Herbed Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs – Easy Air Fryer or Baked Recipe
Craving a sweet and savory chicken dinner that’s juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside? This herbed honey mustard chicken thighs recipe is everything you need for a flavorful, easy-to-make, protein-packed meal. Whether you cook it in the air fryer or oven, this mustard marinade chicken is bursting with garlic, Dijon, and Cajun spice goodness. Made with simple pantry staples, this is a perfect go-to weeknight chicken recipe that works beautifully for meal prep, family dinners, or casual entertaining. If you're looking for a high protein honey mustard chicken that’s gluten-free and packed with flavor, keep reading—you’re about to meet your new favorite chicken dish.
Recipe at a Glance
· Prep Time: 10 minutes
· Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
· Total Time: 30–35 minutes
· Servings: 6
· Calories: 320 per serving
· Protein: 33g per serving
Why You’ll Love This Summer Salad
· Crispy chicken skin and tender, juicy chicken thighs every time.
· Easy honey mustard chicken recipe with just a few ingredients.
· Customizable for air fryer or baked chicken dinners.
· Healthy honey mustard chicken that’s naturally gluten-free.
· Perfect for meal prep chicken with reheating versatility.
· Loaded with garlic and herb flavor from rosemary, thyme, and Cajun spices.
· Great for high protein diets or simple weeknight chicken recipes.
Ingredients
· 1.73 kg chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on recommended)
· 2.5 tablespoons Dijon mustard
· 1 tablespoon honey
· 2 teaspoons salt
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon garlic spice blend (or substitute more garlic powder + dried herbs)
· ½ tablespoon Cajun spice
· Olive oil spray
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, garlic spice blend, Cajun spice, and salt to create your honey mustard marinade.
3. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to help get that crispy chicken skin.
4. Place the chicken in a large bowl and coat with the marinade mixture. Rub it evenly under and over the skin.
5. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
6. For air fryer honey mustard chicken: Place in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
7. For baked honey mustard chicken: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving for the juiciest chicken thighs.
Nutrition
· Calories: 320
· Protein: 33g
· Fiber: 0g
Tips & Customizations
· Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a leaner version of this high protein honey mustard chicken.
· Add rosemary or thyme to the marinade for rosemary honey mustard or thyme honey mustard chicken flavor.
· Substitute chicken breasts for honey mustard chicken breast—reduce cook time slightly.
· Marinate chicken for up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
· Serve with roasted vegetables, salad, or quinoa for a full meal.
This dish makes excellent leftovers for meal prep chicken—store in airtight containers up to 4 days
Meal Prep & Storage
This garlic honey mustard chicken stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days and can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture. It’s an ideal high protein air fryer honey mustard chicken option for weekly meal prep. Pair with roasted vegetables, grains, or pack in wraps for variety throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Honey mustard chicken breast is leaner and cooks slightly faster. Just reduce cook time by 5–7 minutes.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?
A: Dijon provides more depth, but yellow mustard can be used for a milder flavor.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead?
A: Absolutely! This honey mustard chicken marinade works perfectly on the grill.
Q: How do I make this dish even crispier?
A: Make sure chicken skin is very dry before adding marinade and spray lightly with olive oil.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a new easy baked chicken dinner or a high protein air fryer honey mustard chicken for the week, this herbed honey mustard chicken recipe delivers. With simple ingredients, bold flavors, and juicy chicken thighs, it’s one of those meals you’ll want on repeat. It’s healthy, gluten-free, and makes an amazing addition to any meal prep rotation. Try it once and you’ll be adding this honey mustard chicken recipe to your permanent collection!
Tried this recipe? Let us know what you think and leave a comment below—What extra spices would you add?
