Honey Mustard Chicken
Tender, flavorful, and bursting with savory-sweet goodness, this baked honey mustard chicken is an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner option. The combination of Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and herbs infuses every bite with rich flavor while keeping the cooking process simple and mess-free. Perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, or even casual entertaining.
Equipment
- 1 Oven-safe baking dish
- 1 small mixing bowl
- 1 Silicone Basting Brush
- 1 Garlic Press
- 1 Measuring Spoons (set)
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven for Even Cooking: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (177°C). Preheating ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately at the right temperature, which helps lock in moisture and produce a tender, juicy interior. While the oven is heating, position one of the racks in the middle section for the most even heat circulation.
- Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Place your bone-in chicken thighs in an oven-safe baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer without crowding. Use a paper towel to pat each piece completely dry, including the skin. Removing excess surface moisture allows the honey mustard glaze to cling better and promotes a crispier finish.
- Create the Honey Mustard Marinade: In a small mixing bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, finely chopped rosemary, finely chopped thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or stir the mixture thoroughly until it forms a smooth, golden-colored glaze. This combination delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors.
- Coat the Chicken Generously: Using a silicone basting brush or the back of a spoon, spread the honey mustard marinade over each chicken thigh. Make sure to cover the skin, edges, and any exposed meat. For maximum flavor, gently lift the skin in spots and brush a small amount underneath—this seasons the meat directly and infuses the flavor deeper as it cooks.
- Bake the Chicken to Tender Perfection: Place the baking dish on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) when checked with an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. This temperature ensures both tenderness and food safety.
- Crisp the Skin for a Finishing Touch: In the final 2–3 minutes of cooking, switch your oven to the broil setting. Keep a close watch during this time, as broiling can turn from perfect golden brown to overly dark very quickly. This final step caramelizes the glaze, crisps up the skin, and intensifies the flavor.
- Rest and Serve for Best Flavor: Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. Serve warm with your choice of sides—roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad complement the dish beautifully.
Notes
- For the juiciest results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs as they retain more moisture during baking.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, substitute 1 teaspoon total of dried rosemary and thyme or use a pre-mixed Italian seasoning blend.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your Dijon mustard and all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- For an extra depth of flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for 30 minutes to 2 hours before baking.
- Keep an eye on the chicken while broiling to prevent burning—every oven’s broiler intensity varies.
