Description
Juicy and tender chicken thighs glazed with a perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard, enhanced with smoky savory smoked turkey bacon. This quick and flavorful dish is ideal for busy nights or impressing guests with minimal ingredients and fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 6 skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons honey (natural)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (natural)
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the delicious glaze that will coat the chicken thighs.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Massage the sauce into the meat, ensuring every piece is covered. For best flavor, let the chicken sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, reserving some of the rendered fat in the skillet for cooking the chicken.
- Sear the chicken thighs: Heat the reserved smoked turkey bacon fat in the skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and sear until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Finish cooking: Flip the chicken thighs over and add the remaining marinade to the pan. Lower the heat and cover, allowing the chicken to cook through for another 15 to 20 minutes, basting occasionally with the glaze to maximize flavor.
- Add crispy smoked turkey bacon: Chop the cooked smoked turkey bacon and sprinkle it on top of the finished chicken thighs before serving to add extra smokiness and crunch.
Notes
- Pat dry chicken thighs before searing to ensure a crispy skin.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes; up to 2 hours is ideal for deeper flavor.
- Use skin-on chicken thighs to lock in moisture and create a crispy texture.
- Baste the chicken regularly during cooking to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze and bacon
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal, savory chicken, sweet and tangy chicken, gluten free