Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey mustard, hot honey, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Place the chicken thighs in the bowl and use your hands to massage the marinade onto each thigh, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for an even more flavorful result.
Once marinated, transfer the chicken thighs to the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
You can even brush some extra marinade on them, once they are lined on the baking pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 - 45 minutes or until the chicken thighs are golden brown and crispy on the outside. To ensure they are cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once done, remove the chicken thighs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juiciness.
Serve these Sweet & Spicy Chicken Thighs as a main course with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, mac & cheese, coleslaw, or cornbread. The vibrant flavors and crispy texture will undoubtedly leave your guests craving for more!