Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 bone-in chicken thighs; ¼ cup honey; ¼ cup Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 ½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary; 1 ½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

If you’re searching for a dish that’s both delightfully simple and bursting with flavor, let me introduce you to my Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it hits that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous — plus, the chicken skin crisps up beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re cooking for the family or a casual dinner with friends, this honey mustard chicken will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Flavor Bomb: The honey and Dijon mustard create a beautiful glaze that’s both sweet and tangy, elevating simple chicken thighs to something special.
Juicy and Tender Every Time: Using bone-in thighs keeps the chicken unbelievably moist and tender — no dry bites here.
Uses Pantry Staples: You probably already have most of the ingredients on hand, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Simple Prep with Maximum Results: Just a quick mix and brush, then pop it in the oven — perfect for busy days.

The image shows eight pieces of cooked chicken thighs with golden brown, crispy skin, placed closely together in a white rectangular baking dish. The chicken pieces have a shiny texture with herbs sprinkled on top, and some small green sprigs of thyme are visible as garnish. The baking dish contains light yellowish cooking juices around the chicken. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Bone-in chicken thighs: The bone locks in moisture and adds rich flavor; I never skip the skin for that crispy finish.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the skin — look for raw or mild honey for depth.
Dijon mustard: Gives a sharp, tangy kick that balances the honey’s sweetness perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with savory warmth; don’t use powder here!
Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps bind the glaze and adds subtle richness; choose a good quality oil for best flavor.
Fresh rosemary: Finely chopped rosemary brings a fragrant, piney aroma — fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.
Fresh thyme: Adds bright herbal notes that lift the entire dish.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the glaze and seasons the chicken throughout.
Freshly ground black pepper: A mild spicy bite that rounds out the taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this honey mustard chicken to suit different moods or what’s in the pantry. You can easily personalize it by swapping herbs or adding a touch of heat—it’s fun and satisfying to make it your own.

Spicy Kick: I often add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce to the honey mustard glaze for a gentle heat my family loves.
Herb Swap: When fresh rosemary isn’t available, I replace it with sage or oregano—both complement the honey mustard beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just double-check your Dijon mustard label to be sure.
Oven to Grill: When grilling season hits, I brush the chicken with the honey mustard glaze and finish it on the barbecue for a smoky twist.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Pat Dry for Crispy Skin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This really helps the chicken cook evenly. Place the bone-in thighs in a baking dish and pat each piece dry with a paper towel—this step is crucial for getting that crispy skin we all crave. If you skip drying, your chicken might steam instead of roast.

Step 2: Whip Up the Honey Mustard Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together the honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until it’s smooth and shiny. This glaze is your ticket to a perfectly balanced sweet and savory profile—you’ll want to taste it and maybe adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 3: Coat and Bake

Brush or spoon the honey mustard mixture generously over the chicken thighs. Don’t be shy here—cover every nook and cranny. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C). To get that mouthwatering crispiness on top, switch on your oven’s broiler for the final 2 to 3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!

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Pro Tips for Making Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Always Pat Dry: I learned the hard way that wet skin means no crispiness—dry those thighs thoroughly.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme add a brightness that dried herbs just can’t match.
Broil at the End: This little step crisps the skin without drying out the meat, and it takes just minutes.
Watch the Broiler: Broiling can quickly go from perfect to burnt—stand nearby and check often.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

The image shows a white baking dish filled with six golden brown baked chicken thighs, each with crispy skin seasoned with herbs and small black pepper specks on top. A woman's hand holds a light wooden spatula lifting one chicken thigh, revealing a juicy and slightly glossy texture underneath. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a beige linen cloth partially visible on the left side. In front of the dish is a small ceramic bowl with coarse salt and black pepper, and a few sprigs of green thyme lie casually around the bowl and dish edges. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the glossy and textured skin of the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme leaves just before serving. It adds a lovely pop of color and a burst of fresh herbal aroma, making the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp mixed green salad. For a cozy weeknight, I like serving it alongside roasted sweet potatoes—they soak up the honey mustard sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings or a special occasion, try plating the chicken thighs on a wooden board surrounded by lemon wedges and sprigs of rosemary. You can also drizzle a little extra honey mustard glaze on the plate for that restaurant-style flair—your guests will love the presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover honey mustard chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste great.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this recipe freezes beautifully. Just cool completely, then wrap each thigh tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the skin crisp, I reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes instead of microwaving. This gently warms the meat and refreshes the glaze without turning the skin rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe?

You absolutely can! Boneless thighs will cook faster (around 25-30 minutes) and are a great option if you prefer them, but keep an eye on moisture since they tend to dry out more quickly. Patting them dry and not skipping the broil step helps keep them juicy.
Is this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe spicy?

Nope, this recipe is mild and meant to focus on the sweet and tangy flavors of honey and mustard. If you like heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach 175°F (80°C) for juicy, tender thighs. If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear when pierced, and the meat near the bone should not be pink.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the honey mustard glaze and marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight in the fridge to boost flavor. Just bake as directed when ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe comes together as a comforting yet elegant dish. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try—you might find it becoming your go-to weeknight favorite just like it is mine. And trust me, once you taste that golden, tangy glaze paired with juicy chicken, it’s hard not to smile.