Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Chicken and Mushrooms:

• 800g (28 oz) champignons (or white mushrooms), sliced
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 10g (1 tablespoon) vegetable oil (for sautéing the mushrooms)
• 10g salt (divided into two portions)
• 10g freshly ground black pepper (divided into two portions)
• 10g Provençal herbs (or your favorite dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano)

For the Chicken Thighs:

• 6 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in for maximum flavor
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 30g (2 tablespoons) vegetable oil (for cooking the chicken)
• 20g sweet paprika (for seasoning)
• 7g freshly ground black pepper

For the Honey-Soy Sauce:

• 50g soy sauce
• 50g honey
• 10g curry powder (for a slight kick and depth of flavor)

For the Topping:

• 150g (5.3 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes (includes two phases)

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-500 kcal (varies based on serving size and side dishes)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms and Onions

1. Sauté the Mushrooms:
   • Begin by heating 10g of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced champignons (mushrooms) to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown slightly.
2. Add Onions and Seasonings:
   • Add the chopped onions to the skillet with the mushrooms and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
   • Season the mixture with 5g of salt, 5g of freshly ground black pepper, and 10g of Provençal herbs. Stir everything to combine and allow the flavors to meld together. Set the mushroom and onion mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Thighs

1. Season the Chicken:
   • While the mushrooms and onions are cooling, season the chicken thighs with sweet paprika, 5g of salt, and 7g of black pepper. Make sure both sides of the chicken are evenly coated with the seasoning. For added flavor, you can rub the spices under the skin of the thighs.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   • Heat 30g of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crisp. This step helps lock in the flavor and gives the chicken a delicious crispy exterior. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey-Soy Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine 50g of soy sauce, 50g of honey, and 10g of curry powder. Stir the mixture until the honey dissolves completely into the soy sauce. This sauce will provide a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy glaze for the chicken.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, spread the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture evenly across the bottom.
   • Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the mushroom layer, skin-side up. This ensures that the skin remains crispy while baking.
2. Add the Sauce:
   • Drizzle the honey-soy sauce evenly over the chicken thighs. The sweet and savory sauce will infuse the chicken with flavor while it bakes in the oven, creating a beautiful caramelized finish.
3. Top with Mozzarella:
   • Shred the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it generously over the chicken thighs. The melted cheese will add a gooey, indulgent layer that complements the savory chicken and earthy mushrooms perfectly.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

1. Bake at 180°C (350°F):
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked, and the cheese will melt and bubble beautifully. The sauce will thicken, and the chicken will absorb all the flavors from the mushrooms, onions, and glaze.
2. Increase the Heat:
   • After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the chicken to get crispy and golden brown while the sauce caramelizes slightly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
   • Serve the baked chicken thighs hot, ensuring that each serving includes a generous portion of the savory mushrooms, gooey mozzarella, and caramelized honey-soy glaze.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

This baked chicken thighs with mushrooms, mozzarella, and sweet honey sauce is a dish that combines the best of both worlds—comfort food and gourmet flavors. The chicken thighs are a budget-friendly cut of meat that is packed with flavor and remains tender and juicy when cooked properly. By pairing them with earthy mushrooms, aromatic onions, and a sweet honey glaze, this dish becomes a symphony of textures and flavors.

Mozzarella adds richness and indulgence, making each bite a comforting experience. The use of soy sauce and honey creates a beautiful balance of sweet and savory, while the Provençal herbs bring in the Mediterranean flavors that elevate the entire dish.

This recipe is timeless because it combines simple ingredients and classic flavors in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table and leaves them coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 800mg

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in? Yes, boneless chicken thighs will also work well for this recipe. They may cook slightly faster, so be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked (165°F/74°C).

Can I use a different type of cheese? While mozzarella is traditional, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like gouda, cheddar, or provolone for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken, mushrooms, and sauce ahead of time, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven as directed.

Tips for Making the Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms and Mozzarella

• Sear the chicken first to lock in flavors and get a crispy skin.
• Don’t skip the resting time for the chicken after searing. It helps retain the juices and ensures the chicken stays moist.
• Use fresh herbs if you can find them for a more aromatic and flavorful dish.
• If you prefer a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the honey-soy sauce.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the mozzarella may change texture slightly. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to ensure it’s heated through without drying out.

Conclusion

This baked chicken thighs with mushrooms, mozzarella, and sweet honey sauce is a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. It offers a comforting balance of flavors, combining the richness of chicken, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the sweetness of honey-soy glaze. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the rich flavors, the tender chicken, and the ooey-gooey mozzarella as you savor each bite of this timeless dish.