If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup, then look no further than these One-Pan Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs. With a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and tangy flavors, these tender and juicy chicken thighs are sure to become a family favorite. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have an impressive and satisfying meal on the table in no time. So grab your apron and get ready to impress with this flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Chicken thighs
For this recipe, you will need several chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are a great choice because they are tender, flavorful, and perfect for one-pan recipes. Make sure to remove the skin before cooking the chicken thighs.
Honey
Honey is the star of this dish, adding a touch of sweetness and creating a beautiful glaze for the chicken. Use a high-quality honey for the best results.
Dijon mustard
Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the dish. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
Garlic cloves
Garlic cloves add a wonderful aromatic flavor to the dish. Make sure to peel and mince the garlic cloves before using them in the recipe.
Lemon juice
Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a refreshing and zesty flavor to the dish. It brightens up the flavors and adds a hint of acidity.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken thighs and creating a golden brown crust. It also adds a rich and buttery flavor to the dish.
Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient that enhances the flavors of the dish. Use it to season the chicken thighs and the sauce according to your taste.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds a mild heat and slight spiciness to the dish. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Fresh thyme sprigs
Fresh thyme sprigs add a lovely earthy and floral flavor to the dish. They infuse the chicken thighs with their aromatic oils, enhancing the overall taste.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth is used to create a flavorful base for the sauce. It adds depth and richness to the dish.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a thickening agent that is used to thicken the sauce. It helps to create a luscious and velvety texture.
Water
Water is used along with the cornstarch to make a slurry, which is then added to the sauce to thicken it.
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Before you start cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating the oven ensures that it is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the chicken thighs.
Step 2: Mix honey mustard marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This will create a delicious marinade for the chicken thighs.
Step 3: Marinate the chicken thighs
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the honey mustard marinade over them. Close the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken thighs, making sure they are evenly coated. Let the chicken thighs marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for best results, refrigerate them overnight.
Step 4: Preheat the pan
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Preheating the pan ensures that the chicken thighs will get a nice sear and develop a golden brown crust.
Step 5: Cook the chicken thighs
Remove the chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off any excess. Place them in the preheated skillet, skin-side down. Cook the chicken thighs for about 5 minutes, until the skin is nicely browned and crispy. Flip the chicken thighs over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken thighs for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking the chicken in the oven ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its juiciness.
Step 6: Prepare the sauce
While the chicken is cooking in the oven, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Thicken the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Cook the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to thin it out.
Step 8: Serve the dish
Once the chicken thighs are done cooking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken thighs topped with the honey mustard sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful one-pan honey mustard chicken thighs!
