Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe

Our honey mustard chicken thighs are sweet, savory and juicy with a perfect golden skin. The ingredients are simple, but you will end up with a delicious chicken dinner! We love a cast iron skillet recipe in my household! It gives the chicken the most delicious sear. And, it’s so easy to make! You just add everything to the cast iron and bake the chicken thighs to perfection. This is a great recipe to make for dinner after a busy work day!

You will need a few ingredients to make this recipe. These include chicken thighs, honey, and Dijon mustard. Also gather garlic cloves, extra-virgin olive oil, and dried rosemary. Don’t forget dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Most of these ingredients you may already have in the kitchen!

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This chicken thigh recipe is extremely easy to make and uses only one skillet. Pair them with roasted carrots and mashed potatoes for an easy weeknight meal. Or make a honey mustard chicken sandwich with potato buns, pickles and sweet potato fries. The honey and mustard together has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. The honey provides sweetness and a smooth texture, while the Dijon mustard adds a tangy and spicy flavor.  bake the chicken with skin side up to achieve a perfectly crispy, golden exterior. This allows it to render fat and crisp up, rather than becoming soggy.

Cooking tools you will need

• Sharp knife
• Cast iron skillet – 10 to 12 inch
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board

Every home cook needs a variety of tools in their kitchen for easy and enjoyable cooking. A few essential tools are a good knife and a cutting board. You will also need multiple sizes of mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spoons. Additionally, having a variety of sizes of pots and cooking pans is important. Of course you can purchase your tools new, but thrifting your kitchen equipment is a great option! I’ve found countless excellent quality cooking skillets at my local Goodwill. There are also many cast iron skillets. Plus, it’s good for the environment to buy second hand! I don’t recommend buying a wood cutting board from a thrift store due to potential bacteria contamination from the previous owner. Wood is porous and can accumulate bacteria, even with cleaning it. Hand-Me-Downs are a great way to start building your kitchen tool collection. My parents have gifted me many plates and bowls throughout the years!

Ingredients you’ll need

• chicken thighs
• honey
• Dijon mustard
• garlic gloves
• extra-virgin olive oil
• dried rosemary
• dried thyme
• salt
• black pepper

Ingredient substitution Ideas

If you’re missing a few of the ingredients at home, no problem! Honey can be easily substituted with white granulated sugar, brown sugar or syrup. If you don’t have dried rosemary or thyme, you can use Italian seasoning or dried oregano. Dijon mustard can be replaced by yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard or even horseradish! Make it a full dinner by adding potatoes and carrots to the cast iron! The vegetables will get perfectly roasted in the chicken juices; just make sure to give them a toss halfway through. I do recommend using bone-in chicken thighs with the skin. Roasting them in the oven makes it crispy on the outside. It also becomes juicy and tender on the inside. Cooking the chicken on a cast iron helps also it develop a rich and savory flavor. 

Step 1: How to prep the chicken thighs

Adjust your oven rack to the middle top position and preheat the oven to 350 degree °F. Pat dry the chicken thighs using paper towels and place them in a 10 to 12 inch cast iron skillet. Season all sides of each piece of chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper to your preference.

Step 2: How to make the honey mustard sauce

In a small bowl mix together 1/8 cup honey and 1/8 cup Dijon mustard. Add minced garlic cloves, 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Include 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir the mixture until its completely incorporated. Coat each of the chicken thighs with the honey mustard sauce until each piece is completely covered.

Step 3: How to bake the chicken thighs

Bake skin side up for 40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Turn the broil on and cook 2 to 3 more minutes to crisp the skin. The internal temperature should register 175°F. Carefully remove the cast iron from oven. Serve the honey mustard chicken thighs with the juices in the pan and enjoy!

Do honey and mustard go well together?

