Description
These Crispy Brown Sugar Mustard Chicken Thighs offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors with a beautifully crisp skin. The combination of brown sugar and Dijon mustard creates a caramelized glaze that enhances the juicy, tender chicken cooked to perfection in a skillet and finished in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mustard Glaze
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken after searing.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance the flavor and help crisp the skin.
- Make Mustard Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard if using, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth and combined.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot oil and sear for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. This step locks in moisture and adds texture.
- Add Glaze and Flip: Flip the chicken thighs to the other side and immediately spoon the prepared mustard glaze generously over each piece to coat them well.
- Roast in Oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra-crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- You can use boneless chicken thighs; just reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
