Description
A simple and flavorful Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs recipe combining sweet honey (natural) and tangy mustard (natural) with smoky smoked turkey bacon for juicy, tender chicken thighs perfect for any weeknight or cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Meat
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Marinade and Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey (natural)
- 1/4 cup mustard (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine honey (natural), mustard (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.
- Season the chicken thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, and finely chopped fresh herbs. This primes the meat for rich flavor absorption.
- Brown the smoked turkey bacon and chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon slices and cook until crispy, then remove and set aside. In the bacon fat, sear the chicken thighs skin-side down until golden and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
- Coat chicken with the honey mustard sauce: Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken in the skillet. Return the crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces to the pan, ensuring everything is coated evenly. Sprinkle the natural gelling agent sparingly to thicken the sauce while it simmers gently.
- Simmer to perfection: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 20 to 25 minutes, or until fully cooked through and tender, with the sauce reduced to a luscious glaze.
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry to ensure crisp skin when seared.
- Use bone-in thighs to keep the meat juicier during cooking.
- Do not skip the smoked turkey bacon as it adds a smoky depth.
- Adjust sauce thickness slowly by adding the natural gelling agent carefully to reach desired glaze consistency.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juicy flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing and simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: honey mustard chicken, chicken thighs, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner, gluten free, easy recipe, sweet and tangy chicken
