Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Honey Mustard Thyme Sauce

• total time: 43 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

o 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

o 1 tbsp olive oil

o 1 tsp garlic powder

o 1 tsp paprika

o Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Honey Mustard Thyme Sauce:

o 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

o 1/4 cup honey

o 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

o 1 tbsp olive oil

o 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)

o Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

o Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

o In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.

Bake the Chicken:

o Place the chicken thighs, skin-side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack.

o Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Make the Honey Mustard Thyme Sauce:

o While the chicken is baking, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.

o Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Glaze the Chicken:

o Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Brush the honey mustard thyme sauce generously over the crispy skin of each chicken thigh.

o Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and become sticky.

Serve:

o Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with additional honey mustard thyme sauce on the side.

o This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs; just adjust the cooking time, as they may cook faster.

For extra crunch, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes after glazing.

Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an added kick.

This Crispy Baked Chicken Thighs with Honey Mustard Thyme Sauce is a delightful combination of textures and flavors—crispy, juicy chicken paired with a tangy-sweet sauce that's perfect for a we