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Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Crispy baked honey mustard chicken thighs with a sticky golden glaze.

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This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden chicken thighs coated in a savory-sweet honey mustard glaze. It's a simple, family-friendly meal that feels special enough for a weekend but is easy enough for a hectic weeknight. The hands-off baking method makes it a reliable, flavor-packed path to a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place chicken thighs in a large bowl. Pour about 2/3 of the sauce over the chicken, reserving the rest. Toss to coat thoroughly. For deeper flavor, marinate for 30 minutes at room temp or up to 4 hours refrigerated.
  4. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and brush the reserved sauce over the top of each thigh.
  6. Return to oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and skin is crispy and golden.
  7. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs.

Notes

For crispy skin, patting the chicken dry is non-negotiable. Do not crowd the pan. Boneless, skinless thighs can be used but will have less crispy texture. Maple syrup can substitute for honey. Leftovers store well for up to 4 days and are great for salads or sandwiches.

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