Yes, honey and mustard, known as honey mustard has the best balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Honey mustard is a great dipping sauce for chicken, fries, vegetables, burgers and more. You can also use it as a marinade or glaze, just like this honey mustard chicken thighs recipe! I would highly recommend adding honey mustard to salads, wraps and sandwiches; it is so tasty! The honey provides sweetness, while the Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly sharp, and spicy kick. Having a jar of honey and bottle of mustard around is a must in my household. You never know when you need to use it to whip up something tasty!

What can you serve with honey mustard chicken thighs?

Chicken, on its own, is so versatile and pairs nicely with so many different flavors and dishes. Along with honey and mustard! Keep it super simple and pair it with white rice and roasted broccoli. Since you are already roasting the chicken, adding a vegetable to the oven would make it a very easy dinner. Add some roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, asparagus or potatoes to the cast iron. You can make a honey mustard chicken sandwich. Serve it with brioche bread, pickles, and a homemade aioli sauce. That and a side of coleslaw or potato salad would be perfect to serve for a summer party! Pluck the chicken pieces off the bone. Add them on top of a pizza and enjoy a honey mustard chicken BBQ pizza!

Serve this honey mustard chicken with these easy recipes!

• Roasted Lemon Potatoes & Carrots Recipe
• Easy Homemade Aioli Recipe
• Garlic French Bread Recipe
• Lemon Garlic Rice Recipe
• Potato Wedge Fries Recipe
• Honey Carrots Recipe
• Thai Wheat Garlic Noodles Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs

Yield: 4 pieces

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs bone-in with skin
• 1/8 cup honey
• 1/8 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Pat dry the chicken thighs and place in a 10 to 12 inch cast iron skillet. Season each piece of chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• In a small bowl mix together 1/8 cup honey, 1/8 cup Dijon mustard, minced garlic cloves, 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Completely coat each of the chicken thighs with the honey mustard sauce.
• Bake skin side up for 40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should register 175°F). Turn the broil on and cook 2 to 3 more minutes to crisp the skin. Remove from oven
• Serve with the juices in the pan

Health benefits from using chicken thighs in cooking

Chicken thighs can be a nutritious and flavorful part of a balanced diet. They are rich in protein, providing all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and overall body function. Chicken thighs offer key nutrients like iron. Iron is especially important for women and those with higher iron needs. They also provide zinc, which supports immune health. Additionally, chicken thighs contain several B vitamins, such as thiamine, niacin, and B12, that are essential for energy metabolism. They also contain selenium, which supports thyroid health. Tryptophan, an amino acid, plays a role in mood regulation by aiding serotonin production.

Compared to chicken breasts, thighs have a higher fat content. Much of this fat is unsaturated and contributes to their moist texture. This enhances their richer flavor. This can make them more satisfying and reduce the need for excess salt during cooking. However, because of the higher fat and calorie content, enjoy them in moderation. Be mindful of preparation methods to keep them as healthy as possible.

For healthier options, consider removing the skin before cooking to cut down on saturated fat. Opt for cooking methods like grilling, baking, or roasting rather than frying to avoid unnecessary added fats. When seasoning, use herbs and spices instead of salt to control sodium intake. Lastly, be conscious of portion sizes, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. With thoughtful preparation and moderation, chicken thighs can be a delicious and nourishing choice in your diet. (Paraphrased; ChatGPT, June 27, 2025)

Do not through away the chicken bones

Make sure to save the bones after eating the chicken thighs! Add them to an airtight container with a lid. Put them in a freezer until you need some delicious chicken broth. I normally like to save 2-3 cups of chicken bones until I make a batch of broth. When its time to make soup, add the chicken bones to a large pot over medium high heat. Along with smashed garlic cloves, chopped shallot, a bay leaf, dried thyme, your favorite seasonings and salt to your preference. Carefully cover the chicken bones with 6 cups of water. Wait until the liquid comes to a simmer. You’ll see some white foam collecting on the surface as the water comes to a boil. Skim this off and discard. Once boiling, cover the pot and turn down the heat to low.  Simmer for at least 40 minutes, but up to 6-8 hours for a richer flavor. Carefully strain the broth and set aside to completely cool. Use immediately, refrigerate in a container with a lid for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

