Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
