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Crispy Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

crispy honey mustard chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a crispy skin and a sweet, tangy honey mustard glaze infused with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons honey (mild variety like clover or wildflower)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for searing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley), chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes if desired. Set aside.
  5. Heat an oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
  6. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear without moving for 5-7 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crisp.
  7. Flip the chicken thighs over and spoon half of the honey mustard glaze over the skinless side.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
  9. Remove from oven and brush the remaining glaze over the chicken thighs.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure crispy skin. Do not overcrowd the pan. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Tent with foil if glaze starts to burn. The glaze can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper or sriracha to the glaze. For an oven-only method, roast at 425°F (220°C) for 35-40 minutes but expect less crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard chicken, crispy chicken thighs, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, fresh herbs, weeknight meal