The sizzling sound of chicken hitting a hot pan always brings a smile to my face, doesn’t it? If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, these flavorful baked chicken thighs with mustard and mayo will be your new go-to! This simple, budget-friendly recipe not only keeps the meat tender and moist but also guarantees a crispy, delightful crust that your family will absolutely love. Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this dish pairs beautifully with any side, making it a versatile option that’s sure to please every palate. Are you ready to elevate your dinner game and impress your loved ones? Let’s get cooking!

Why Are Baked Chicken Thighs Amazing?

Family-Friendly Delight: This recipe is made for busy households. With only a handful of everyday ingredients, it’s quick to prep and perfect for a weeknight meal.

Savory & Moist: The combination of mustard and mayonnaise ensures each thigh remains juicy, while the crispy coating adds irresistible crunch.

Budget-Conscious Cooking: Chicken thighs are not only flavorful but also wallet-friendly, making this dish an economical choice for everyone.

Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: Whether served atop a salad or alongside roasted vegetables, this recipe pairs well with countless sides, ensuring there’s something for everyone at the table.

Make Ahead for Convenience: Prepare this dish ahead of time and simply reheat it in the oven for a warm, comforting meal that saves you time on busy evenings.

Elevated Simplicity: Looking for something uniquely delicious? Consider trying variations with different mustard flavors or adding your favorite spices for an unexpected twist!

Baked Chicken Thighs Ingredients

For the Chicken
Chicken Thighs (6-8 skinless) – Main protein source that provides rich flavor and moisture; use drumsticks for a fun alternative.
For the Coating
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup) – Adds moisture and helps the coating adhere while enriching flavor; low-fat or vegan mayo can be used for variations.
Regular Mustard (2 Tablespoons) – Enhances flavor and tenderizes meat with a tangy profile; try Dijon for a gourmet twist.
Bread Crumbs (1 cup) – Provides a crispy coating; opt for gluten-free crumbs if needed.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup) – Adds depth of flavor and richness; freshly grated yields the best taste.
For Flavor
Italian Seasoning (1 Teaspoon) – Infuses the dish with a delightful mix of herbs; feel free to use your homemade version.
Garlic Powder (1/2 Teaspoon) – Adds savory flavor and aromatic depth; fresh minced garlic offers a stronger flavor profile.
Black Pepper (1/2 Teaspoon) – Provides mild heat and enhances overall flavor; adjust to taste for heat preference.

This delectable recipe for baked chicken thighs is sure to impress everyone at the dinner table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). This temperature allows the chicken thighs to bake evenly, ensuring the coating becomes perfectly crispy. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and equipment, including a baking sheet, parchment paper, a medium bowl, and a whisk for mixing.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Thighs
Rinse your skinless chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing moisture helps the coating adhere better. Once dried, check each thigh for any remaining skin, ensuring it’s completely removed to maximize flavor absorption during baking.

Step 3: Mix the Coating
In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of mustard. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well-blended, creating a rich, tangy mixture. This flavorful coating will help keep your baked chicken thighs moist and tender as they cook.

Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In another bowl, mix 1 cup of bread crumbs with ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the mixture until it’s evenly combined, creating a delicious crispy blend that adds texture to your baked chicken thighs.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken Thighs
Generously brush each chicken thigh with the mayo-mustard mixture, ensuring that they’re fully coated on all sides. A pastry brush or knife works well for this step. The rich mixture will cling to the meat, adding both moisture and flavor to your baked chicken thighs.

Step 6: Apply the Breadcrumb Coating
Roll each coated chicken thigh in the breadcrumb mixture, fully covering the meat with the crunchy blend. Press down gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well, forming a delicious crust that will become beautifully golden as it bakes in the oven.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken thighs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart evenly. This helps them cook evenly without steaming. The parchment paper prevents sticking, making cleanup a breeze after your baked chicken thighs emerge crispy and golden!

Step 8: Bake the Chicken Thighs
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let the chicken thighs bake for about 1 hour. Keep an eye on them, and when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown, they’ll be ready to enjoy.

Step 9: Serve and Savor
Once baked to perfection, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve your flavorful baked chicken thighs immediately, and let the tender, juicy interior combined with the crispy outer coating delight everyone at the dinner table!

