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Juicy Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Thighs

honey mustard grilled chicken thighs - featured image

A simple and flavorful grilled chicken thigh recipe featuring a tangy honey mustard marinade that creates a juicy, tender, and smoky dish perfect for summer gatherings and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 pounds / 900g)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (60g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (2g)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley or thyme for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add the bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs to the marinade, turning each piece to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 4 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C). If using charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.
  4. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill grates. Grill for 6–8 minutes without moving to develop grill marks and crispy skin.
  5. Flip the chicken and grill for another 7–10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with reserved marinade if desired. Total grilling time should be about 15–18 minutes.
  6. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The skin should be golden and slightly charred.
  7. Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum juiciness. Avoid flipping the chicken repeatedly to develop a crispy crust. Manage flare-ups caused by honey by keeping a spray bottle of water nearby. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or bake in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through. Marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours, but no longer than 4 hours to avoid mushy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard chicken, grilled chicken thighs, summer barbecue, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken, backyard grilling