Looking for a mouthwatering dish that’s both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Balsamic Honey Mustard Baked Chicken! This delightful recipe combines the tangy richness of balsamic vinegar, the sweetness of honey, and the zesty kick of Dijon mustard to create a marinade that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. In just 35 minutes, you can serve up succulent chicken thighs that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy, yet gourmet meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until the ingredients are fully combined and create a smooth, glossy marinade.
- Brush the chicken thighs with olive oil, ensuring even coverage to help promote golden browning during baking.
- Pour half of the balsamic honey mustard mixture over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting during cooking.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, basting with the remaining marinade halfway through cooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Make sure to pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step is crucial for achieving that delicious crispy skin you crave!
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, let the chicken marinate in the balsamic honey mustard mixture for an hour or even overnight in the fridge. This will enhance the flavors even more.
- Baste for Juiciness: Don’t forget to baste the chicken with the reserved marinade halfway through cooking. This will keep the chicken moist and infuse it with even more flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This lets the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch of elegance, garnish your chicken with freshly chopped parsley or thyme before serving. It adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 125mg
