Description
Baked Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs feature tender and juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs glazed in a naturally sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce enhanced with smoked turkey bacon. This easy-to-make dish delivers rich, balanced flavors, crisp skin, and a luscious glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings, it’s versatile and customizable with options for spicy, herbaceous, or smoky variations. Serve with plant-based mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Honey Mustard Glaze
- 1/4 cup honey (natural)
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Additional Flavor
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into strips
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to build a flavorful base. Drizzle and rub with olive oil to aid browning.
- Make the Honey Mustard Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and the natural gelling agent until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to add a subtle savory complexity to the glaze.
- Arrange and Add Smoked Turkey Bacon: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in a baking dish. Distribute the smoked turkey bacon strips around the chicken to infuse a smoky, meaty flavor during baking.
- Coat and Bake: Generously brush the honey mustard glaze over each chicken thigh, covering all skin and sides. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 35 to 45 minutes or until the chicken skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an irresistible finish, broil the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. This step caramelizes the edges and enhances flavor.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for crispier skin.
- Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Do not skip the natural gelling agent; it thickens the glaze so it clings well.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep chicken juicy.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze and bacon
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: baked chicken thighs, honey mustard chicken, smoked turkey bacon, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, weeknight dinner