Oh, honey mustard, the unsung hero of glazes! It’s like the warm hug your taste buds didn’t know they needed. Imagine this:
tender chicken thighs, all juicy and succulent, bathed in a sweet and tangy glaze that dances on your tongue. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve just discovered a hidden gem on a rainy Tuesday night—unexpectedly delightful and oh-so-satisfying!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the chicken thighs in a 9×13-inch baking dish and use a paper towel to pat them dry for crispier skin.
- In a small bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the honey mustard sauce.
- Generously brush or spoon the prepared honey mustard sauce over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C). For a crispier skin, switch on the oven’s broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
Ingredients
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2968kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 192g | Fat: 208g | Saturated Fat: 56g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 40g | Monounsaturated Fat: 88g | Trans Fat: 0.8g | Cholesterol: 1136mg | Sodium: 2744mg | Potassium: 2560mg | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 72g | Vitamin A: 1096IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster, so you should adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.
- What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
- If fresh herbs are unavailable, you can use dried herbs as an alternative. A total of one teaspoon of dried herbs can be used, and an Italian herb blend works well in this dish.
- How should I store leftovers of honey mustard chicken?
- To store leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator for four to five days. If you wish to freeze them, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge the day before reheating.
- What are some side dishes that pair well with honey mustard chicken?
- This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Some favorites include coleslaw, classic mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, garlic herb roasted potatoes, and simple salads like cucumber salad or massaged kale salad.
- How do I achieve extra crispy skin on the chicken?
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel before applying the honey mustard sauce. Additionally, you can turn on the top oven broiler for the last two to three minutes of baking, but keep an eye on the chicken to prevent burning.
Tips
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before applying the honey mustard sauce, ensure you pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for achieving a crispier skin during baking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).
- Broil for Crispy Skin: For extra crispy, golden skin, consider turning on the oven’s broiler for the last 2 to 3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Substitute Fresh Herbs if Needed: If fresh rosemary and thyme aren’t available, use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or an Italian herb blend as a substitute for added convenience.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish – If you don’t already have a suitable baking dish, you might need to purchase one for baking the chicken thighs.
- Instant-Read Thermometer – Useful for checking if the chicken is done and has reached the appropriate internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).
- Small Mixing Bowl – If you don’t have a small bowl for mixing the honey mustard sauce, you may want to consider buying one.