Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs with Maple-Glazed Carrots
Crispy-skinned chicken thighs bathed in a sticky sweet-tangy honey-mustard sauce, paired with caramelized carrots for a foolproof family favorite. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs bone-in chicken thighs, Dijon mustard, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 12 oz, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch coins carrots
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 8 oz chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy; flip and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add 12 oz sliced carrots to the skillet with 1 tbsp butter, stirring to coat. Cook for 3 minutes until edges start to soften.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tbsp maple syrup until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the sauce over the carrots, stir to combine, and return chicken to the skillet, skin-side up.
- Step 6: Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and carrots are tender.
- Step 7: Remove from oven, sprinkle with 1 tsp chopped thyme, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs with Maple-Glazed Carrots take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs with Maple-Glazed Carrots?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Mustard Chicken Thighs with Maple-Glazed Carrots?
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-Mustard Chicken Thighs with Maple-Glazed Carrots for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Mustard Chicken Thighs with Maple-Glazed Carrots?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many chicken recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.