Name: Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Bake Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 salmon steaks; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons stone-ground mustard; 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (dairy or dairy-free); 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

If you’re craving a dish that feels effortlessly elegant but comes together in practically no time, then you’re in for a treat with this Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Bake Recipe. Well, actually today I’m sharing something similar that’s just as juicy, flavorful, and simple: grilled salmon steaks with a creamy mustard chive sauce. But don’t worry, I’m going to walk you through everything so you can nail that perfect balance of flavors and textures that keep me coming back for more. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: You’ll have dinner ready in just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Juicy, Tender Salmon: I love how grilling seals in moisture, giving you that gorgeous char without drying out the fish.
Creamy, Tangy Sauce: The mustard chive sauce adds a fresh, zesty kick that compliments the salmon beautifully.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already, so no extra shopping stress.

The image shows two white plates on a white marbled surface, each plate holding a single grilled salmon steak with an orange-pink color and grill marks. On top of each salmon is a thick creamy sauce with a pale beige color mixed with green flecks, likely herbs. The sauce covers part of the salmon and drips slightly onto the plates. Each plate has a silver fork resting on the side. Next to the plates is a small bowl with more of the creamy sauce and a spoon inside it. A woman's hand is holding the spoon in the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The harmony of flavors here is effortless — rich salmon meets a creamy sauce with just the right touch of tangy mustard and fresh herbs. Here’s a quick peek at what makes it all come together so well.

Salmon Steaks: Look for fresh, thick cuts for the best texture and flavor.
Avocado Oil: Its high smoke point is perfect for grilling without burning.
Stone-ground Mustard: Adds a lovely texture and depth compared to smooth mustards.
Greek Yogurt: I use it for a creamy tang, and it’s a great healthier swap for mayo or sour cream.
Chives: Fresh chives bring a mild oniony brightness that balances the richness.
Honey: Just a touch to mellow out the mustard’s sharpness.
Fresh Lemon Juice: It wakes up all the flavors with a citrusy pop.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning both the salmon and the sauce.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in my fridge or guests’ preferences. It’s super flexible, so you can easily tweak it to suit your taste—or dietary needs.

Make it dairy-free: Swap Greek yogurt for a coconut or cashew-based alternative I discovered that keeps the sauce creamy without the dairy.
Add herbs: Try swapping chives for fresh dill or parsley—they each bring a unique twist I’ve enjoyed at different times.
Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the mustard sauce gave it an exciting depth I never anticipated.
Use chicken thighs: Adapting the sauce to a Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Bake Recipe is something I’ve done, and my family goes crazy for that combo.

How to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Bake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Salmon

Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This helps get those beautiful sear marks and locks in moisture. I brush both sides of the salmon steaks with avocado oil—trust me, it keeps them from sticking—and season generously with salt and pepper. You want enough seasoning to really enhance the natural salmon flavor without overpowering it.

Step 2: Grill to Perfection

Place the salmon on the hot grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Here’s a trick I learned the hard way: use a spatula to flip the steaks gently rather than tongs, which can tear the delicate fish apart. Keep an eye out for the salmon to become opaque and flaky but still juicy inside—that’s how you know it’s just right.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Mustard Chive Sauce

While your salmon grills, mix stone-ground mustard, Greek yogurt, finely chopped chives, honey, lemon juice, and seasoning in a small bowl. I usually taste and adjust—sometimes a touch more honey if I want extra sweetness or an extra squeeze of lemon juice if it needs brightness. This sauce is the magic that brings the whole dish together.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your grilled salmon and drizzle over a generous helping of the sauce. I find that the creamy sauce contrasts beautifully with the smoky, charred salmon, making each bite a celebration of flavors and textures.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Bake Recipe

Don’t Skip the Oil Brushing: Brushing oil on salmon prevents sticking and helps develop a flavorful crust, something I always make sure to do.
Use a Digital Thermometer: To avoid dryness, I check for an internal temperature of 125°F for medium-rare, then let it rest to finish cooking gently.
Mix Sauce Just Before Serving: Preparing the mustard chive sauce last minute keeps it fresh and vibrant—I learned the sauce can separate if made too early.
Gentle Flipping Technique: Using a flat spatula instead of tongs saves you from losing half the fish down the grill!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Bake Recipe

A white round plate holds a large piece of cooked salmon with a golden grilled texture on top and a soft pink inside. The salmon is topped with a thick creamy white sauce mixed with green herbs and specks of black pepper. Small pieces of salmon are flaked near the bottom left of the fish, with a silver fork resting beside them on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like topping my salmon with a sprinkle of extra fresh chives or a few lemon wedges on the side. The freshness brightens the dish even more and gives you a nice little citrus burst with each bite. Sometimes, a dab of whole-grain mustard on the side is a lovely touch for guests who want an extra punch.

Side Dishes

This salmon goes hand-in-hand with simple sides like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or even a crisp mixed green salad. I remember the first time I served it with quinoa and sautéed spinach—such a nutritious combo that got rave reviews at my dinner party!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve plated these salmon steaks on large white platters, garnished with lemon slices and fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy look. You can even serve the sauce in a small ramekin on the side if you have picky eaters—they love customizing their own bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It usually keeps well for up to 2 days, and I always make sure to keep the sauce separate so the texture stays perfect when reheated.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze grilled salmon because the texture can get a bit off, this mustard chive sauce freezes well in small portions. I’ve thawed it quickly in the fridge and it tastes just as fresh as when made.

Reheating

To keep salmon moist when reheating, I warm it gently in a low oven (about 275°F) wrapped loosely in foil for 10-15 minutes. If in a pinch, microwave covered in short bursts to avoid drying out. Add the sauce cold on top right before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets instead of salmon steaks?

Absolutely! Salmon fillets work well too. Just keep in mind they cook a bit faster, so watch closely to avoid overcooking. Use the same seasoning and sauce for delicious results.
Can I bake this instead of grilling?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, bake the salmon at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through. The creamy mustard chive sauce still pairs perfectly.
Is this sauce suitable for dairy-free diets?

Definitely. You can use a plant-based yogurt substitute to make the sauce dairy-free without losing creaminess.
What makes avocado oil the best choice for grilling salmon?

Avocado oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which prevents the fish from burning and keeps the taste clean. It’s great for high-heat cooking like grilling.
How can I make this recipe a Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Bake Recipe variation?

Swap the salmon for chicken thighs baked in the same honey garlic glaze. The creamy mustard chive sauce is fantastic on the chicken as well—I’ve tried it many times and it’s a family favorite.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this recipe balances smoky grilled salmon with a silky, zingy sauce that feels both indulgent and fresh. When I first tried it, the ease and taste completely won me over, and now it’s a staple for when I want something impressive but quick. Whether you stick to salmon or venture into making a Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs Bake Recipe, this kind of dinner feels like a little celebration on any night of the week. I can’t wait for you to give it a go and make it your own!