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Ultra close-up macro food photography of crispy baked honey mustard chicken thighs with sticky caramelized Dijon glaze and fresh thyme

Crispy Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Juicy, tender bone-in chicken thighs baked with shatteringly crisp skin and basted in a sticky, caramelized glaze of whole grain Dijon mustard, pure honey, garlic, and fresh thyme. An irresistible 35-minute skillet dinner packed with sweet and tangy autumn comfort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Savory Seasoning
  • 2 lbs bone-in halal chicken thighs trimmed of excess skin and patted bone-dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil helps skin crisp evenly
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika adds rich golden color and subtle smoke
  • 1/2 tsp garlic and onion powder
Sticky Caramelized Honey Dijon Glaze
  • 1/3 cup honey pure raw honey
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard smooth sharp Dijon
  • 2 tbsp whole-grain mustard for rustic texture and burst of mustard seeds
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar balances honey sweetness with bright tang
  • 1 tbsp melted butter creates a glossy lacquer sheen
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves plus fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Method
 

Prepping & High-Heat Searing
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Thoroughly blot chicken thighs dry on all sides with paper towels (dry skin is the secret to maximum crispness).
  2. Rub thighs with 1 tbsp olive oil and season evenly on both sides with kosher salt, coarse black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Heat a 12-inch oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side DOWN. Sear undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes until the skin turns deeply golden-brown and crackling crisp. Flip thighs skin-side UP.
Whisking Glaze & Baking
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together clover honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, melted butter, and fresh thyme leaves.
  2. Transfer the skillet into the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. Carefully remove skillet from oven. Generously brush half of the honey mustard glaze over the crispy tops of the chicken thighs. Return to the oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes into a glossy mahogany crust and an instant-read thermometer reads 175°F (79°C) in the thickest part.
Resting & Serving
  1. Remove skillet from oven and immediately brush with the remaining fresh honey mustard glaze. Let rest in the skillet for 5 minutes so juices redistribute.
  2. Spoon warm pan juices over the chicken, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 34gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 410mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 380IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.9mg

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