Why You’ll Love These Easy Dijon Chicken Thighs
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and foolproof dinner, these Easy Dijon Chicken Thighs are the perfect answer. This recipe features bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs that are first pan-seared until golden and crispy, then brushed with a sweet and tangy honey Dijon glaze, and finally roasted to perfection in the oven. With only a handful of ingredients and just 25 minutes of total cook time, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and savory-sweet honey Dijon sauce make this a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
What Are Easy Dijon Chicken Thighs?
Easy Dijon Chicken Thighs are a simple yet flavorful dish where bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are seasoned, seared, and roasted before being brushed with a honey Dijon glaze. The combination of savory Dijon mustard, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic creates a well-balanced and irresistible flavor.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, family dinner, or even meal prep, as it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4 thighs)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
For the Honey Dijon Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
How to Make Easy Dijon Chicken Thighs
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat both sides of the chicken thighs dry using a paper towel to ensure crispy skin.
- Season both sides with ½ teaspoon kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a cast iron skillet or an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
- Roast the chicken thighs for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the honey Dijon glaze by whisking together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a small mixing bowl.
- After 10 minutes, remove the skillet from the oven and brush the tops of the chicken thighs with the honey Dijon glaze.
- Return the skillet to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest & Serve
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Easy Dijon Chicken Thighs
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve crispy skin.
- Use an oven-safe skillet like a cast iron pan to sear and roast the chicken in one pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; work in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
What to Serve with Easy Dijon Chicken Thighs
This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes for a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some great options:
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and buttery potatoes complement the rich honey Dijon glaze.
- Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a healthy side.
- Steamed Rice or Quinoa – A neutral base to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garden Salad – A light and fresh side for contrast.
- Crusty Bread – Perfect for mopping up the flavorful juices.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second increments until warm, though this may slightly soften the crispy skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well but reduce the roasting time to about 15 minutes total.
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as boneless chicken breasts cook faster. Aim for 18-20 minutes total cooking time.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can season the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The honey Dijon glaze is sweet, tangy, and savory.
- One-Pan Cooking: Easy cleanup and minimal prep.
- Family-Friendly: A meal that both kids and adults will love.
- Gluten-Free & Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Advertisement
🍯 Easy Honey Dijon Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
Description
Golden, crispy chicken thighs brushed with a sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce—ready in just 25 minutes! This simple, flavor-packed one-pan meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
✔️ 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
✔️ ¾ tsp kosher salt, divided
✔️ ½ tsp garlic powder
✔️ ⅛ tsp black pepper
✔️ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔️ 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
✔️ 1 tsp honey
✔️ 1 large garlic clove, minced
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Season
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with ½ tsp salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2️⃣ Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) over medium heat.
- Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until golden brown.
3️⃣ Roast in the Oven
- Flip chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Roast for 10 minutes.
4️⃣ Prepare the Honey Dijon Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and ¼ tsp salt.
5️⃣ Brush & Finish Cooking
- After 10 minutes, brush chicken with the honey Dijon sauce.
- Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
✔️ Extra crispy skin – Let the chicken air-dry in the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking.
✔️ Use a splatter screen – The hot oil can splatter when searing the skin.
✔️ Pair with sides – Serve with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-4
Final Thoughts
These Easy Honey Dijon Chicken Thighs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The crispy skin, tender meat, and irresistible glaze make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Share your photos and tag us on social media using #EasyDijonChickenThighs.