Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs – Sweet, Tangy & Oven-Baked Perfection

If you’re searching for a quick and flavorful dinner recipe that hits the sweet and savory spot, these Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs are your new go-to. Tender, juicy, and oven-roasted to a sticky golden glaze, they’re packed with bold flavor from Dijon mustard, garlic, brown sugar, and smoky paprika. Best of all? They’re ready in just over 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have at home.

Ingredients

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs / 900g)
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or an oven-safe skillet with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, brown sugar, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. This will be your sweet and tangy glaze.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Spoon the mustard glaze generously over each thigh, making sure they’re well-coated. Pour any extra sauce into the pan and nestle the chicken pieces close together for extra moisture.

Step 4: Bake

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Baste once halfway through with the pan juices to build that beautiful sticky glaze.

Notes & Tips

For extra caramelization, broil the chicken for the last 2–3 minutes of baking—but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
Want a spicy kick? Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze.
Use bone-in thighs for more flavor—just increase the baking time by 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet and tangy chicken pairs beautifully with:

Creamy mashed potatoes
Garlic butter green beans
Roasted carrots
Or fluffy steamed rice to soak up the extra sauce

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: These freeze well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave in short bursts until hot.

Quick Stats

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: ~290 kcal per serving
Servings: 4–6 servings

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for later, this Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs recipe checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and fuss-free.