Why you should use a cast iron skillet for cooking chicken

Cooking chicken thighs in a cast iron skillet is my favorite way to cook chicken. It always seems to come out perfect! Because of the even heat distribution, a cast iron skillet will give you a crispy outside sear. It also ensures the chicken has a juicy interior. A well-seasoned cast iron can add even more flavor to your chicken as it cooks. Seasoning a cast iron skillet involves baking a thin layer of oil onto the pan. This process builds up a protective layer that prevents rust. It also makes the skillet easier to cook with over time. They are also super durable and can last a very long time if you are taking care of it. I thrifted mine close to 8 years ago and its good as new!

Check out these chicken recipes next!

• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Breast 
• Crunchy Buffalo Ranch Chicken
• Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken
• Easy Korean Chicken Breast
• Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders 

Give this lemon potatoes & chicken thighs recipe cooked in a cast iron skillet next!

Oven baked lemon potatoes & chicken thighs is seriously tasty & so easy to make. The chicken is juicy, the potatoes zesty & everything is roasted to perfection in a cast iron skillet. Growing up, my mom would make this Lemon Potatoes & Chicken recipe for dinner pretty often! I can see why; its easy to make, the ingredients are affordable and it is delicious. The potatoes are my favorite part and pair beautifully with the juicy chicken thighs. The lemon potatoes in this dish are out of this world tasty. They get slightly browned on the outside and very soft on the inside. The lemon sauce gives everything a sour and savory taste which is so satisfying. The skin on the chicken thighs get so crispy, all together creating the perfect bite. this cast iron skillet dinner for a date and your house will be filled with the greatest smell! The juicy chicken, tangy lemony sauce and perfectly roasted potatoes are a match made in heaven. This recipe is too good for it to be this easy.

Servings: 2-3

Ingredients

• 9 oz skin-on, bone in chicken thighs (about 3 thighs)
• 2 large russet potatoes, peeled, cut longwise and then quartered to 1 inch pieces
• 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes
• 3/4 chicken broth
• Optional: lemon slices for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. adjust oven to middle top rack position. Lightly oil a 10 inch cast iron skillet
2. In large bowl, add the chicken and potatoes. In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice and olive oil. Add minced garlic. Mix in oregano, salt, rosemary, black pepper, and chili flakes. Add the lemon mixture to the chicken and potatoes. Mix until evenly coated.
3. Put the chicken thighs skin-side up on the cast iron skillet. Add the potatoes around chicken. Evenly pour the chicken broth over the chicken and potatoes. Bake on the middle top rack for 20 minutes.
4. Remove the cast iron from the oven and mix the potatoes around. Add the skillet back to the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through, about 25 more minutes. (Internal temp. of chicken should be 165 degrees F.)
5. Remove the skillet from the oven. Increase the oven to broil. Add the chicken from the cast iron to a cutting board and let it rest.
6. Give the potatoes a good toss in the pan, scraping up the bits on the bottom. Broil the potatoes for another 3-5 minutes. They should be slightly browned on the outside. Ensure they are soft on the inside.
7. Serve the chicken and potatoes with any leftover juices in the pan. Enjoy with lemon slices!

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My name is Hannah and I’m a home cook who loves to share my favorite recipes! My dad is from Pakistan and my mom from Utah. Both are extremely amazing home cooks and have taught me how to create delicious recipes they had growing up. I believe sharing recipes or cooking food at home creates a beautiful community AND helps to keep you creative! It allows for personal expression through your combination of flavors, textures, and how you present the dish.

Share your favorite way to make chicken thighs or what you’re making for dinner tonight in the comments below! Make sure to subscribe to my blog Staycreative.blog for more easy recipes. If I can cook it, you can make it!