Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

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Craving a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s budget-friendly and bursting with flavor? These Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs are a game-changer. With golden crispy skin, a finger-licking sweet and tangy glaze, and juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat, this recipe is the secret weapon for weeknight dinners and weekend feasts alike

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Chicken Thighs Recipe

• Double-glazed for a rich, caramelized finish

• Crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat

• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved

• Uses affordable ingredients with gourmet results

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Chicken:

• 6 Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs
  Rich and flavorful, these hold up beautifully to roasting and glazing while staying juicy inside.

• Salt & Pepper
  Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

For the Glaze:

• ⅓ Cup Honey
  Adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize during roasting.

• ¼ Cup Dijon Mustard
  Brings tangy sharpness that cuts through the sweetness.

• 2 Tablespoons Coarse Mustard
  Adds texture and a slightly bolder mustard bite.

• 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
  The secret to balancing the glaze with acidity.

• 3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
  Adds depth and aromatic savoriness.

• 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  Introduces subtle smokiness and a beautiful color.

• Fresh Thyme Sprigs
  Infuses the chicken with fresh, herbal notes during roasting.

For Serving (Optional but Recommended):

• Roasted Baby Potatoes
  Perfect for soaking up extra glaze and juices.

• Charred Lemon Wedges
  Adds a bright, citrusy finish that pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.

Tips and Tricks

• Dry the skin well before searing to ensure maximum crispiness

• Use a cast-iron skillet for best heat retention and caramelization

• Add a splash more apple cider vinegar if you prefer a sharper tang

• For a kick, mix in a bit of chili flakes or hot honey to the glaze

Variations and Customizations

• Boneless Option: Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking, but reduce bake time by 5 minutes

• Make It Keto: Substitute honey with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup

• Swap the Herb: Use rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different aroma

• Sheet Pan Version: Toss potatoes directly into the pan to roast alongside the chicken

Pairing Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Garlic mashed potatoes, buttered corn, or roasted vegetables

• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or a thyme-infused lemonade

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

• Freezer: Freeze glazed chicken (fully cooled) for up to 2 months

• Reheat: Warm in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through

Popular Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the glaze for up to 24 hours in advance for extra flavor.

What if I don’t have coarse mustard?

Use all Dijon, or substitute with stone-ground mustard for similar texture.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

You can, but they’ll be drier. Adjust cooking time accordingly and watch carefully when broiling.

Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs – Crispy, golden chicken thighs glazed in a tangy-sweet mix of honey, two mustards, and apple cider vinegar, finished with fresh thyme. Broiled to caramelized perfection—gourmet comfort food for any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced

• 4–5 sprigs fresh thyme

• ⅓ cup raw or local honey

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• 2 tbsp whole grain mustard (or stone-ground)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• Roasted baby potatoes

• Charred lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Sear for Crispy Skin

1. Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels

2. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika

3. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat

4. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and crispy

5. Flip and turn off the heat

2. Whisk Up the Sticky Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon, coarse mustard, apple cider vinegar, and garlic until smooth

3. Roast to Perfection

1. Brush the glaze over each chicken thigh

2. Tuck thyme sprigs around and under the chicken

3. Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C)

4. Roast for 20 minutes

5. Brush again with glaze and broil for 2–3 minutes to caramelize the top

Notes

• Always rest your chicken for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices

• This recipe scales easily—just double the glaze and use a larger pan for more servings

• Don’t skip the broil at the end; it’s the secret to that sticky-sweet lacquered finish

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

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