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Crispy Honey Mustard Sheet Pan Baked Chicken Thighs

crispy honey mustard chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute recipe featuring crispy skin chicken thighs glazed with a balanced sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (raw or wildflower preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  3. Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, rubbing under the skin if possible.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice until smooth.
  5. Arrange the chicken thighs skin side up on a rimmed baking sheet, spacing them out for even heat circulation.
  6. Brush or spoon the honey mustard glaze generously over each thigh.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze pooling on the pan.
  8. Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispy skin, watching closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Use high heat (425°F) to crisp skin without drying meat. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Apply glaze in layers to caramelize without burning. Optional broil at the end for extra crispiness. Rest chicken before serving to keep it juicy. If glaze browns too quickly, tent with foil after 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken thighs, honey mustard chicken, sheet pan chicken, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, baked chicken, weeknight meal