# Honey, Mustard, and Garlic Baked Chicken Thighs
These chicken thighs baked in the oven are simply yet wonderfully flavored with honey, mustard, and garlic. You most likely already have these ingredients in your kitchen. The honey’s sweetness complements the subtle savoriness of garlic perfectly. If you’re in search of something unique, additional flavor ideas can be found below.
If you were to ask me what I could enjoy repeatedly, I would choose chicken thighs without a doubt. They are incredibly adaptable, rich in flavor, and utterly delightful. I would choose thighs over breast every time.
## The Key to Moist Chicken Thighs: Tempering
Tempering involves removing the chicken from the refrigerator and allowing it to rest on the counter in a cool area. This process ensures you get the juiciest, most evenly cooked chicken you’ll ever taste. Warming your chicken allows for consistent cooking throughout. Cooking chicken straight out of a cold fridge can lead to quicker cooking on the outside than on the inside, risking dryness.
Prepare your chicken, let it temper/marinate for around 10-15 minutes, and then preheat the oven. By the time your oven heats up, your chicken should be tempered.
## Instructions for Baking Chicken Thighs
For the most succulent oven-baked chicken thighs, opt for bone-in, skin-on pieces. A high oven temperature aids in crisping the skin, while the bone ensures the meat remains moist and juicy.
1. **Dry Off:** Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to dry the exterior of your chicken. Dry skin is crucial for achieving crispiness.
2. **Season:** Place the thighs in a bowl and pour in the sauce, which includes a little oil. The oil facilitates heat distribution, ensuring crisp skin and adding taste.
3. **Bake:** Arrange the thighs skin-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish at 425°F for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F.
## Regarding Garlic
Many individuals dislike dirtying a cutting board just for garlic. A garlic press can be a practical alternative. While some might view garlic presses as single-purpose tools that don’t warrant space in the kitchen, they can simplify tasks and enhance enjoyment.
## Baking Times for Chicken Thighs
– **Boneless skinless chicken thighs:** Bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes.
– **Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs:** Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes if properly tempered.
– **Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs:** Bake at 425°F for 35-40 minutes if taken directly from the fridge.
Bake until the internal temperature registers at 165°F or until the juices run clear.
## Comparing Bone-in Skin-on and Boneless Skinless
This recipe recommends using skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs since the skin crisps up beautifully and self-bastes the meat beneath. Bone-in meat boasts more flavor and juiciness due to its even cooking. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are also tasty and can be utilized in this recipe without issue.
## Variations on Chicken Thighs
### Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
For fans of crispy chicken, consider adding an extra layer of crispy panko breadcrumb coating. Panko offers a super crispy skin, while the honey garlic mustard marinade keeps the chicken juicy.
#### Steps for Making Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Thighs
1. Season and marinate the thighs following the original recipe.
2. Pour 2 cups of panko into a shallow bowl.
3. Dip the chicken into the panko, pressing to ensure it sticks to all sides.
4. Arrange the chicken on a lightly greased wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
### Flavor Variations
– **Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs:** Combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp oregano, and the juice of half a lemon. Drizzle over the thighs and bake.
– **Teriyaki Chicken Thighs:** Combine 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 2 tbsp mirin, 2 tbsp sake, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Pour over the thighs and bake.
– **Sweet and Spicy Chicken Thighs:** Mix 1 tbsp neutral oil, 2 tbsp gochujang, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp honey. Pour over the thighs and bake.
## How to Reheat Chicken Thighs
– **In the Microwave:** Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat for 1 minute at a time until warmed through.
– **In the Oven:** Preheat the oven to 325°F, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake until warmed thoroughly.
## FAQ
– **Is it necessary to marinate chicken thighs overnight?**