Keto honey mustard chicken is a flavorful twist on a comfort food favorite that delivers both richness and balance. The tender, juicy chicken thighs are coated in a savory-sweet glaze made with Dijon mustard, a touch of honey, garlic, and herbs. The result is a perfectly caramelized exterior with a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen while baking.
This recipe works well for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. It takes minimal effort but looks and tastes as if it took hours to make. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with deep, tangy flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish offers the perfect combination of bold flavor and simplicity. The creamy Dijon mustard adds sharpness, the honey brings gentle sweetness, and the smoked paprika and oregano round it out with warmth and spice. The balance of ingredients creates a sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken as it bakes, forming a glossy coating that’s both savory and satisfying.
It’s also an easy way to elevate a standard chicken dinner without much work. Since everything comes together in one baking dish, cleanup is minimal and there’s no complicated prep required.
Tips for Perfect Honey Mustard Chicken
A few small details make all the difference in this recipe. Following these tips helps ensure the chicken stays juicy and full of flavor.
Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs – While boneless thighs work, bone-in cuts add extra moisture and flavor.
Don’t Rush the Marinade – Coat the chicken well and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before baking if you have time.
Bake Until the Skin Caramelizes – Watch for the top to turn a deep golden color; that’s when the flavor is at its peak.
Rest Before Serving – Letting the chicken sit under foil for several minutes helps redistribute the juices.
Substitutions
This keto-friendly recipe is flexible and can easily be adapted to your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few substitutions that still deliver great results:
- Olive oil → swap with avocado oil or melted butter.
- Dijon mustard → use spicy brown mustard or yellow mustard for a milder version.
- Smoked paprika → try regular paprika or chipotle powder for a different flavor.
What to Eat With Keto Honey Mustard Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with both light and hearty sides. The sauce complements roasted, steamed, or fresh vegetables just as well as it does grains or low carb alternatives. Try serving it with:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
- Creamy cauliflower mash
- A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also warm it gently on the stovetop, spooning a little of the sauce over the chicken to keep it moist.
Keto Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/3 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 teaspoon black pepper
For the marinade:
- 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons sugar-free honey
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, and pepper until smooth.
- Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly with the marinade and arrange them in a baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the tops are golden.
- Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or serve alongside vegetables or salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Beyond Blood Sugar Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Integrative Health, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.