Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

Chicken thighs are a weeknight dinner champion. They’re affordable, flavorful, and incredibly forgiving when it comes to cooking. This recipe elevates the humble chicken thigh with a tangy, sweet, and savory honey mustard glaze that’s sure to become a family favorite.

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping, as the flavors deepen as it sits.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses pantry staples.
* **Flavorful:** The honey mustard glaze is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with a variety of sides.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Chicken thighs are an affordable protein source.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** The flavors develop even more over time.

## Ingredients

* **Chicken Thighs:** 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds). Bone-in, skin-on thighs can be used, but cooking time will need to be adjusted accordingly. Note that bone-in will require more time to cook.
* **Honey:** 1/4 cup. Adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1/4 cup. Provides tanginess and a sharp, mustardy flavor. You can substitute with whole grain mustard for a different texture and flavor profile.
* **Yellow Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Contributes to the classic honey mustard flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Used for searing the chicken and adding richness. Can be substituted with other oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Adds aromatic depth.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon. Provides acidity to balance the sweetness and tanginess.
* **Paprika:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. Smoked paprika can also be used for a more intense smoky flavor.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds an earthy and herbaceous note. Dried rosemary or oregano can be used as alternatives.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chopped green onions, sesame seeds.

## Equipment

* Large Skillet (oven-safe preferred, but not required)
* Mixing Bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Meat Thermometer

## Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze**

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This glaze is the star of the show, so make sure it’s well-emulsified. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tanginess.

**Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)**

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in half of the honey mustard glaze for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step, but the flavor will be more pronounced if you allow the chicken to soak in the glaze. If marinating, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and glaze to a resealable bag.

**Step 3: Sear the Chicken**

Heat the remaining olive oil (if not used in the glaze already) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. Searing the chicken adds a beautiful color and locks in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the chicken from browning properly.

**Step 4: Bake or Simmer the Chicken**

* **Oven Method (Preferred):** If using an oven-safe skillet, pour the remaining honey mustard glaze over the chicken thighs. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Basting the chicken with the glaze halfway through cooking will help keep it moist and flavorful. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken and glaze to a baking dish before baking.
* **Stovetop Method:** If you don’t want to use the oven, you can simmer the chicken on the stovetop. After searing, reduce the heat to low, pour the remaining honey mustard glaze over the chicken, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Make sure to turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. If the glaze starts to thicken too much, add a tablespoon or two of water to the skillet.

**Step 5: Check for Doneness**

The most accurate way to check if the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the thigh. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque.

**Step 6: Rest and Serve**

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven or stovetop and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Serving Suggestions

This honey mustard chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, sweet potatoes, asparagus.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and protein-rich alternative to rice.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food pairing.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with your favorite toppings.
* **Green Beans:** Steamed or roasted green beans.
* **Corn on the Cob:** A summery side dish that complements the sweetness of the honey mustard glaze.
* **Pasta:** Buttered noodles or a simple pasta salad.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Bone-In, Skin-On Thighs:** For even more flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. You’ll need to increase the cooking time, and the skin will become crispy and delicious.
* **Add Some Heat:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey mustard glaze for a touch of heat.
* **Use Different Mustards:** Experiment with different types of mustard, such as whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard.
* **Add Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of the honey mustard glaze.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Ensure that your Dijon mustard is gluten-free.
* **Make it Ahead:** Prepare the honey mustard glaze and marinate the chicken ahead of time for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
* **Spice it up**: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey mustard glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Make it creamy**: Stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt into the honey mustard glaze for a creamy texture.
* **Add herbs**: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or sage to add depth of flavor to the glaze.
* **Adjust sweetness**: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the amount of honey or add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
* **Broil for extra caramelization**: After baking, broil the chicken for a minute or two to caramelize the glaze and achieve a beautiful, glossy finish. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Marinate for longer**: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover honey mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the chicken from drying out.
* **Freezing:** While chicken thighs generally freeze well, the honey mustard glaze may become slightly altered in texture after thawing. If freezing, store cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g

(Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

## Conclusion

This honey mustard chicken thigh recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its flavorful glaze and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a delicious and effortless dinner tonight!

Enjoy cooking and bon appétit!