Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

This easy recipe for honey mustard chicken thighs topped with crispy bacon is fast and delicious. It is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with just a hint of tanginess from Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar.

 

 

The best way to make bone-in chicken thighs is easy and doesn’t have any leftovers because people ate them up.

This recipe for baked honey mustard chicken thighs fits both of those requirements.

You cook bacon, crisp the chicken, whisk the honey mustard chicken sauce, then let it bake until you have the sticky honey mustard chicken thighs from your dreams.

Each bite is bursting with so much flavor!

Loaded with crispy bacon, the tender chicken covered with the sticky sweetness of honey mustard.

And you can use it with any kind of chicken pieces.

Whether you prefer boneless, skinless thighs or skin-on, bone-in cuts, this honey mustard chicken recipe gives you juicy and flavorful results every time.

Loved by kids and adults alike, these honey mustard chicken thighs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, which will make it a staple in your dinner rotation.

Next time you need an easy dinner recipe, try these honey dijon chicken thighs. Everyone will love them.

 

 

What Ingredients are in Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs?

• Bacon: Adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture.
• Chicken Thighs: the star of the dish; you can use bone in skin-on chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken thighs, both work great
• Flour: For dredging the chicken, creating a golden-brown crust.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and caramelization.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess and depth of flavor to the home made honey mustard.
• Chili Powder: Offers a subtle kick of heat.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with acidity.

Pro Tip: You can use yellow mustard, but my favorite is dijon whole grain mustard. Use what you have in this quick honey mustard marinade.

 

 

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs:

1. Cook bacon in a frying pan until crisp, then set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the grease.
2. Cook chicken thighs in bacon grease until golden brown.
3. Mix honey, Dijon mustard, chili powder, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.
4. Place chicken in a baking dish in a single layer, and drizzle with the delicious honey mustard sauce.
5. Bake in a preheated oven until cooked through.
6. Crumble bacon over the baked chicken thighs before serving.

Pro Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the honey and mustard chicken is cooked completely to 165°F (75°C).

 

 

Can I Make Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make honey mustard chicken thighs ahead of time! There are 2 ways to do this:

1. Prepare the chicken thighs and honey mustard chicken marinade ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, assemble and bake as directed. This is a great way to do them if you have a busy day.
2. Cook the sticky chicken completely, and store them in the fridge. I have served them cold over a salad or reheated in the oven until heated through and crisp (make extra sauce if you do it this way so they don’t dry out).

 

 

How to Store Leftover Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs:

Store leftover honey mustard chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

How Long Does Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Last?

Honey mustard chicken thighs last about 20 minutes at my house, sometimes less.

But if you are asking how long they can be stored in the refrigerator for, do it up to 4 days.

Pro Tip: Label the storage container with the date to keep track of freshness.

 

 

Can You Freeze Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs?

Yes, you can freeze honey mustard chicken thighs! These freeze well for up to 3 months.

Wrap this honey mustard bacon chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Thaw frozen chicken thighs in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep their texture and flavor.

Pro Tip: For best results, store the crisped chicken and chicken marinade mustard honey mixture in separate bags in the freezer, then combine before cooking.

 

 

Can I Use Chicken Breasts for Honey Mustard Chicken?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts for honey mustard chicken.

I like the flavor of juicy chicken thighs, but use whatever you have.

If you use breasts, be sure to adjust the cook time to make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

 

 

Is Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Gluten-Free?

Yes, this honey mustard chicken thighs recipe can be made gluten-free!

Just use a gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken.

Cornstarch is a great gluten free substitute that gets the outsides nice and crispy.

Pro Tip: Always double-check ingredient labels. Sometimes prepackaged items add gluten to things you don’t expect.

 

 

What to Serve with Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs:

• Red Quinoa Salad
• Roasted Baby Broccoli
• Fennel Focaccia
• Homemade Mac and Cheese
• Mexican Black Beans
• Farro Salad
• Refried Beans Recipe
• Summer Pasta Salad
• Potato Leek and Bacon Bake

What Vegetables Go with Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs?

• Bacon Brussel Sprouts Gratin
• Sunshine Carrots
• Bacon Brown Sugar Green Beans
• Spicy Chipotle Cauliflower Rice
• Green Bean Casserole with Bacon
• Marsala Mushrooms
• Mashed Potatoes
• Kale Salad with Apples

 

 

Whether you need more easy chicken recipes for busy weeknight dinners or are just looking for something to do with boneless chicken thighs, these honey mustard chicken thighs are fast and delicious which makes them perfect any time of the year!

 

Originally Posted: March 28, 2016

Photos & Text Updated: March 21, 2024

 

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