Mustard-glazed chicken is a recipe that feels just right. It’s easy enough for a quick dinner but also fancy enough for guests.
It’s a favorite in my house.
And guess what? It’s super easy to make!
Recipe Overview
This dish is all about the yummy mix of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. The chicken turns out really juicy, with a shiny glaze that gets a little crispy in the oven.
The mustard gives it a nice kick, which is balanced by the sweetness of the glaze. It’s a taste that’s both familiar and exciting.
You can eat it with lots of things. Try it with roasted veggies, a salad, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Everyone will love it, and it might become a new go-to meal.
It’s great for a busy weeknight or a chill weekend dinner.
Ingredients for Mustard-Glazed Chicken
Here’s what you need to get:
- Chicken: 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds). Chicken breasts work too, but thighs stay more moist.
- Dijon Mustard: 1/4 cup. Dijon tastes the best, but other mustards can work.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons. This makes it sweet and helps the glaze get shiny. Maple syrup is a good swap.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. This adds a little extra zing and balances the sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon. This gives it a deep, savory flavor. Tamari is a good option if you can’t have gluten.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon.
If you’re missing a spice powder, don’t worry. The main flavors are from the mustard, honey, and vinegar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Turn your oven on to 400°F (200°C). Get a baking dish and grease it lightly. A 9×13 inch dish is a good size.
- Make the Glaze: Get a medium bowl. Mix the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and a bit thick.
- Coat the Chicken: Put the chicken thighs in the baking dish. Pour the mustard glaze on top. Make sure all the chicken is covered. You can use a spoon or your hands to spread it around.
- Bake: Put the chicken in the oven for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the inside temperature is 165°F (74°C). The glaze will be bubbly and a little crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check the inside temperature.
- Rest and Serve: When the chicken is cooked, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before you eat it. This keeps it juicy and tasty.
Variations & Tips
- Make it Spicy: Add a tiny bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze for some heat.
- Add Herbs: Mix in dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
- Make it Early: You can get the chicken and glaze ready ahead of time. Keep them in the fridge separately. When you’re ready, just put the glaze on the chicken and bake.
- Leftovers: Keep leftover chicken in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm it up gently in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with roasted potaotes, sweet potaotes, rice or green salad.
Key Details for Mustard-Glazed Chicken
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Stuff you need: Baking dish, medium bowl, whisk (something to stir with)
FAQ
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should be 165°F (74°C) inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a piece open. The juice should be clear, and the meat shouldn’t be pink.
Can I use chicken with bones?
Yes, but it will take longer to cook. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s 165°F (74°C) inside.
Can I grill the chicken?
Yes! Heat your grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until it’s cooked. Put the glaze on during the last few minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can put the glaze on the chicken and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also make the glaze a few days early and keep it separate.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
You can use white vinegar or lemon juice instead. It will taste a little different, but still good.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari), it is gluten-free. Check the labels of everything you use to be sure.