Name: Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on); 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)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors with a rich, savory punch, you’re going to love these Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs. This recipe transforms simple chicken thighs into a juicy, caramelized delight where the brown sugar melts into the tangy Dijon mustard, creating a luscious glaze that clings to every bite. It’s easy to make yet impressive enough to serve for dinner company or a cozy weeknight meal, highlighting how a handful of straightforward ingredients can deliver an extraordinary taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs recipe plays a starring role in building the dish’s depth. From the sweet richness of brown sugar to the sharp flair of Dijon mustard and aromatic herbs, each adds its unique texture, color, or flavor, making the final dish irresistible and well-rounded.

4 large chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): The perfect cut for juicy, tender meat with crispy, flavorful skin.
1/4 cup brown sugar (dark or light): Adds wonderful caramelized sweetness that balances the mustard’s sharpness.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy, slightly spicy kick that’s key to the glaze’s signature flavor.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and keeps it moist during baking.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a warm, savory depth to enrich the overall taste.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the dish.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle heat that complements but doesn’t overpower.
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme): Brings an earthy aroma and fresh herbaceous note to the glaze.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional): Adds a mild tangy contrast, lifting all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s perfectly ready to cook your chicken to a crisp, golden finish. This temperature ensures you get a beautiful balance of juicy meat and crispy skin.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and apple cider vinegar if you’re using it. Whisk until the ingredients are completely blended, creating a thick, flavorful sauce that’s bursting with sweet and tangy notes.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet, then pour your marinade all over. Use a spoon or your hands to make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. For even deeper flavor, you can refrigerate the marinated chicken for up to two hours—though it’s delicious even if you skip this step.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken so it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown, signaling it’s ready and full of flavor.

Step 5: Rest and Crisp the Skin

Once out of the oven, let your Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs rest for five minutes. This step is key to locking in the juices for tender, moist bites. For an extra special touch, slide the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp up the skin even more—it’s pure bliss!

How to Serve Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Brighten up your plate with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme sprinkled on top just before serving. A light zest of lemon can also elevate the glaze with a pop of citrusy freshness, making every bite sparkle.

Side Dishes

These chicken thighs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, which soak up that incredible pan sauce like a dream. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors, making the meal perfectly balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of fun, serve the chicken atop a bed of garlic butter quinoa or alongside caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms. Even stacking slices on a toasted baguette for a sandwich twist turns this dish into an easy, flavorful lunch or picnic treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken retains its wonderful flavor and moisture, making it easy to reheat for a tasty second meal.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the chicken completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the skin crispy. Alternatively, use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to revive that freshly cooked texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes and keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The flavors will be just as delicious.

Is the apple cider vinegar necessary?

While optional, apple cider vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. If you prefer a milder glaze, feel free to skip it without losing much of the dish’s charm.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just double-check that your Dijon mustard doesn’t have any added gluten-containing ingredients.

What’s the best way to get crispy skin?

Starting skin-side down in a hot oven and finishing with a few minutes under the broiler will deliver beautifully crispy skin that’s golden and irresistible. Don’t skip the broiler step if you love crunchy skin!

How long can I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal to let the flavors really sink in. Beyond 2 hours, the acid from the vinegar might start to alter the texture of the chicken, so it’s best not to go much longer.

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs have become one of those go-to recipes that bring warmth and comfort to the table without any fuss. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—its balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors is simply irresistible. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation, perfect for any occasion!

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

Author: Rafael
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy marinade made from brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs. Baked until golden and tender with a crispy skin, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or meal prep.

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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly and developing a crispy skin.
Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and apple cider vinegar if using, until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Coat Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. For deeper flavor, cover and marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Bake Chicken: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin becomes golden brown and crisp.
Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat for a tender and juicy bite.
Optional Crisping: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Serve: Serve the chicken thighs hot with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Notes

You can marinate the chicken overnight for an even more intense flavor.
Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best texture and moisture retention.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your dietary needs.
If you prefer, substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme by tripling the quantity.
Apple cider vinegar is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and perfect doneness.
This recipe pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American