Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
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; 1½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary; 1½ teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

If you’re looking for an easy, irresistible weeknight meal, you’re going to want to stick around for this one. I absolutely love this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe because it’s juicy, full of flavor, and requires minimal effort—plus, that sticky, tangy-sweet glaze is absolute magic. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became my go-to for busy evenings, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much as my family does!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Delicious: Minimal prep work leads to big flavor—perfect for busy nights.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Baking the thighs skin-on keeps them moist while the broiler crisps the skin beautifully.
Sweet and Tangy Glaze: The honey and mustard combo balances savory and sweet so well.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Great for family dinners or casual gatherings alike.

A white baking dish filled with eight pieces of cooked chicken thighs, arranged in two close rows. Each chicken thigh has golden brown, crispy skin with visible herbs and small green sprigs of thyme scattered on top and in the cooking juices. The surface of the chicken looks shiny and moist with a slightly caramelized texture and some black pepper specks. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, easy baked chicken thighs, juicy chicken recipes, weeknight chicken dinner, flavorful chicken thigh recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple but work together like a charm. Using fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme really lifts the flavor, and Dijon mustard adds just the right tang. When you shop, look for fresh, bright herbs and good-quality honey—that little upgrade makes a big difference.

Flat lay of bone-in chicken thighs with smooth golden skin, a small white bowl of glossy amber honey, a small white bowl of creamy pale yellow Dijon mustard, two whole uncracked garlic bulbs with papery white skin, a small white bowl of clear golden extra-virgin olive oil, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary with dark green needle-like leaves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme with tiny green leaves, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, easy baked chicken thighs, juicy chicken recipes, weeknight chicken dinner, flavorful chicken thigh recipes

Bone-in chicken thighs: The bone helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavor, plus the skin crisps up nicely in the oven.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle tang and depth to the glaze.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives that warm, aromatic punch you want in savory dishes.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps create a smooth sauce and aids in crisping the skin.
Fresh rosemary: Its piney notes complement the chicken perfectly.
Fresh thyme: Subtle earthy flavor that balances the sweetness of honey.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild spiciness and depth.

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

One of my favorite things about this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe is how easy it is to tweak according to what you have on hand or your mood. I encourage you to make it yours and have fun experimenting with flavors.

Spicy Honey Mustard: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the honey mustard mixture if you like a little heat—I do this when I want an extra kick!
Herb Swap: If you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, dried herbs work fine—just use half the amount since dried herbs are more potent.
Mustard Variations: Try using whole-grain mustard for a bit of texture and milder flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free but double-check your honey and mustard labels if you’re very sensitive.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Maximum Crispiness

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). I always pat my chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before baking—this little trick helps the skin get as crispy as possible. Place the chicken in a baking dish, spaced out so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Mix Up the Honey Mustard Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, and freshly ground pepper. I discovered this combination really balances sweetness with herbaceous notes, creating a glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 3: Coat and Bake the Chicken

Using a brush or spoon, coat each chicken thigh generously with the honey mustard mixture. Don’t be shy here—the sauce is the star! Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 175°F (80°C). This ensures it’s perfectly cooked and juicy inside.

Step 4: Broil for Crispy Skin

For the last 2 to 3 minutes, turn on your oven’s broiler to crisp up the skin and caramelize the sauce. I learned this cool trick after a few attempts—just keep a close eye so the sugar in the honey doesn’t burn! You want a beautiful golden crust, not charred edges.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Pat Chicken Dry: This is the key to crispy skin, so don’t skip this step!
Watch the Broiler: Honey caramelizes quickly, so keep a close eye during broiling to avoid burning.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh rosemary and thyme gives a brightness that dried herbs can’t quite match.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked without drying it out.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

A white baking dish holds seven golden-brown roasted chicken thighs, each topped with small green herb sprigs and speckled with black pepper and seasoning. The chicken skin looks crispy and shiny with a mix of light and darker brown areas. A wooden spatula lifts one piece from the dish, showing the tender texture beneath the skin. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth napkin beside it and a small white bowl with black pepper and salt in the lower left corner. Some fresh herb sprigs lie scattered near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, easy baked chicken thighs, juicy chicken recipes, weeknight chicken dinner, flavorful chicken thigh recipes

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and brightens the rich flavors. A light squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken right before you dig in also brings a lovely punch of acidity that balances the honey’s sweetness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe are roasted vegetables, like carrots and Brussels sprouts, because they soak up that delicious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple couscous salad also pair beautifully and make it feel like a complete comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when I have guests over, I like to serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice pilaf and sprinkle toasted almonds on top for crunch. Arranging the chicken thighs on a large platter with plenty of fresh herb sprigs makes for an inviting centerpiece everyone loves to dig into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I store the chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to save any extra sauce with the chicken—it keeps it moist and flavorful when reheated.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well! I usually freeze cooked chicken thighs individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then popped into a freezer bag. They keep wonderfully for up to 2 months, making it easy to reheat for a quick meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, I find gently warming the chicken in the oven at 325°F helps maintain that crispy skin better than the microwave. Just cover loosely with foil and warm through for about 10-15 minutes, then remove the foil in the last few minutes to refresh the crust.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While bone-in thighs stay juicier during baking, boneless thighs work well too and will cook a bit faster—just reduce the baking time by about 5-10 minutes and check for doneness regularly.
Is it possible to make this recipe without fresh herbs?

Yes, if you don’t have fresh rosemary or thyme, you can substitute with dried herbs—just use about half the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. The dish will still be delicious!
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Definitely. You can marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture a few hours or even overnight in the fridge. This not only saves time but also deepens the flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer—it should read 175°F (80°C) for juicy, tender chicken thighs. If you don’t have one, make sure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink near the bone.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe is truly one of my comfort food favorites because it’s simple, hearty, and full of layers of flavor that always impress. I hope you give it a try soon—and when you do, I bet you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, just like I have. Go ahead, make your kitchen smell incredible and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dish!