Name: Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken thighs; ¼ cup honey; ¼ cup Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary; 1½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

If you’re craving an easy, flavorful dinner that hits all the right notes, you’re going to love this Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with that perfect balance of sweet and tangy — trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a new favorite weeknight go-to!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple Prep: Seriously, a few ingredients and easy steps make this a winner for busy nights.
Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: Bone-in thighs keep the meat tender and soak up that honey mustard magic.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Hands-Off Cooking: Bake and broil to crisp skin perfection without standing over the stove.

A white baking dish filled with eight pieces of cooked chicken thighs, arranged in two close rows. Each chicken thigh has golden brown, crispy skin with visible herbs and small green sprigs of thyme scattered on top and in the cooking juices. The surface of the chicken looks shiny and moist with a slightly caramelized texture and some black pepper specks. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, easy chicken thigh recipes, juicy baked chicken, flavorful weeknight dinner, chicken breast and thigh dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe is in its straightforward ingredients that you probably have on hand. They marry beautifully for a flavorful punch without complicating things.

Flat lay of bone-in chicken thighs with smooth golden skin, a small white bowl of glossy amber honey, a small white bowl of creamy pale yellow Dijon mustard, two whole uncracked garlic bulbs with papery white skin, a small white bowl of clear golden extra-virgin olive oil, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary with dark green needle-like leaves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme with tiny green leaves, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, easy chicken thigh recipes, juicy baked chicken, flavorful weeknight dinner, chicken breast and thigh dishes

Bone-in chicken thighs: I always go for bone-in because it locks in juiciness and flavor.
Honey: Adds just the right amount of natural sweetness to balance the tang of mustard.
Dijon mustard: I love its smooth texture and subtle kick—it’s the star of the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives that aromatic depth to the marinade.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps bind ingredients and adds a lovely richness.
Fresh rosemary: Its piney fragrance really elevates the chicken’s flavor.
Fresh thyme: Offers a gentle earthiness that complements the honey mustard perfectly.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds that gentle heat and complexity.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Over the years, I’ve tweaked this Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe in little ways depending on what’s in my pantry or how fancy I’m feeling. Feel free to get creative—you really can’t go wrong here!

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard mix—my family loves the subtle heat it brings.
Herb Swap: Swap rosemary and thyme with oregano or tarragon for a fresh twist.
Gluten-Free Friendly: Double-check your mustard, but this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Oven to Grill: Try grilling the chicken after marinating for a smoky flavor; just watch the sugar in honey so it doesn’t burn.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While it heats up, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel—I found this step crucial to getting that golden, crispy skin rather than soggy. Once dry, arrange them in a baking dish with a little space between each piece to help even cooking.

Step 2: Mix Up Your Honey Mustard Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. The fresh herbs make such a difference—I recommend chopping them finely to release their full flavor. This mixture is your golden magic sauce!

Step 3: Coat and Bake

Generously brush or spoon the honey mustard mixture all over the chicken thighs. Don’t hold back here; every bite should be coated with that beautiful glaze. Pop it in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 175°F (80°C). You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear and the skin turns a rich golden brown.

Step 4: Broil for Crispy Skin

In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, switch your oven to the top broiler setting. Keep a close eye so the skin crisps up without burning. This little extra step took me from good to wow every single time I’ve made this Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe.

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Pro Tips for Making Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe

Dry Skin for Crispiness: Always pat your chicken dry before applying the glaze — it makes a huge difference for that crisp skin everyone raves about.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned the hard way that visual cues can be tricky; a probe thermometer ensures perfectly cooked thighs every time.
Broil at the End: Don’t skip broiling; it adds that irresistible caramelized finish you want on honey mustard chicken.
Watch Your Oven: Ovens vary, so keep an eye during broiling — a minute too long and the sugars in honey can burn quickly.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe

A white baking dish holds seven golden-brown roasted chicken thighs, each topped with small green herb sprigs and speckled with black pepper and seasoning. The chicken skin looks crispy and shiny with a mix of light and darker brown areas. A wooden spatula lifts one piece from the dish, showing the tender texture beneath the skin. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin beside it and a small white bowl with black pepper and salt in the lower left corner. Some fresh herb sprigs lie scattered near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, easy chicken thigh recipes, juicy baked chicken, flavorful weeknight dinner, chicken breast and thigh dishes

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or extra thyme on top — it brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh pop to balance out the richness. A lemon wedge on the side also works wonders if you want a zesty twist.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe are roasted green beans or a simple garlic mashed potatoes bowl. The creaminess of the potatoes complements the tangy glaze beautifully. I’ve also loved it paired with quinoa salad for something lighter.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinner nights, I like plating this with microgreens and edible flowers for a restaurant-style touch that never fails to impress guests. Serving the chicken atop a bed of buttery polenta or wild rice is another way I give it a bit of flair. Trust me, these little extras make the meal feel memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. It holds up nicely, and the flavors actually deepen, which I don’t mind at all!

Freezing

Freezing works pretty well for this recipe. I let the chicken cool fully, then wrap individual thighs tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the skin crispy when reheating, I recommend warming in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes rather than the microwave. It revives the texture without turning it soggy.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe?

You absolutely can! Just keep in mind boneless thighs tend to cook faster and might be a bit leaner, so reduce baking time accordingly, usually around 25-30 minutes, and watch closely for doneness to avoid drying out.
Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?

While not mandatory, broiling for a few minutes crisps up the skin and caramelizes the honey mustard glaze, giving you that crave-worthy texture you want. If you prefer softer skin, you can skip this step, but I highly recommend it.
Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and actually benefits from the flavors melding. Just stir it before using and brush on fresh chicken for the best results.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs can work in a pinch—use about half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Just mix them into your sauce and let it sit a bit so the flavors come through.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Chicken ThighsRecipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, it never disappoints. I’m excited for you to try it out and make it your own—you’ll find it worth keeping in your meal rotation!