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Easy Sticky Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs (Best Recipe)

sticky honey mustard chicken thighs - featured image

This sticky honey mustard chicken thighs recipe is the kind of dish that makes you look like a hero in the kitchen with minimal effort. It started as an accident, but it has become my most requested recipe for every gathering—from casual potlucks to fancy dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 lbs total)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Flaky sea salt (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients: honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet. Do not crowd the pan. Sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the chicken thighs using tongs. Sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
  7. Pour the prepared glaze over the chicken. Carefully tilt the pan to distribute the glaze evenly around the thighs.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
  9. Remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
  10. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Notes

Pat the chicken thighs very dry for crispy skin. Do not rush the sear. The glaze will look thin initially but will reduce beautifully in the oven. For an extra-thick glaze, simmer the pan juices on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes after removing the chicken. Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard chicken, sticky chicken thighs, easy chicken recipe, dinner party chicken, cast iron chicken