Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe – Quick & Easy Turmeric Glaze

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe – Quick & Easy Turmeric Glaze

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s become a weeknight staple in my kitchen. Seriously, these Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs are so easy to make, packed with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. The turmeric adds a beautiful golden hue and a subtle warmth that just elevates the whole dish. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another chicken recipe. It’s a flavor bomb! The sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, combined with the earthy turmeric, creates a truly irresistible taste. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – perfect for a quick family dinner or even a little get-together. Honestly, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 pounds chicken thighs
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
• 3 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons raw honey

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

Avocado Oil: Benefits & Substitutions

Avocado oil is my go-to for stir-frying because of its high smoke point. It lets you get a nice sear on the chicken without the oil breaking down. But if you don’t have it, you can easily substitute with vegetable oil or canola oil.

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in vs. Boneless

I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe because they cook faster and are super tender. However, bone-in thighs work great too – just adjust the cooking time accordingly (you’ll need about 30-35 minutes).

Turmeric: The Golden Spice – Health Benefits & Flavor Profile

Turmeric isn’t just about color! It’s a powerhouse of health benefits and adds a lovely, subtle earthy flavor. Don’t skip it! A little goes a long way.

Dijon Mustard: Choosing the Right Kind

Dijon mustard provides that classic tangy kick. I like to use a smooth Dijon, but a grainy one will also work if you prefer a bit of texture.

Raw Honey: Local vs. Processed – Impact on Flavor Profile

Raw honey is best here, as it has a more complex flavor than processed honey. If you can, try to source local honey – it’s not only delicious but also supports local beekeepers!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business!

1. First, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken thighs, salt, black pepper, and turmeric. Give it a good stir to coat everything evenly.
3. Now, stir-fry for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Keep an eye on it – if it starts releasing a lot of moisture, crank up the heat to high to get a nice sear.
4. While the chicken is cooking, let’s make the honey mustard sauce. In a small bowl, combine the dijon mustard, raw honey, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy.
5. Once the chicken is cooked through, turn off the heat. Pour that glorious honey mustard sauce over the chicken and toss everything to coat each piece beautifully.

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make this recipe even better!

Achieving Perfectly Crispy Chicken Thighs

Don’t overcrowd the pan! This lowers the temperature and steams the chicken instead of searing it. Work in batches if needed.

Balancing the Sweetness & Tang of the Sauce

Taste the sauce before adding it to the chicken! You can adjust the honey or mustard to your liking.

The Role of Turmeric in Flavor & Color

Turmeric not only adds a beautiful golden color but also a subtle earthy flavor that complements the honey mustard perfectly.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas!

Vegan Honey Mustard Chicken (Tofu/Seitan Adaptation)

Swap the chicken thighs for firm or extra-firm tofu (pressed to remove excess water) or seitan. The cooking time will be a bit shorter, so keep an eye on it.

Gluten-Free Honey Mustard Chicken

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your Dijon mustard is also gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment: Adding Chili Flakes or Cayenne Pepper

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the honey mustard sauce. My friend, Priya, loves adding a generous pinch!

Festival Adaptation: Honey Mustard Chicken for Diwali/Eid Celebrations

Serve this with a side of jeera rice and raita for a festive Diwali or Eid meal. It’s a delicious and easy addition to any celebration.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken is amazing with so many sides! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Steamed rice
• Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, potatoes)
• A fresh salad
• Garlic naan

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great cold in a salad or reheated for a quick lunch.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What cut of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my preference for speed and tenderness, but bone-in thighs work well too.

Can I use a different oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, vegetable oil or canola oil are good substitutes.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the honey mustard sauce?

Simply add more or less honey to suit your taste.

What side dishes pair well with honey mustard chicken?

Rice, roasted vegetables, and salad are all fantastic options.

Can I marinate the chicken in the honey mustard sauce before cooking?

You can, but I find it’s not necessary. The sauce coats the chicken beautifully during cooking.