Creamy Brown Sugar Dijon Chicken Thighs

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to dive into something rich, golden, and unbelievably satisfying? Today’s dish brings together the rustic charm of seared chicken thighs with a velvety sauce that marries brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and cream. 🍯🍗 This is comfort food at its best — the kind that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with warmth.

This traditional-style recipe has its roots in classic French home cooking, where balance is key — sweetness from brown sugar, sharpness from Dijon, and a buttery smooth finish from cream. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself on a cozy evening, this meal will make everyone at the table pause for that blissful first bite. Pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or even a simple rice pilaf, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy dish right at home.

So, grab your skillet, pour yourself a glass of something nice, and let’s make magic happen in your kitchen. 💛

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp whole-grain mustard (optional for texture)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Chicken:
   Pat your chicken thighs dry with a paper towel — this helps get that irresistible golden crust. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Sear to Perfection:
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts and begins to foam, carefully add the chicken thighs, skin side down. Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Flavor Base:
   In the same skillet (don’t clean it — those brown bits are flavor gold! ✨), add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce:
   Lower the heat slightly, then whisk in Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard (if using), and brown sugar. Stir well to combine into a thick, glossy paste.
5. Add Liquids and Simmer:
   Pour in the chicken broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping up any caramelized bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in heavy cream and thyme.
6. Return the Chicken:
   Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the sauce, skin side up. Spoon some sauce over the top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F / 74°C).
7. Taste and Adjust:
   Give the sauce a taste — add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a drizzle of vinegar if you want extra brightness.
8. Serve and Garnish:
   Spoon the luscious, creamy sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy the luxurious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors! 🍽️

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🥦 Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 40 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~410 kcal
🍽️ Servings: 4

Estimated Nutrition per Serving:

• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Sugar: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 520mg

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️