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Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Herb Marinade

honey mustard grilled chicken thighs - featured image

A quick and easy grilled chicken thigh recipe featuring a simple five-ingredient honey mustard herb marinade that delivers bold, balanced flavors with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup (85 g) honey
  • 3 tablespoons (45 g) Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (8 g) fresh herbs (thyme and rosemary, or parsley/oregano as alternatives)
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl or large zip-top bag, combine honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Whisk or seal and shake to combine well. (5 minutes)
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours for best flavor. (30-120 minutes)
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 400°F (205°C). Oil the grates if using a grill to prevent sticking. (10 minutes)
  4. Grill the chicken: Place chicken thighs skin-side down on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip and grill the other side for 5-6 minutes. Optionally baste with leftover marinade. Watch for flare-ups and move chicken if needed. (12-15 minutes)
  5. Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to check that juices run clear and meat is no longer pink. (1-2 minutes)
  6. Rest the chicken: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. (5 minutes)
  7. Serve and garnish: Plate the chicken thighs and sprinkle with extra fresh herbs for color and flavor.

Notes

For crispier skin, finish under a hot broiler for 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor. Use a spray bottle of water to manage flare-ups caused by honey sugars. If using boneless thighs, reduce grilling time by a minute or two. Olive oil can be swapped with avocado oil for a milder flavor and higher smoke point. Dried herbs can be used at half the quantity of fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey mustard chicken, grilled chicken thighs, easy marinade, herb marinade, quick dinner, backyard grilling, simple chicken recipe