There’s something truly special about a well-roasted chicken—crispy, golden skin, juicy meat, and deep, savory flavors. This Mustard-Roasted Chicken is no exception. With a tangy Dijon marinade, fragrant thyme, and a crispy breadcrumb coating, every bite is packed with rich, comforting goodness. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
The origins of mustard-roasted chicken trace back to classic French cooking, where Dijon mustard is often used to enhance poultry with its bright, sharp flavor. This version takes it up a notch with buttermilk for tenderness and a crunchy breadcrumb topping that makes each bite irresistible. Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, it’s a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love Mustard-Roasted Chicken
Is this Mustard-Roasted Chicken for you? Let’s see. This dish is…
- Crispy and Golden – The breadcrumb crust bakes into the perfect crunch.
- Juicy and Tender – Buttermilk ensures moist, flavorful chicken.
- Bold and Zesty – Dijon mustard and lemon zest bring a bright, tangy kick.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big flavors, and minimal prep.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Pro Tip: Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour for the best flavor infusion.
Ingredients in Mustard-Roasted Chicken
Here’s what makes this dish so delicious:
Chicken Thighs & Drumsticks: Bone-in, skin-on for maximum juiciness and flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy depth that balances the richness of the chicken.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the meat and keeps it ultra-juicy.
Garlic Cloves: Infuses the marinade with a warm, aromatic flavor.
Fresh Thyme: Earthy and fragrant, thyme pairs beautifully with mustard and chicken.
Lemon Zest: A hint of brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and adds the perfect seasoning.
Fresh Breadcrumbs: Creates that crave-worthy crispy coating.
Olive Oil: Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully in the oven.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the Dijon mustard, buttermilk, garlic cloves, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large bowl or resealable bag. Pour the mustard marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for deeper flavor).
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: In a shallow dish, mix the fresh breadcrumbs with olive oil. Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up.
Bake to Perfection: Roast for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Pair with your favorite sides and dig in!
How to Serve Mustard-Roasted Chicken
This chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to serve it:
- With Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or potatoes make great companions.
- Over a Salad: Slice and serve over a crisp green salad with a lemony dressing.
- With Rice or Quinoa: A simple grain side soaks up all the delicious juices.
- With Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love extra crispy, garlicky goodness?
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Use Fresh Breadcrumbs: They create a crispier texture than store-bought ones.
- Let It Marinate Longer: Overnight marination results in the most flavorful chicken.
- For Extra Crispiness: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the marinade for a bit of heat.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
There you have it Mustard-Roasted Chicken that’s packed with bold flavors, crispy textures, and juicy tenderness. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this dish never disappoints. Try it out and let me know how you like it! Happy cooking!
Mustard-Roasted Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in skin-on drumsticks
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 4 garlic cloves peeled
- Small handful fresh thyme leaves soft stems included
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1½ to 2 tsp kosher salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Set oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and position the rack in the middle.
- Marinate the chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and buttermilk.
- Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare the breadcrumb coating:
- In a food processor, combine garlic, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until the garlic is finely minced.
- Add the breadcrumbs and olive oil, pulsing a few times to moisten the mixture.
- Transfer to a shallow bowl or large plate.
- Coat the chicken:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dip each piece of chicken skin-side down into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the chicken crumb-side up on the baking sheet.
- If needed, press extra breadcrumbs onto the chicken for an even coating.
- Bake the chicken:
- Bake for 40 minutes, then check for doneness.
- If needed, bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden brown.
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
- This dish can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken in the mustard-buttermilk mixture for a few hours or overnight.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
