Baked chicken thighs with honey mustard glaze

Introduction

Looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight dinner? Look no further than baked chicken thighs with a honey mustard glaze! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The chicken thighs are incredibly juicy and tender, while the honey mustard glaze adds a delightful tang and beautiful golden-brown finish. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to create this delicious dish, from ingredient selection to baking tips.

Making the Perfect Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this fantastic recipe:

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are recommended for the best flavor and juiciness. You can use boneless, skinless, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Honey: Provides sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze. Use your favorite variety!
• Mustard: Dijon mustard offers a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the honey perfectly.
• Olive Oil: Helps the chicken brown and keeps it moist.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a savory depth to the glaze.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika enhances the smoky flavor, but regular paprika works too.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken.
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Preparing the Honey Mustard Glaze

The honey mustard glaze is incredibly simple to make:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Mix until well combined.

Baking the Chicken Thighs

Now for the baking process. Follow these steps for juicy and flavorful chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely.
3. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
5. Brush the chicken thighs evenly with the honey mustard glaze. Reserve some glaze for later.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. During the last 10 minutes of baking, brush the chicken with the remaining honey mustard glaze. This will create a beautiful, glossy finish.
8. If desired, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for extra crispy skin, watching carefully to prevent burning.
9. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for Extra Crispy Skin

• Dry the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for crispy skin.
• High Heat: Baking at 400°F (200°C) helps to render the fat and crisp the skin.
• Broil at the End: A quick broil at the end of the cooking process will give the skin that extra crispy texture.
• Elevate the Chicken: Consider using a wire rack inside your baking dish to allow air to circulate around the chicken, promoting even crisping.

Serving Suggestions

Baked honey mustard chicken thighs pair well with a variety of side dishes:

• Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, potatoes)
• Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Rice or quinoa
• A fresh salad
• Green beans or asparagus

Conclusion

These baked chicken thighs with honey mustard glaze are a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy mustard, and sweet honey creates a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for impressing guests. Enjoy!