Molasses Mustard Chicken Thighs

Molasses Mustard Chicken Thighs are coated in a spice rub and covered in a molasses mustard sauce and then baked. So tender and juicy with lots of sweet and savory flavor. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for company.

Mustard and Molasses

Mustard and molasses are such a great flavor combination. The sweet, earthy and smoky flavor of molasses goes wonderfully with the tangy flavor of mustard. (Try these Molasses Baked Beans!). There’s also a little brown sugar in the sauce for extra sweetness, plus a little ketchup, cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.

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Baked Chicken Thighs

I love baking chicken thighs. Unlike chicken breasts, you really don’t have to worry about them drying out. Since they have a higher fat content, they stay wonderfully juicy and tender.

When Is Chicken Done?

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Use a digital thermometer to make sure your chicken is done. For chicken thighs, I prefer to cook them to 175 to 185 degrees internally. Cooking them a little longer helps break down some of the connective tissue that is present in chicken thighs, giving them a more pleasing texture.

How To Make Molasses Mustard Chicken Thighs

(More detailed instructions and video in recipe card below.)

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking dish with aluminum foil. Spray with cooking spray.
2. Combine rub ingredients in a small bowl. Pat chicken dry and sprinkle both sides with rub.
   
3. Stir together glaze ingredients.
   
4. Brush half the glaze on the chicken and bake for 35 minutes.
   
5. Brush remaining glaze on chicken and broil for 4 to 5 minutes.
   

   

   Make It Spicy

   The chipotle chili powder adds a little heat to these chicken thighs. For more spice, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the rub.

   Broil To Finish

   After about 35 minutes of baking, I like to turn the broiler on to give the outside a little char.

   Molasses Mustard Chicken Thighs Recipe Tips

   Line the baking dish with foil for easy clean-up.

   You can use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer.

   Make-Ahead and Meal Prep

   Here are some tips for making this recipe as easy and convenient as possible.

   • Coat chicken with spice rub and refrigerate overnight.
   • Mix glaze ahead of time.
   • Leftovers will keep for 4 days and are great for lunch bowls. You can easily double this recipe to make sure you have extra.

   What To Serve With Molasses Mustard Chicken Thighs

   • Super Creamy Mac and Cheese
   • Easy Macaroni Salad
   • Southern-Style Green Beans
   • Cracker Barrel Lima Beans
   • Yeast Rolls
   • Best Way To Cook Corn on the Cob
   • Country-Fried Skillet Corn

   Storage

   Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days and can be reheated in a microwave.

   

   More Recipes Using Chicken Thighs

   • Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Mustard Cream Sauce
   • Slow Cooker Hot Honey Chicken
   • Baked Apricot Chicken
   • Grilled Teriyaki Chicken