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 a weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t take a ton of effort, my Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor—sweet honey meets tangy mustard, and those fresh herbs just take it over the top. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I promise you’ll find it’s a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding family or just treating yourself.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples and fresh herbs combine for a flavor-packed, fuss-free meal.
Juicy & Crispy: Baking with bone-in thighs keeps the chicken moist inside with a perfectly crisp skin.
Quick Prep: You can have this dish ready to pop in the oven in under 15 minutes.
Versatile Meal: Ideal for weeknights but elegant enough to serve for guests.

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, Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs recipe, easy chicken thigh recipes, flavorful weeknight chicken dinner, crispy baked chicken thighs

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe is in how well these few ingredients come together – the sweetness of honey perfectly balances the sharp tang of Dijon mustard, while fresh garlic and herbs add depth. When you shop, look for fresh rosemary and thyme to keep the flavors bright and aromatic.

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, Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs recipe, easy chicken thigh recipes, flavorful weeknight chicken dinner, crispy baked chicken thighs

Bone-in chicken thighs: The bone helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavor during cooking.
Honey: Use pure honey for natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the chicken skin.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick that complements the honey and herbs.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a punch of savory goodness.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Brings richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
Fresh rosemary: Fresh herbs make all the difference in an easy recipe like this.
Fresh thyme: Another fresh herb that pairs beautifully with rosemary and chicken.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the chicken’s natural flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to balance the sweet and savory.

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 how flexible this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe is—you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Play around with herbs or switch up the heat level to make it your own.

Lemon-Zesty Variation: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before baking brightens the dish and adds a fresh tang I find irresistible on warm evenings.
Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a subtle heat that my family adores.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect if you’re avoiding gluten without any extra effort.
Herb Swap: If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, dried works too—just reduce the amount by half so it doesn’t overpower.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Pat the bone-in chicken thighs dry with a paper towel—that extra step might feel small, but it’s key for getting beautifully crisp skin. Place the thighs skin-side up in a baking dish, giving them a little room so they cook evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Honey Mustard Marinade

In a small bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. I always give it a good stir until it’s smooth and well blended. This is where all the magic starts—the sweet, tangy, herbaceous aroma will have you eager for dinner!

Step 3: Coat and Bake

Brush or spoon the honey mustard mixture liberally over each chicken thigh, making sure the skin and sides are well covered. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 175°F (80°C). If you want to really bring out that crisp, golden skin, turn your broiler on high for the last 2 to 3 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.

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Pro Tips for Making Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Patting Dry: Always pat the chicken skin dry before applying the marinade; this helps it crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Marinate Time: For deeper flavor, let the coated chicken sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking, if you have the time.
Broiler Watch: When broiling to crisp the skin, don’t walk away—skin can go from golden to burnt fast!
Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—175°F for juicy, safe chicken every time.

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, Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs recipe, easy chicken thigh recipes, flavorful weeknight chicken dinner, crispy baked chicken thighs

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or extra rosemary over the chicken before serving—it adds a lovely pop of green and fresh aroma. Sometimes I like to add a few lemon wedges on the side for squeezing, which brightens up the dish wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables. I also love serving it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served these on a large platter with grilled asparagus and colorful cherry tomatoes for a vibrant look. Adding a scattering of toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts on top adds extra texture and makes it feel extra fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken thighs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled to room temperature before sealing to keep things fresh longer.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! After cooking, I let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. It keeps beautifully for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 15 minutes to keep the skin crisp. Microwave is okay in a pinch, but it tends to steam the skin and lose crispness.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, usually in about 30 minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The flavor will still be delicious, though the texture might be a bit less juicy compared to bone-in.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Good news—this Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe is naturally dairy-free! Just make sure your Dijon mustard doesn’t contain any hidden dairy ingredients (most are safe).
Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the honey mustard marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before brushing it on the chicken for even coating.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?

A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend here. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone)—once it reads 175°F (80°C), your chicken’s perfectly cooked and safe to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to again and again because it delivers on flavor with minimal fuss. When I first tried it, I was amazed how simple ingredients could create a dinner that feels both comforting and special. You’ll enjoy how the skin crisps up and the balance of sweet and savory keeps every bite interesting. Trust me—once you make this, it’ll be in your weekly rotation, too.