Name: Sheet Pan Honey Dijon Crispy Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ Pounds Fingerling Potatoes (washed and cut into halves or quarters); 2 Apples (sliced, preferably Honey Crisp); 4 Large Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Thighs (pat dry); 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil; ¼ Cup Coarse Dijon Mustard; 2 Tablespoons Honey; 3 Cloves Garlic (mashed); 1 Teaspoon Paprika; 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt; ½ Teaspoon Ground Black Pepper; 1 ½ Tablespoons Fresh Thyme (stems removed and chopped finely)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, crispy on the outside, and bursting with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this Sheet Pan Honey Dijon Crispy Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. The magic of golden, crispy chicken thighs nestled alongside tender fingerling potatoes and sweet, juicy apples all roasted together with a luscious honey Dijon glaze is comfort food elevated to an art form. This recipe delivers an impressive dinner with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals with family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white plate with four raw chicken thighs laid on brown parchment paper in the lower right corner. Above the chicken is a small white bowl with honey and a wooden honey dipper beside it. To the upper left, there is a white bowl filled with halved yellow potatoes. Next to it, on the left side, is a wooden board holding a jar of grainy mustard with a spoon inside, and sliced red apples scattered nearby. Around these main items are small white bowls with coarse salt, black pepper, fresh green herbs, a reddish spice, and a beige sauce or paste. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a checkered cloth partially visible in the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients for this Sheet Pan Honey Dijon Crispy Chicken Recipe is key to creating a vibrant dish. Each component contributes to the irresistible blend of textures and flavors—from the crispy skin of the chicken to the caramelized apples that add just the right touch of sweetness.

Fingerling Potatoes (1 ½ pounds): These small, waxy potatoes roast perfectly, developing a crisp outside and creamy inside.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to crisp the potatoes and chicken skin beautifully and adds a fruity richness.
Coarse Dijon Mustard (¼ cup): Gives the glaze that signature tangy, slightly spicy character that pairs amazingly with honey.
Honey (2 tablespoons): Brings natural sweetness to balance the mustard’s sharpness and pairs wonderfully with the apples.
Garlic (3 cloves, mashed): Adds a warm, aromatic depth that infuses the entire dish.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides subtle smoky notes and enhances the chicken’s color.
Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of all ingredients.
Ground Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that complements the sweetness of the honey and apples.
Fresh Thyme (1 ½ tablespoons, chopped): Offers an earthy, herbaceous freshness that brightens the dish.
Large Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Thighs (4 pieces): Perfect for keeping the meat juicy and flavorful during roasting.
Apples (2, sliced): I prefer Honey Crisp for their balance of sweet and tart, adding a beautiful pop of flavor and texture.

How to Make Sheet Pan Honey Dijon Crispy Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by setting your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches a high heat for perfectly crispy chicken skin. While the oven warms up, wash and quarter your fingerling potatoes so they cook evenly and get that wonderful crispness.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Drizzle your potatoes with olive oil directly on a baking sheet, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Tossing them well ensures they roast uniformly and nibbling on these golden bites later is pure satisfaction.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Honey Dijon Glaze

In a medium bowl, mix your coarse Dijon mustard, honey, mashed garlic, paprika, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. This fragrant glaze is the flavor powerhouse of the recipe, giving the chicken and sides that signature tangy-sweet kick.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

Pat your chicken thighs dry to remove excess moisture—this trick helps achieve that coveted crispy skin we all crave. Nestle the thighs between the potatoes on your baking sheet and generously brush half of the honey Dijon mixture over each piece to infuse them with flavor.

Step 5: Initial Bake

Slide the sheet pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This step begins the transformation of the chicken skin into a crispy, golden crust while the potatoes start softening and absorbing all the delectable juices.

Step 6: Add Apples and More Glaze

While the chicken and potatoes roast, slice your apples into bite-sized pieces, ready to join the party. Remove the sheet pan after 30 minutes, scatter the apples evenly among the potatoes, and brush the remaining honey Dijon sauce over the chicken, apples, and potatoes. This layering adds extra dimension and sweetness.

Step 7: Final Bake To Perfection

Return the baking sheet to the oven and cook for 15 more minutes, or until the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If the skin starts to brown too much before the chicken finishes cooking, loosely cover the pan with foil to avoid burning.

Step 8: Toss and Serve

Once done, take the sheet pan out and carefully toss everything so that the flavorful pan juices coat the potatoes and apples. This final touch ties all the ingredients together, creating a harmony of taste that’s impossible to resist.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Honey Dijon Crispy Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with four pieces of golden brown cooked chicken thighs placed evenly across the tray. Around the chicken, there are yellow baby potatoes sliced in half and scattered red and white apple pieces. The food is coated with a seasoned mustard glaze that gives a shiny texture with visible mustard seeds. Small green thyme leaves are sprinkled across the dish for garnish. On the bottom right corner of the dish, a wooden spatula is partially under the food, lifting some potatoes and apples. The background surface is white marble with a glass and white bowls visible near the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh thyme sprigs or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley add a vibrant green contrast and fresh aroma that brightens the deep flavors of the chicken and sides. A light drizzle of extra honey also adds a lovely glossy finish and a touch more sweetness if desired.

Side Dishes

While this recipe is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans adds refreshing crispness and balances the rich, roasted flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish directly from the sheet pan for a delightful rustic charm that’s perfect for casual gatherings. Alternatively, plate the chicken alongside a neat mound of roasted potatoes and fruit for a more polished presentation that will wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making for delicious next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

This dish freezes well. Separate the chicken, potatoes, and apples, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain crispiness better than the microwave. If using a microwave, cover loosely and expect softer skin and potatoes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind chicken breasts tend to cook faster and might dry out if overcooked, so reduce baking time accordingly and monitor closely to keep them juicy.

What can I substitute for fingerling potatoes?

You can use baby Yukon gold or red potatoes; they have a similar texture and roast well, providing that same crispy exterior and creamy interior.

Would this recipe work without apples?

Yes, though the apples add a wonderful sweetness and lightness that complements the savory elements beautifully. If you skip them, consider adding a splash of apple cider or a pinch of cinnamon for that hint of warmth and sweetness.

Is the honey Dijon sauce gluten-free?

Definitely! Both honey and Dijon mustard are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to double-check labels to ensure no gluten-containing additives creep in, especially with Dijon mustard.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

While the core recipe features chicken, you could swap chicken with hearty vegetables like cauliflower steaks or crispy tofu and keep the same honey Dijon glaze for a plant-based twist that’s just as flavorful.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like gathering around a sheet pan filled with golden, crispy chicken thighs glazed in a sweet and tangy honey Dijon sauce alongside caramelized potatoes and apples. This Sheet Pan Honey Dijon Crispy Chicken Recipe hits all the marks for flavor, ease, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Next time you want a dinner that feels special without stealing your whole evening, give this recipe a try—you’ll be glad you did!