Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apricot-Mustard Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared chicken thighs glazed with a tangy honey and apricot mustard sauce, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends skin-on bone-in chicken thighs, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 6 bone-in chicken thighs with skin and season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken thighs skin-side down.
  3. Step 3: Sear for 7-8 minutes without moving until skin is golden brown and crispy, then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken thighs and set aside on a plate, leaving drippings in the skillet.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/3 cup apricot preserves, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, and 1/4 cup water into the skillet; cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to glaze.
  7. Step 7: Serve the chicken thighs hot, drizzled generously with the apricot-mustard glaze.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apricot-Mustard Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apricot-Mustard Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apricot-Mustard Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apricot-Mustard Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Honey-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Apricot-Mustard Sauce?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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