This Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken is the ultimate weeknight meal crispy, juicy, and packed with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The Dijon mustard gives the dish a slight kick, while the honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a glossy and flavorful glaze. Paired with fresh rosemary and thyme, every bite is an explosion of comforting and aromatic goodness. Not only is this dish incredibly easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile. Serve it with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The leftovers are just as delicious, making it a fantastic meal-prep option. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs (about 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs)
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey
- ¼ cup (60ml) Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons (1.5g) finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 ½ teaspoons (1.5g) finely chopped fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon (3g) kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon (1g) freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and place the chicken thighs inside. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush or spoon the honey mustard mixture generously over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).
- For extra crispy skin, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 170 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: This recipe requires minimal prep work and only a few ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze creates an irresistible coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
- Crispy and Juicy: By baking the chicken at the right temperature and using the broiler at the end, you achieve crispy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the sweetness, acidity, or spice level.
- Great for Meal Prep: The leftovers store well and taste even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.
The Secret to a Perfect Honey Mustard Glaze
The magic of this dish lies in its perfectly balanced glaze. The key components of a great honey mustard sauce include:
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and caramelization to the dish. Raw honey works best for an intense flavor, but any honey variety will work.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy kick and depth of flavor. Dijon mustard is smoother and milder than yellow mustard, making it perfect for this recipe.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with a deep, aromatic richness. Minced fresh garlic works best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- Olive Oil: Helps bind the ingredients together and contributes to the golden-brown finish of the glaze.
- Fresh Herbs: Rosemary and thyme add an earthy, fragrant note that elevates the dish to gourmet status.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor and ensures the seasoning is well-balanced.
When combined, these ingredients create a silky, glossy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully, adding layers of flavor to every bite.
Tips for Making the Best Honey Mustard Chicken
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken for Maximum Flavor: While you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs yield the best results. The skin crisps up nicely, while the bone helps retain moisture, making the meat extra juicy.
- Pat the Chicken Dry Before Adding the Glaze: This helps the glaze stick better and ensures that the chicken skin becomes crispy instead of soggy.
- Let the Chicken Marinate (Optional): If you have time, let the chicken sit in the honey mustard glaze for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Broil for Extra Crispy Skin: In the last 2-3 minutes of baking, switch the oven to broil to get that perfect golden-brown, crispy skin. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste: If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more honey. For a tangier flavor, increase the Dijon mustard. You can also add a splash of apple cider vinegar for extra acidity.
What to Serve with Honey Mustard Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it easy to customize your meal based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Here are some great serving suggestions:
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for a healthy and balanced meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken beautifully.
- Steamed Rice or Quinoa: A simple grain-based side helps soak up the delicious honey mustard glaze.
- Salads: A fresh green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, caramelized chicken.
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it keeps for leftovers. Follow these simple storage tips to enjoy your Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken later:
- Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: If you want to store it for longer, place the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To retain the crispiness of the skin, reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the skin soggy.
Common Variations of Honey Mustard Chicken
This recipe is versatile, and there are plenty of ways to modify it based on personal preferences:
- Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Honey Mustard Chicken: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, umami-packed flavor.
- Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Wings: Use the same glaze on chicken wings and bake them until crispy for a delicious appetizer.
- Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet: Instead of baking, cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop for a quicker version.
- Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken: Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for an easy, hands-off meal.
Conclusion:
Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. With a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a meal that is both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re making this dish for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, it’s sure to be a hit.
The versatility of this recipe allows for endless customizations, making it suitable for a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. Plus, the fact that it’s easy to prepare and stores well makes it a fantastic addition to any meal plan.