Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe

Introduction

This Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors for a deliciously sticky glaze and crispy skin. It’s an easy oven-baked dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.

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. For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before baking.
4. Step 4: 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 turns golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
7. Step 7: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
• Substitute fresh thyme if available for a brighter herbal note.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
• Use skinless chicken thighs if you prefer less fat, though the skin adds great flavor and texture.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the skin crispy, reheat in a hot oven or under the broiler for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust baking time accordingly and keep an eye on internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating is optional but recommended for deeper flavor. Even a short 30-minute marinate will improve the taste, while longer marinating (up to 2 hours) enhances the glaze and tenderness.

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 61 reviews

This Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs baked to golden perfection with a sweet and tangy marinade made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs. The dish is easy to prepare and ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner, with an option to marinate beforehand for enhanced taste and a final broil for irresistibly crispy skin.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 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 thighs evenly.
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 well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
3. Coat Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Optionally, cover and refrigerate to marinate for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
4. Bake Chicken: Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin turns golden brown.
5. Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender.
6. Broil for Crispiness: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Notes

• Marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours enhances the depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
• Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor.
• Adjust the sugar quantity if you prefer a less sweet dish.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for crispy, golden skin.

Keywords: chicken thighs, brown sugar chicken, Dijon mustard chicken, baked chicken recipe, easy dinner, juicy chicken thighs