Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 8 thighs), trimmed of excess skin and fat; 1 tsp fine sea salt; 1/2 tsp coarsely ground black pepper, plus more to garnish; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup honey; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 Tbsp); 1/2 tsp dried rosemary or 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Juicy on the inside with beautifully crisped skin on the outside, they’re brushed in a bold homemade honey mustard sauce that caramelizes in the oven. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish makes a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner or a standout addition to your weekend meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a no-fuss, flavor-packed way to enjoy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The sauce uses pantry staples like Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and rosemary, and it bakes into a glossy glaze that’s both sticky and savory. It’s baked in one dish with no marinating required, making it incredibly convenient for busy nights. Plus, the chicken stays tender and juicy while the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 8 pieces), trimmed of excess skin and fat
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, plus more to garnish
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves (about 1 tablespoon), minced
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or 2 teaspoons fresh chopped rosemary

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp during baking.
Place the chicken in a 9×13-inch casserole dish in a single layer. Season all sides with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and rosemary until smooth and combined.
Brush the honey mustard mixture generously over the tops and sides of the chicken thighs.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C), though 175°F (80°C) is ideal for juicy thighs.
Optional: Broil the chicken for 1–2 minutes at the end for golden, crispy skin.
Spoon pan juices over the chicken before serving for extra flavor.

Servings and timing

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Boneless option: Use boneless, skinless thighs—reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes.
Add spice: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Different herbs: Swap rosemary for thyme or oregano depending on your flavor preference.
Glaze twist: Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or whole grain mustard for added tang.
Use chicken drumsticks: This sauce also works beautifully on drumsticks or wings.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts. Spoon leftover sauce from the dish over the chicken to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, though chicken breasts may be less juicy than thighs. Reduce cook time to 25–30 minutes and check for doneness at 165°F.

Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can coat the chicken in the honey mustard sauce and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before baking for more depth of flavor.

Do I have to use Dijon mustard?

Dijon offers a tangy balance, but you can use yellow mustard or a grainy mustard if preferred. Flavor will vary slightly.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, doubling the sauce is great if you want extra for drizzling over vegetables or rice.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 165°F. For the juiciest texture, aim for 175°F.

Can I cook this in a cast iron skillet?

Yes. Make sure your skillet is oven-safe and follow the same instructions.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your mustard and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What can I serve with this chicken?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad pair perfectly.

Can I use skinless thighs?

You can, but the skin helps the sauce cling and adds texture. Adjust cooking time slightly as skinless thighs may cook faster.

Will the sauce burn in the oven?

The honey caramelizes, so slight darkening is normal. To avoid burning, monitor closely near the end and use foil if needed.

Conclusion

Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs are a simple yet irresistible dish that brings bold flavor with minimal effort. The juicy meat, crispy skin, and sweet-savory glaze make every bite memorable. Perfect for a casual family dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this is a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.