Treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful meal that balances the savory richness of chicken with the sweetness of honey and the tang of mustard. This recipe for Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables is not only bursting with flavor but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. The addition of fresh orange zest adds a unique citrus twist that enhances the dish’s aroma and taste, ensuring that each bite is a delightful experience.
Ingredients:
- 5 chicken thighs
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 potato, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt, pepper, paprika to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Olive oil
- Butter
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a knob of butter. Add the diced onion, potato, carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, honey, orange zest, and juice.
- Pour the mustard-honey mixture over the vegetables in the skillet. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 5
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables hot, directly from the oven. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy rice, quinoa, or even a light green salad to add freshness. For a more hearty meal, consider adding a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices left in the skillet.
Cooking Tips:
- For an extra crispy skin on the chicken thighs, pat them dry before seasoning and searing.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken and vegetables after baking and simmer the juices in the skillet on the stovetop with a little flour or cornstarch slurry until thickened.
- Experiment with different mustards for this recipe; a grainy mustard can add a nice texture, while a Dijon mustard might provide a smoother flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
Chicken thighs are a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. They also provide important vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. The vegetables add dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, and a variety of vitamins, particularly from the carrots which are high in vitamin A, beneficial for eye health. The addition of orange juice not only enhances the flavor but also provides a good dose of vitamin C, important for immune function.
Dietary Information:
This dish is gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by substituting the butter with an additional splash of olive oil. It’s also suitable for a paleo diet, depending on the specific types of mustard and honey used, which should be checked for compliance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs recipe offers a delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors that beautifully coat tender, juicy chicken and hearty vegetables. It’s a one-pan dish that makes cleanup a breeze and is perfect for a busy weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. The use of common kitchen staples like mustard, honey, and orange makes it easy to whip up without needing a special trip to the store. This Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs with Roasted Vegetables dish is the perfect combination of ease and flavor. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. The harmonious blend of mustard and honey, along with the zestiness of orange, provides a rich flavor profile that complements the tender, juicy chicken thighs. Serve this dish straight from the oven and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors with your family or guests.
