Description
Cowboy spaghetti brings hearty ranch-style comfort to dinner tables across America. Spicy ground beef, crisp bacon, and bold tomato sauce create a rustic western-inspired pasta experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 1/4 pounds (1 kilogram) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 8 thighs)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional), for garnish
Sauces and Oils:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) honey
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring a hot environment for perfect chicken cooking.
- Carefully dry chicken thighs using paper towels, removing excess moisture for optimal seasoning adherence.
- Create a vibrant honey mustard sauce by whisking Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
- Select a large oven-safe skillet and heat over medium temperature, preparing for chicken searing.
- Place seasoned chicken thighs into the skillet, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Generously drizzle prepared honey mustard sauce over the seared chicken, adding fresh thyme sprigs for aromatic enhancement.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven, allowing chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Carefully remove skillet from oven, discarding thyme sprigs and preserving the flavorful pan sauce.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for additional color and herbaceous notes.
- Plate the honey mustard chicken alongside complementary sides like rice or roasted vegetables, spooning extra sauce over the dish.
Notes
- Swap out chicken thighs for skinless chicken breasts to reduce fat content while maintaining protein levels.
- Add red pepper flakes to the honey mustard sauce for a spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
- Use a meat thermometer to precisely check chicken’s internal temperature, preventing overcooking and ensuring juicy results.
- Select high-quality Dijon mustard for a more robust and authentic sauce flavor that complements the honey’s sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 225 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg