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 tender, juicy chicken, then you’re going to absolutely love these Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs. This recipe combines the richness of brown sugar with the sharp bite of Dijon mustard, all enhanced by aromatic herbs and garlic, creating a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s an easy, comforting meal that feels special but doesn’t demand complicated steps or fancy ingredients—making it a total win for weeknights or casual dinner parties.

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but pack a punch in flavor, creating a dish that’s both vibrant and deeply satisfying. Each component adds its own magic—from the sweet depth of brown sugar to the tangy bite of Dijon mustard, and the savory warmth from garlic and thyme, all coming together to make this dish unforgettable.

4 large chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): The skin crisps beautifully in the oven, locking in juicy flavor.
1/4 cup brown sugar (dark or light): Adds sweetness and helps create a delicious caramelized crust.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Brings sharp acidity to balance the sweetness and adds complexity.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and aids in browning the skin.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with savory depth and warmth.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme): Offers an earthy, herbal note that complements the mustard.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional): Lends a bright tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.

How to Make Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is just right to ensure the chicken skin crisps up nicely while the inside stays tender and juicy.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and, if using, apple cider vinegar. This combination creates an irresistible glaze that will stick to the chicken, infusing every bite with rich layers of flavor.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. For an even deeper flavor, cover and refrigerate to marinate for up to 2 hours. But if time’s tight, you can cook immediately and still enjoy plenty of taste.

Step 4: Bake!

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is a gorgeous golden brown. The brown sugar will caramelize beautifully without burning, creating a mouthwatering glaze.

Step 5: Rest and Optional Crisp

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This rest time allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy. If you’re craving extra crispiness, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end—watch it closely to achieve that perfect crunchy skin.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, thyme sprigs, or even a sprinkle of finely diced green onions add a lovely pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to complement the rich glaze.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness. For a more vibrant plate, try it alongside sautéed green beans or a citrusy quinoa salad for textural contrast and brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken thighs atop a bed of garlic herb couscous or wild rice pilaf, spooning some of the pan juices over the top. You could even shred the leftovers and stuff them into warm pita wraps with crisp veggies and a tangy yogurt sauce for a delicious twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs in an airtight container once cooled. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, freeze cooked chicken thighs in freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll last up to 3 months frozen. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture tender.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to bring back some of that crispy skin, or warm in the microwave for convenience. Adding a splash of water or broth can prevent drying out, making the chicken tasty and juicy again.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce the baking time by about 5-7 minutes and keep an eye on internal temperature to avoid overcooking.

Is the apple cider vinegar necessary?

It’s optional, but highly recommended! A little vinegar adds a lovely tang that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your Dijon mustard brand to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten additives.

How can I make the skin extra crispy?

The key is to bake at a high temperature and finish under the broiler for a couple of minutes. Removing excess marinade from the skin before baking can also help crispiness.

Can I prepare the chicken the night before?

Definitely! Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor even more. Just keep it covered in the fridge and bake it fresh the next day.

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs are one of those delightful dishes that feel special but are truly easy to make, bringing balanced flavors and comforting goodness to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises juicy, flavorful chicken every single time. Give it a try—I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to favorites too!

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Enjoy a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with these Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a luscious blend of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs, then baked to crispy-skinned perfection. A simple, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.

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’s hot enough for perfectly cooked chicken with crispy skin.
Prepare 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. This creates a flavorful and slightly sweet glaze.
Coat Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Pour the marinade evenly over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly. For best flavor, optionally marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Bake Chicken: Put the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin turns golden brown.
Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender meat.
Optional Broiling: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for up to 2 hours enhances the flavor but is optional.
Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide more flavor and juiciness than boneless, skinless.
Use either light or dark brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.
Apple cider vinegar adds tanginess but can be omitted if preferred.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.

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