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To make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, gather these simple items: - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish This recipe serves four people. You can adjust the portion sizes based on your needs. For example, if you want to serve two, just use two chicken thighs and halve the other ingredients. If you need more servings, simply double the recipe. If you're missing any ingredients, here are some great substitutes: - Honey: Maple syrup or agave syrup can work as sweeteners. - Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard can be used instead. - Whole grain mustard: If you don’t have it, use extra Dijon mustard. - Smoked paprika: Regular paprika or chili powder can add flavor, too. - Fresh herbs: Dried thyme or parsley can replace fresh herbs, though fresh is always best. With these ingredients in hand, you are ready to create a delicious meal. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section in this article. To start, gather all your ingredients. In a small bowl, mix together: - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Stir these together until they blend well. This marinade gives the chicken a sweet and tangy flavor. Next, take your chicken thighs. Use a large resealable bag or a bowl. Place the chicken in the bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure every piece is coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl. This step is key. Let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour. If you can wait overnight, the flavor will be even better. Now, you can choose how to cook your chicken. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the sheet. Reserve any leftover marinade. Bake for about 30-35 minutes. The skin should be golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside reaches 175°F (80°C). If you prefer grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Again, brush some reserved marinade on during the last few minutes for extra flavor. Both methods yield delicious results! Enjoy your savory honey mustard chicken thighs. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To ensure juicy chicken thighs, choose bone-in, skin-on cuts. This method adds flavor and moisture. Marinate the chicken for at least one hour, but overnight is best. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs. When cooking, do not skip basting. Basting with the leftover marinade adds extra moisture and taste. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 175°F for safe eating. You can use leftover marinade, but be safe. First, set aside some marinade before adding the raw chicken. This keeps it clean from bacteria. You can use this reserved marinade to baste the chicken during cooking. If you want to use it as a sauce, boil it first. Boiling kills any harmful germs. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors without worry. Cooking times for chicken thighs can vary. A good rule is 30-35 minutes at 400°F. Always check the chicken’s temperature with a meat thermometer. If it reads 175°F, it is ready. If you notice the skin is not crispy, turn on the broiler for a few minutes. Just watch closely to avoid burning. For a perfect meal, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside. For the full recipe, check out the instruction section above. {{image_2}} Grilling adds a special touch to honey mustard chicken thighs. The smoky flavor from the grill brings out the sweet tang of the marinade. To grill, start by preheating your grill to medium heat. Marinate the chicken as you would for baking. Place the thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes. Flip them and grill for another 6-8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for 175°F inside. This method gives a nice char and juicy meat. You can easily boost the flavor of your honey mustard chicken thighs. Add spices like garlic powder or onion powder to the marinade. You can also try cayenne pepper for a little heat. For an earthy touch, mix in some thyme or rosemary. These spices will enhance the dish without overpowering it. The key is to balance the sweet and savory notes in the recipe. If you want to make a healthier version, there are easy swaps. Use Greek yogurt instead of honey for fewer calories. You can replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan option. Instead of olive oil, try a spray oil to cut down on fat. You can also use fresh juice, like lemon or orange, instead of some mustard for tang. These swaps keep the flavor while making it lighter. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe link. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you reheat leftover chicken, use an oven or skillet for best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the chicken for 15-20 minutes until warm. If using a skillet, add a splash of water and cover it. This keeps the chicken moist while reheating. To freeze Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps maintain the flavor and texture. For the full recipe, click here. I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. These thighs stay juicy and tender. The skin adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during cooking. You can also use boneless thighs, but they may cook faster. Yes, you can use other mustards. Yellow mustard works if you want a mild taste. Spicy brown mustard adds a kick. Feel free to mix mustards for a unique flavor. Experimenting with different types can lead to a new favorite. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 175°F (80°C). Cut into the thickest part of the thigh; the juices should run clear. No pink meat should be visible. This shows the chicken is safe to eat. Several sides work great with honey mustard chicken. Consider these options: - Roasted vegetables - Mashed potatoes - Steamed broccoli - Rice pilaf - Fresh salad These sides complement the chicken's sweet and tangy flavors. Enjoy your meal! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. In this blog post, I covered everything you need to know about honey mustard chicken thighs. I shared the ingredients list, portion sizes, and substitutes. You learned step-by-step cooking methods along with tips for juicy thighs. I also included variations to spice up your dish. Finally, I provided storage info and answered common questions. Enjoy cooking this dish, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Your kitchen can be a fun place to create. Happy cooking!

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Elevate your dinner game with Savory Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken with a deliciously sweet and tangy marinade that will impress everyone at your table. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Click through for the step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and variations to make this meal your own. Get ready to cook up a tasty experience!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

    Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the honey mustard marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

      Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

        Prepare for Baking: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Reserve the remaining marinade for later.

          Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C).

            Baste for Extra Flavor: In the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the reserved marinade over the chicken thighs for an additional layer of flavor.

              Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 4