive oil along with the butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown your chicken thighs in batches, ensuring each side becomes a golden caramelized masterpiece. This step seals in moisture and builds layers of flavor. Once browned, set the chicken aside and get ready for the next flavorful step.

Step 4: Sauté Shallots and Simmer the Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in the finely chopped shallot and cook until softened and fragrant—a crucial step that adds a subtle sweetness and texture to the sauce. Then pour your prepared honey mustard mixture over the shallots and bring it to a simmer. Turning off the heat now allows the sauce to thicken slightly while retaining its fresh flavors.

Step 5: Bake Chicken with Sauce

Return the browned chicken to the skillet, making sure to spoon some of the honey mustard sauce over each piece. Transfer your skillet into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 minutes initially, then flip the chicken, baste again with sauce, and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baking in the sauce ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

After you pull the chicken from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite tender and juicy. Serve alongside your choice of cooked rice, fresh side salad, or steamed broccoli to soak up the extra sauce and complete the meal.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a bright pop of color and freshness that perfectly complements the rich honey mustard sauce. A few lemon wedges on the side can add a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness if you want an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced and nutritious, serve this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe with sides like fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the sauce, a crisp green salad for freshness, or simply steamed broccoli to add a bit of green goodness. These sides provide contrasting textures and flavors that elevate the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming presentation, serve the chicken thighs on a wooden platter lined with fresh herbs and lemon slices. Drizzle a little extra sauce over the top just before serving to keep it glistening and inviting. This dish also makes an impressive centerpiece for a family-style dinner or brunch gathering, sparking conversation and compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store any leftover Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken thighs by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag with some of the sauce to keep them moist. Freeze for up to 2 months. When properly thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture and flavor remain deliciously intact.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your chicken in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in a microwave, making sure to add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep the meat tender and juicy. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the chicken thighs.

FAQs

Can I use skinless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! While skin-on thighs provide extra flavor and crispiness, skinless thighs can be used if you prefer a leaner dish. Just be mindful that the texture may be slightly different, and you might want to adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is there a substitute for whole grain mustard?

If you don’t have whole grain mustard on hand, Dijon mustard alone works just fine. The texture will be smoother, but the robust flavor will still shine through in this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to cook, combine and follow the remaining cooking steps. This is a great way to save time on busy days.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

The cayenne pepper adds just a mild heat to the dish, which you can easily omit or reduce without compromising too much on flavor. The sweetness of the honey and tanginess of the mustard will still make the chicken irresistible.

Can I make this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can brown the chicken and sauté the shallots in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven. Just be sure to baste the chicken with sauce halfway through baking for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe is hands-down one of those dishes you’ll want to make over and over again. Its combination of simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and easy preparation makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved favorite on your dinner table!

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4 from 48 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe features tender, juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated and cooked in a flavorful honey mustard sauce with a touch of curry and cayenne pepper. The chicken is first browned on the stovetop to develop a golden crust, then baked in the oven to finish cooking while soaking in the tangy, sweet sauce. Perfect served with rice, a fresh side salad, or steamed broccoli, this dish delivers a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in an easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, excess skin trimmed
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Sauce

1 large shallot, finely chopped
½ cup pure honey
⅓ cup whole grain (stone ground) mustard
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons curry powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Sides

Cooked rice
Side salad
Steamed broccoli

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Instructions

Marinate Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Place them in a resealable bag and season generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the bag and massage the chicken to coat evenly, then let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Make Honey Mustard Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the pure honey, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, curry powder, cayenne pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and the spices are fully incorporated, creating a balanced and flavorful sauce.
Brown Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken thighs in batches, skin side down, and brown them on both sides until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Shallot and Add Sauce: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallot and sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the prepared honey mustard sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, turn off the heat.
Bake Chicken: Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, arranging them skin side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, carefully flip each chicken thigh, baste with additional sauce, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is fully cooked through.
Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes to redistribute the juices. Serve the honey mustard chicken hot, accompanied by your choice of cooked rice, fresh side salad, or steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) can enhance flavor further.
Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the chicken to a separate dish before baking.
Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to your preferred spice level.
Make sure to brown the chicken well for crisp skin and deeper flavor.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with additional olive oil.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American