What to Serve with Flavorful Baked Chicken Thighs

The perfect accompaniment can transform dinner into a delightful experience, balancing flavors and textures that create a harmonious meal.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery texture pairs beautifully with juicy chicken, soaking up the flavorful juices from your thighs.
Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed with garlic bring a fresh crunch that brightens the plate and complements the savory chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds a pop of color and enhances the meal with natural sweetness and earthy flavors.
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, tangy dressing, and savory Parmesan cheese balances the richness of the chicken and adds freshness.
Herbed Quinoa: Light and fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs offers a nutty flavor that contrasts well with the moist chicken and is a healthful side.
Creamy Coleslaw: The crispness of coleslaw, dressed in a zesty mayo-based sauce, provides a refreshing crunch that nicely contrasts with the tender chicken.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn elevates the meal with a delightful bite that complements the rich chicken thighs perfectly.
Buttery Dinner Rolls: Warm, soft rolls are great for sopping up any remaining juices on your plate, creating a comforting and indulgent pairing.
Sparkling Lemonade: For a refreshing drink, sparkling lemonade offers a tart sweetness that cleanses the palate and complements the dish beautifully.

Baked Chicken Thighs Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine while making these baked chicken thighs; the delightful flavor combinations await!

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain crunch and flavor while keeping it safe for those with dietary restrictions.
Dairy-Free: Swap out the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free option that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a fiery twist that elevates the heat level.
Honey Mustard Delight: Replace regular mustard with honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor profile that will make everyone ask for seconds.
Herb-Infused: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mix for an aromatic twist that complements the chicken beautifully.
Crispy Panko: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of standard breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating that’ll have everyone raving about your culinary skills.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate grated lemon or lime zest into the mayo-mustard mixture for a refreshing burst that brightens the overall flavor of the dish.
Flavorful Marinade: Marinate the chicken thighs in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for an hour before cooking for added moisture and flavor.

For more ideas on delicious chicken meals, you might want to check out our sticky chicken and rice bowls or our comforting cheesy baked ziti. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Make Ahead Options

These flavorful baked chicken thighs are perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the chicken in the mayo and mustard mixture up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can coat the chicken thighs in the breadcrumb mixture and refrigerate them for up to 3 days before baking. To maintain quality, ensure the chicken is tightly wrapped or covered to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake the coated thighs directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time as needed. This way, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights!

How to Store and Freeze Baked Chicken Thighs

Fridge: Store leftover baked chicken thighs in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked chicken thighs in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Ensure they’re completely cooled before freezing.

Reheating: To reheat, place frozen chicken thighs in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and crispy. This will help keep the delicious coating intact.

Wrap Carefully: When storing in the refrigerator or freezer, wrap the chicken thighs tightly to prevent freezer burn while preserving the savory taste of your baked chicken thighs.

Expert Tips for Baked Chicken Thighs

Chicken Prep Matters: Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs before coating. This helps the flavors penetrate and keeps the meat moist during baking.
Fresh Ingredients: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese over pre-packaged for better flavor and melting. This small change can elevate your baked chicken thighs!
Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken thighs reach 165°F (74°C). Avoid overbaking to keep them juicy and tender.
Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup effortless. This ensures your crispy coating stays intact!
Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different mustard types. Dijon or honey mustard can give your baked chicken thighs a unique twist!

Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best chicken thighs?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken thighs, look for pieces that feel firm and are free of any dark spots or off odors. Skinless thighs are ideal for this recipe, but if you prefer skin-on, just remember that it may affect the flavor profile and moisture levels. Choose thighs that are bright pink to pale yellow in color, indicating freshness.

How should I store leftover baked chicken thighs?
Very! To keep your leftover baked chicken thighs fresh, simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in the container to avoid moisture buildup that can lead to sogginess.

Can I freeze baked chicken thighs?
Absolutely! If you want to enjoy those delicious baked chicken thighs later, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Ensure they are fully cooled before wrapping them tightly to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and crisp.

What should I do if my chicken thighs aren’t crispy after baking?
Oh no! If your chicken thighs aren’t crispy, it’s likely due to excess moisture. Ensure you’re properly patting the chicken dry before coating, and use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Also, bake at the recommended temperature; if necessary, you can broil them for a few minutes at the end of baking to achieve that perfect crunch.

Are there any dietary considerations for baked chicken thighs?
Great question! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, be aware that mayonnaise contains eggs, which can be an allergen. You might like to use a vegan option for mayo to accommodate. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also available to ensure everyone at your table can enjoy this dish without any dietary issues.

How long can I refrigerate baked chicken thighs before they spoil?
Absolutely, you can store your baked chicken thighs in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep them in an airtight container and try to consume them within this time frame for the best taste and safety. If you sense any off odors or darkening, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard them.