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; 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 love a dinner that’s both easy to make and packed full of flavor, then you’re in for a treat with this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe. I absolutely love how the tangy mustard balances the natural sweetness of honey, and the herbs bring a fresh aroma that just makes you want to dive right in. Whether you’re looking to impress family or just want a fuss-free weeknight meal, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and guaranteed to become a favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at Its Best: Minimal ingredients and easy prep make this a quick go-to dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Perfectly Juicy Chicken: The thighs stay tender and juicy while getting beautifully caramelized skin under the broiler.
Flavor-Packed: The blend of honey, mustard, fresh herbs, and garlic brings a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this—and I’m confident yours will too!

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, Chicken Thighs with Honey Mustard, Easy Honey Mustard Chicken, Juicy Chicken Thighs Recipe, Quick Dinner Ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in harmony to create that wonderful honey mustard glaze. When I shop for this recipe, I always pick fresh herbs and good-quality Dijon mustard for the best depth of flavor.

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, Chicken Thighs with Honey Mustard, Easy Honey Mustard Chicken, Juicy Chicken Thighs Recipe, Quick Dinner Ideas

Bone-in chicken thighs: I love using bone-in for extra juicy meat and crispier skin.
Honey: It adds the signature sweetness and helps create that gorgeous glaze.
Dijon mustard: This gives the tangy kick that balances the honey perfectly.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings that warm, savory punch.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps blend everything while adding a subtle richness.
Fresh rosemary: Adds an earthy, piney note that complements the chicken wonderfully.
Fresh thyme: Its lemony, slightly minty flavor brightens the dish.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Just a touch to give a gentle heat 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

I love experimenting with this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe, and you can easily customize it to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative!

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the honey mustard mix for a little heat—which my family absolutely adores.
Herb Swap: If you don’t have rosemary or thyme on hand, I’ve used oregano or tarragon with great results.
Gluten-Free Version: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as is; just double-check your mustard for any additives.
Oven to Grill: I’ve also grilled the chicken after marinating it in the honey mustard for a smoky twist that’s fantastic in summer.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Dry Your Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). It’s crucial to pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—in my experience, this helps the skin get that perfect crisp instead of steaming in the oven. Place them skin-side up in a baking dish, giving them space so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Mix Your Honey Mustard Sauce

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. This is where all the magic starts blending—make sure the consistency is smooth and everything is well combined.

Step 3: Coat Your Chicken with Love

Brush or spoon the honey mustard sauce generously on top of the chicken thighs, making sure to cover the skin and the meat below for full flavor penetration. Don’t be shy with the sauce—I find the more, the better in this case.

Step 4: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You want to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C), so it’s perfectly cooked but still juicy. In the last 2 to 3 minutes, turn on your oven’s broiler to crisp up the skin—this step is where the skin gets that irresistible golden-brown crunch.

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Pro Tips for Making Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Dry Skin Advantage: Always pat dry the thighs to help the skin crisp up nicely in the oven and broiler.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh rosemary and thyme make a world of difference here—dried can work in a pinch, but fresh is best.
Don’t Skip the Broiler: That final 2-3 minutes under the broiler transforms the skin from good to irresistibly crispy gold.
Watch the Sugar: Honey can burn if broiled too long; keep a close eye during broiling to avoid bitterness.

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, Chicken Thighs with Honey Mustard, Easy Honey Mustard Chicken, Juicy Chicken Thighs Recipe, Quick Dinner Ideas

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra thyme to give it a fresh pop of color and flavor. A lemon wedge on the side adds a zesty brightness that my family craves—give it a quick squeeze right before digging in!

Side Dishes

Over the years, I’ve found this honey mustard chicken pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal veggies, or a simple green salad. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or quinoa work like a charm too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to plate the chicken over a bed of wild rice and garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary. It looks elegant but stays easy enough for weekday comfort. It also doubles nicely for family-style serving on a big platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I wait until the chicken cools to room temperature and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as yummy reheated.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked honey mustard chicken thighs a few times with great success. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap first, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture and flavors intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help crisp the skin back up. Microwaving works but can make the skin rubbery. If you want to speed things up, a hot skillet for a few minutes can also revive that nice skin texture.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use boneless thighs, but keep in mind they may cook faster and could dry out more easily. I recommend reducing the bake time by about 10 minutes and keeping a close eye on them to maintain juiciness.
How long can I marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce?

If you have time, marinating the chicken for 1-2 hours in the fridge really amps up the flavor. However, this recipe works great brushed on before baking if you’re short on time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! This recipe has no dairy ingredients, so it’s naturally dairy-free and perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

You can substitute dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe has become my weekly lifesaver for easy, flavorful dinners. It’s simple enough to whip up after a busy day but special enough to feel like a treat. I love how it fills the kitchen with that sweet and tangy aroma—and how my family always asks for seconds. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes too!