This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken thighs are coated in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce that makes your taste buds dance. It’s super simple to whip up.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs add flavor and moisture. If you prefer boneless, just check the cooking time, as they will cook faster. My tip? Go for skin-on for extra crispiness!
Dijon Mustard: It’s the base of the sauce and gives that nice tang. If you’re out, use yellow mustard in a pinch or even grainy mustard for a different flavor. I love how the mustard balances with the sweetness of honey!
Honey: Adds the sweetness in this dish. You can swap it with maple syrup for a unique twist, or use agave syrup for a vegan option. Just remember, the sweetness is key!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a great depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, use garlic powder (but fresh is always best!). I find that garlic enhances the dish so well!
Apple Cider Vinegar: This adds acidity. Lemon juice works too if you have that on hand. Both contribute to a balanced flavor profile. I prefer cider vinegar for its unique taste.
How Do I Get the Skin Super Crispy?
The secret to perfect crispy skin on your chicken is all in preparation and cooking technique. Start by making sure your chicken thighs are dry before seasoning. The more moisture you remove, the better!
- Pat them dry with paper towels to enhance crispiness.
- Brush the honey Dijon mixture on generously, but don’t skip on coating the skin.
- Cooking at a higher temperature helps. Baking at 400°F lets the skin render fat and crisp up nicely.
- For an extra crunch, broil in the last few minutes of cooking, but watch closely to prevent it from burning.
Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (can use boneless if preferred)
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then 35-40 minutes to bake, totaling around 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner with little fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help crisp up the chicken skin as it bakes!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, take your Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), dried thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk them together until everything is nicely combined. This fragrant sauce is key to the chicken’s flavor!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Next, grab your chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps achieve that crispy skin everyone loves. Place the thighs in a baking dish, making sure they are skin-side up.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Now, take the honey Dijon mixture and brush it generously all over each chicken thigh. Make sure to cover the skin fully and even get under any edges where you can to maximize the flavor!
5. Bake the Chicken:
Pop the baking dish in the oven and let the chicken bake uncovered for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and look for the skin to turn golden and slightly caramelized. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Broil for Extra Crispiness:
If you desire even crispier skin, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning!
7. Let it Rest:
Once cooked, take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your delicious chicken with some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or fluffy rice, for a complete meal.
Enjoy your flavorful and effortless Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Baked Honey Dijon Chicken
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breasts! Keep in mind that breasts tend to cook faster, so check the internal temperature around the 25-30 minute mark to avoid drying them out. Aim for 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you need a substitute for honey, maple syrup works well for a similar sweetness. Agave syrup is another great vegan alternative. Just remember, the sweet component is important for balancing the dish!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes, you can freeze this chicken! It holds up well. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
