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Easy 20-Minute Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and easy honey mustard chicken recipe featuring crispy skin and a sweet, tangy glaze, perfect for busy weeknights and last-minute guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on), about 1.5 lbs (700g)
  • 3 tablespoons honey (raw or wildflower)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat 4 chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper per thigh). Let rest 5 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Set aside.
  3. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot pan. Press down gently for even contact. Cook for 6-7 minutes without moving to develop golden, crispy skin.
  5. Flip the chicken thighs over and reduce heat to medium. Pour the honey mustard glaze over the chicken and spoon some over the tops.
  6. Cook for another 6-7 minutes, occasionally spooning the glaze over the chicken to build a sticky, crispy coating. Lower heat if glaze gets too dark.
  7. Check doneness by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear. Skin should be sticky and caramelized.
  8. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme over the chicken. Let rest off heat for 3 minutes to lock in juices.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for crispy skin. Do not crowd the pan to avoid soggy skin. Spoon glaze frequently to build layers of flavor. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. Let chicken rest before serving. If glaze thickens too fast, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, crispy chicken, honey glaze, mustard glaze