Crispy Honey Mustard Thighs

This oven baked chicken thighs recipe has become my family's go-to dinner option whenever we need something delicious yet simple to prepare. The combination of honey and mustard creates a glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven, resulting in chicken that's both juicy inside and crispy outside.

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick yet impressive. Now it's requested at least twice a month by my husband who claims these are the best chicken thighs he's ever tasted.

Ingredients

• Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: Offer the best flavor and juiciness. The skin crisps up beautifully while protecting the meat beneath
• Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for bringing out the chicken's natural flavors
• Olive oil: Creates the base for our glaze while helping the skin crisp
• Whole grain dijon mustard: Provides texture and a rustic appearance to the glaze
• Regular mustard: Adds tanginess that balances the sweetness
• Honey: Contributes perfect sweetness and helps create that beautiful caramelization
• Garlic: Minced fresh delivers aromatic depth that permeates the meat
• Red pepper flakes: Add a subtle heat that balances the sweet and savory elements

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Take your chicken thighs and place them in a bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This step is crucial as it ensures the flavor penetrates the meat and not just the skin. Make sure to get some seasoning under the skin for best results.

Prepare the Glaze:

Whisk together olive oil, both mustards, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until fully combined. The mixture should look uniform with a golden color and visible mustard seeds from the whole grain dijon. This glaze is what transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Coat the Chicken:

Pour the prepared glaze over the seasoned chicken thighs in the bowl. Use your hands or tongs to toss and turn the chicken until every piece is thoroughly coated. Make sure to get some of that delicious mixture under the skin for maximum flavor infusion.

Arrange for Baking:

Transfer the coated chicken thighs to a 9x13 inch baking dish, skin side up. Pour any remaining sauce from the bowl over the chicken. Arranging the pieces with a bit of space between them ensures even cooking and better crisping of the skin.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven at 425°F. Bake for approximately 35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin becomes beautifully crispy and golden. The high temperature is key for developing that wonderful texture contrast.

Rest Before Serving:

Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is as moist and flavorful as possible.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the magical transformation of the honey and mustard during baking. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how the simple mixture turned into a glistening, complex glaze that had my family asking what special ingredients I'd used. It's become our special Friday night dinner tradition.

Making It Ahead

This chicken dish is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. You can season the chicken and prepare the glaze up to 24 hours ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply combine and bake as directed. The flavors actually intensify when the chicken marinates in the glaze overnight, creating an even more flavorful result than when prepared immediately.

Substitution Options

If you prefer boneless skinless chicken thighs, they work beautifully in this recipe but require a shorter cooking time of just 20-25 minutes. For those avoiding sugar, substitute the honey with maple syrup or a sugar-free honey alternative. The dijon mustard can be replaced entirely with regular mustard if that's all you have on hand, though you'll lose some of the depth and texture that makes this recipe special.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken thighs pair wonderfully with simple sides that can soak up the delicious sauce. Rice pilaf or roasted potatoes are excellent choices. For a complete meal, add a bright green vegetable like steamed broccoli or a simple salad with vinaigrette. The leftovers make exceptional sandwiches the next day when sliced cold and layered on good bread with some fresh greens.

Storage and Reheating

These chicken thighs maintain their flavor exceptionally well when stored properly. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken for 4-6 months. When reheating, avoid the microwave which can make the skin soggy. Instead, place thawed chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until heated through, preserving that wonderful texture contrast.

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Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Just reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes since they cook faster than bone-in thighs. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

→ How do I know when the chicken thighs are done?

The chicken thighs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is crispy. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check for doneness.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture up to 24 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready to cook, simply transfer to a baking dish and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes if cooking from cold.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken for 4-6 months in a well-sealed container.

→ What sides pair well with these chicken thighs?

These chicken thighs pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad. The honey-mustard flavor complements many side dishes.

→ Can I skip the honey-mustard glaze?

Absolutely! For a simpler version, just season the thighs with salt and pepper, drizzle some olive oil in the baking dish, and bake as instructed. The chicken will still be delicious with its natural flavors.