Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Juicy and flavorful brown sugar Dijon chicken thighs baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy glaze. This simple and delicious recipe combines the richness of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with a marinade of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, and a hint of apple cider vinegar for extra zest.
- 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken thighs to a crispy, golden perfection.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and optional apple cider vinegar. Whisk until well mixed to create a flavorful glaze.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. For deeper flavor, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin turns golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy chicken thighs.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours enhances flavor but is optional if short on time.
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the best flavor and moisture retention.
- You can use either light or dark brown sugar depending on your sweetness preference.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, do not skip the apple cider vinegar.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to guarantee the chicken is safely cooked.
Keywords: brown sugar chicken, Dijon chicken thighs, baked chicken thighs, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken recipe
