Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken Thighs
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus marinating time)
Servings: 6
Category: Main Dish
⸻
Notes After Making
Chicken Breast version: Marinate the chicken breasts for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly oil a baking dish or sheet pan. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer and roast for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Let the chicken rest before serving; the temperature will continue to rise to 165°F as it rests.
⸻
Ingredients
Chicken
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh garlic, minced (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Honey Mustard Glaze
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey, or more to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
⸻
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with olive oil, lemon juice, and optional garlic.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly oil a roasting pan or baking dish.
- Arrange chicken thighs skin-side down in the prepared pan.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and continue roasting for 10 minutes.
- While the chicken roasts, stir together the grainy mustard and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Brush the honey mustard glaze evenly over the chicken.
- Broil for 5 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and lightly caramelized.
- Serve immediately.
⸻
Jessica’s Notes
Best served with:
- Rice pilaf
- Mashed or baked potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
- Crusty bread
Wine pairing:
- Chardonnay complements the honey mustard glaze and roasted flavors.
- Viognier pairs well with the lemon and honey notes.
- Sauvignon Blanc provides a bright contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Pinot Noir works well if you prefer a light red wine.
Prep Ahead:
- Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
- Honey mustard glaze can be mixed up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Best Method: Oven
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and add 1–2 tablespoons of chicken broth or water to the bottom of the dish.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Heat for 10–15 minutes, or until warmed through (165°F internal temperature).
- If you’d like the glaze to become slightly caramelized again, remove the foil for the last 2–3 minutes or briefly broil.
Quick Method: Microwave
- Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate with a tablespoon of water or broth.
- Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel.
- Heat at 50–70% power in 30-second intervals, turning once, until warmed through. Using reduced power helps prevent the chicken from becoming tough.
Freezer-friendly:
- Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations:
- Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a maple-mustard version.
Leftover Ideas:
- Shred for sandwiches or wraps.
- Slice and add to salads.
- Use in tacos or grain bowls.
- Serve over pasta or risotto.
