Description
This Honey Mustard Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs baked in a tangy and sweet honey mustard sauce. With simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The chicken is baked to perfection at 400°F, basted halfway through to lock in moisture and flavor, and garnished with fresh thyme and parsley for a fragrant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Honey Mustard Sauce
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, and extra virgin olive oil until well combined and smooth, forming a flavorful honey mustard sauce.
- Season and Bake Chicken: Arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Pour the honey mustard sauce over the chicken, turning the thighs to coat them thoroughly. Tuck the fresh thyme sprigs between the pieces of chicken for added aroma and flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165 degrees F. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the sauce from the baking dish to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Serve: Remove the baked chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute. Serve the chicken with extra sauce spooned over the top and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
- The sauce can be doubled for serving as a dipping sauce or drizzle.
- Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
