Plate of Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs garnished with herbs

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

ByCasey Monroe

Why make this recipe

Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs is a delicious and easy meal that brings a sweet and tangy flavor to your dinner table. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. The combination of brown sugar and Dijon mustard creates a wonderful glaze that seeps into the chicken, making it tender and flavorful. It’s also a one-pot recipe, which means less cleanup for you!

How to make Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (for browning)

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a pressure cooker with olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the chicken thighs until browned on both sides (about 4 minutes each side).
  4. Pour the brown sugar and mustard mixture over the chicken.
  5. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  6. Once done, use quick pressure release, and serve warm with your favorite sides.

How to serve Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

Serve Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs hot, accompanied by sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. The sweet sauce pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies as well.

How to store Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it properly before reheating!

Tips to make Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

  • Be careful not to overcrowd the pressure cooker. If you’re making more than four thighs, it’s better to cook in batches.
  • You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your taste.
  • For a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the sauce mix.

Variation

You can try this recipe using chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just adjust the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster. You can also experiment with different mustard flavors, like whole grain or spicy mustard, for a unique twist!

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in.

2. What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or even honey mustard for a different flavor.

3. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your pressure cooker can handle the extra weight and adjust the cooking time if necessary. You may need to cook in batches as well.