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Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe

5 from 14 reviews

These Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs combine the sweetness of brown sugar with the tangy zest of Dijon mustard to create a flavorful, tender, and juicy chicken dish. The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly acidic notes, while baking at high heat ensures a crispy golden skin. It’s an easy, delicious meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

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

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and apple cider vinegar if using until well combined.
  3. Coat the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, then pour the marinade over them. Use a spoon or your hands to ensure each piece is evenly coated. For best flavor, you can marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
  4. Bake the chicken: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin turns golden brown.
  5. Rest the chicken: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
  6. Optional broil for crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy skin, switch the oven to broil and cook the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best texture and juiciness.
  • Adjust the brown sugar quantity if you prefer less sweetness.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
  • Make sure not to overbake to avoid dry chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar chicken, Dijon chicken thighs, baked chicken recipe, sweet and tangy chicken, easy dinner recipe