Looking for a delicious and flavorful meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to impress? Look no further than this delightful Baked Chicken Thighs with Marmalade Mustard Sauce recipe. Combining the tangy sweetness of orange marmalade with the rich depth of mustard, this dish delivers a perfect balance of flavors that’s bound to become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe promises to bring smiles to the table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering dish:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ½ cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs offer rich flavor and stay juicy when baked. You can substitute with boneless thighs if preferred but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Orange Marmalade: The key ingredient that brings sweetness and citrusy notes. Ensure you use a quality marmalade for the best result.
- Dijon & Whole-Grain Mustard: The mix of these two types of mustard adds a complex and bold flavor that complements the marmalade.
- Honey: Adds an extra touch of sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelization on the chicken.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish large enough to fit all the chicken thighs comfortably.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the orange marmalade, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce will act both as a marinade and a glaze for the chicken thighs.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Place them into a large zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the marmalade mustard sauce over the chicken, ensuring they are well-coated. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor).
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator and arrange them in the prepared baking dish, skin side up. Pour any remaining marinade from the bag or dish over the chicken. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Glaze and Broil
Brush the remaining half of the marmalade mustard sauce over the baked chicken thighs. Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
- Slow Cooker Version (H3): For a tender and juicy result, try making this recipe in a slow cooker. After marinating the chicken, place the thighs in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The chicken will absorb all the flavors, becoming melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Orange Marmalade Chicken Marinade (H3): The marmalade mustard sauce also makes a fantastic marinade for other types of meat. Try using it with pork chops, drumsticks, or even grilled vegetables. Adjust the marinating time depending on the meat.
- Honey Orange Marmalade Chicken (H3): If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, increase the amount of honey in the recipe. The added sweetness balances the mustard’s tang perfectly.
- Spicy Kick (H3): For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marmalade mustard sauce for a spicy twist.
- Make-Ahead Option (H3): Marinate the chicken overnight for even more intense flavors. When you’re ready to cook, the dish will come together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves 4-6 people, with the following nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
The nutritional values will vary depending on portion size and the exact ingredients used, so be sure to adjust for personal preferences or dietary needs.
Baked Chicken Thighs with Marmalade Mustard Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-prepare dish that brings together the sweet and savory in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for an elegant weeknight dinner or a recipe that impresses guests at your next gathering, this chicken dish is sure to hit the mark. Serve it with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to make extra sauce – it’s that good.