Who Will Love This Recipe?
Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Thighs are perfect for anyone seeking a savory and indulgent meal. Whether you're cooking for your family on a cozy weeknight or entertaining guests for a special occasion, this dish is versatile and sure to impress. Here's why this recipe is a winner:
Busy Individuals: If you're short on time but crave a homemade meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, this recipe is your savior. It's quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Flavor Enthusiasts: The combination of honey, mustard, garlic, and a hint of chili flakes creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds. If you appreciate bold and balanced tastes, this dish won't disappoint.
Health-Conscious Eaters: While it's indulgent, you have control over the ingredients. Opt for lean chicken thighs and use honey instead of brown sugar for a healthier twist without compromising on taste.
Aspiring Cooks: If you're new to the culinary world and want to impress your friends and family, this recipe is your ticket to culinary success. It's foolproof and yields impressive results.
INGREDIENTS
To prepare this delectable dish, you'll need the following
ingredients:
For the Chicken Thighs:
- 4
Chicken Thighs with bone
- 1
Teaspoon Salt
- 1
Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1
Sprig Parsley or Cilantro
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- 2
Tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2
Tablespoons Yellow Mustard
- 2
Tablespoons Honey or Brown Sugar
- 6
Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1/2
Teaspoon Chili Flakes or Red Pepper Flakes
Directions
1. Preparing the Chicken Thighs
- Start
by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up,
let's prepare the chicken thighs.
- Place
the chicken thighs on a clean cutting board and pat them dry with paper
towels. This helps the skin get crispy when baking.
- Sprinkle
both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Ensure they
are evenly coated.
- Set
the seasoned chicken thighs aside while we prepare the honey mustard
sauce.
2. Making the Honey Mustard Sauce
- In a
mixing bowl, combine the yellow mustard, honey (or brown sugar), minced
garlic, and chili flakes.
- Mix
the ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth and well-blended sauce.
3. Baking the Chicken
- Take
an oven-safe baking dish and lightly grease it with vegetable oil.
- Place
the seasoned chicken thighs in the baking dish, skin-side up.
- Pour
the prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken thighs, making sure to
coat them evenly.
- Place
the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the
chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- During
baking, baste the chicken thighs with the sauce once or twice to keep them
moist and flavorful.
- Once
done, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and garnish them with fresh
parsley or cilantro.
4. Serving Suggestions
- Serve
your Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Thighs hot, straight from the oven.
- These
delicious chicken thighs pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables, roasted
potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Sprinkle with parsley or cilantro before serving
Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Thighs – FAQs
1. What are honey mustard baked chicken thighs?
They’re bone-in or boneless chicken thighs coated in a sweet, tangy honey mustard glaze, then baked until juicy and caramelized.
2. What kind of mustard should I use?
Dijon mustard is commonly used for a smooth, sharp flavor. You can also mix in whole grain or yellow mustard for texture or a milder taste.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for several hours or overnight for deeper flavor, then bake when ready.
4. Do I need to sear before baking?
Not required, but optional searing on the stovetop can enhance browning and flavor. The oven alone will create a nice glaze if baked at a high temperature.
5. Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, but reduce the baking time slightly. Thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving with baking.
Nutrition Card – Approx. per 1 medium thigh (with skin, ~150g cooked)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value (DV) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal | — | Includes skin and sauce |
| Protein | 24 g | 48% | From chicken |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g | 4% | Mostly from honey |
| Sugars | 9 g | — | Natural sugar from honey |
| Fat | 19 g | 29% | Mainly from chicken skin and marinade oil |
| Sodium | 450 mg | 19% | From mustard and added salt |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | 30% | From dark meat |
Dietary Compatibility & Notes
| Diet Type | Compatible? | Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | ✅ Yes | Ensure mustard and other ingredients are gluten-free |
| Dairy-Free | ✅ Yes | No dairy included |
| Keto/Low-Carb | ❌ No | Replace honey with a low-carb sweetener |
| Paleo | ✅ With changes | Use paleo-approved mustard and raw honey |
| Whole30 | ❌ No | Replace honey and check mustard ingredients |
| Vegetarian/Vegan | ❌ No | Contains animal protein |
Serving Tip:
Serve with roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, or steamed rice. Drizzle extra pan sauce over the top before serving for extra flavor.
1 Comments
Lovely recipe
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