Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

These Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs combine sweet and tangy flavors with juicy, tender meat and crispy skin. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is simple yet full of depth.

Ingredients

• 4 large chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Whisk the ingredients until well mixed.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly. You can also let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
4. Step 4: Once the chicken is coated, place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute for a more tender bite.
7. Step 7: For a crispy skin, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.

Tips & Variations

• Marinating the chicken for 1-2 hours intensifies the flavors but is optional if short on time.
• Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a subtle spicy kick.
• If you prefer boneless thighs, adjust baking time to 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy skin, or microwave covered for convenience but the skin may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes as breasts cook faster. Keep an eye on the internal temperature to avoid drying out.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can use whole grain mustard or yellow mustard as alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different. Dijon provides a smooth, sharp tang that complements the sweetness best.

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

These Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs are a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are coated in a rich marinade of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and thyme, then baked to perfection with a crispy, caramelized skin. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or special occasion, this recipe brings a gourmet touch with minimal effort.

• Author: Toney
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 large chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

Marinade

• 1/4 cup brown sugar (dark or light)
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and apple cider vinegar if using, until fully combined.
3. Coat Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in an oven-safe baking dish or skillet and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. For deeper flavor, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking.
4. Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin turns golden brown and caramelized.
5. Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
6. Broil for Crispy Skin (Optional): For extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for 2 hours enhances flavor but is optional for a quicker meal.
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar for sweetness preference.
• Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang but can be omitted if desired.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee the chicken is safely cooked.
• Broiling the chicken at the end is optional but adds a wonderful crispy finish to the skin.

Keywords: chicken thighs, brown sugar chicken, Dijon mustard, baked chicken, easy dinner, sweet and savory chicken