Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory honey mustard sauce. This simple yet flavorful recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, delivering a mouthwatering and kid-friendly meal that pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for searing)
Seasonings & Optional
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary), optional for garnish
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the skin crisp up during cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a splash of olive oil until smooth. This glaze will coat the chicken and infuse it with a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5–7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for about 3 minutes to lock in the juices.
- Add the Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked through and tender.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Spoon any extra sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Pat Dry Chicken: Dry skin crisps up better and prevents steaming during cooking.
- Use Bone-In Thighs: Retain moisture and add depth of flavor that boneless can’t match.
- Don’t Rush Simmering: Slow cooking in sauce locks in juiciness and infuses flavor.
- Let It Rest: Rest chicken a few minutes after cooking for optimal tenderness.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and tweak honey levels depending on your preferred sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Honey Mustard Chicken, Chicken Thighs, Easy Dinner, Family Meal, Gluten-Free, Weeknight Recipe, Juicy Chicken, Sweet and Tangy Sauce