Ingredients
Method
Step-by-Step Skillet Walkthrough
- Season and prep chicken: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of crispy skin). Season all over with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Sear until deeply golden: Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear undisturbed for 6 to 8 minutes until skin is deeply golden, rendered, and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer chicken temporarily to a plate.
- Sauté garlic: Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of chicken drippings from the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk the glaze: In a measuring cup, whisk honey, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, chicken bone broth, apple cider vinegar, and fresh thyme. Pour the mixture directly into the skillet, whisking to dissolve all the savory browned pan bits (fond).
- Simmer and baste: Return chicken thighs and resting juices back to the skillet, skin-side up. Bring glaze to a lively simmer. Spoon the bubbling honey mustard sauce continuously over the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes, until the sauce reduces into a thick, glossy, sticky lacquer and chicken reaches 175°F (80°C) internal temperature.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in butter to give the glaze a restaurant-caliber shine. Garnish with fresh thyme and cracked pepper. Spoon generous pools of pan sauce over fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or crisp vegetables.
Nutrition
Notes
Chef Pro Tip: Using two types of mustard—smooth tangy Dijon and coarse stone-ground whole grain—creates the ultimate flavor balance. Dijon provides sharp pungency while mustard seeds pop with texture in every bite!
