If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfectly crispy on the outside while tender and juicy inside, look no further than Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Chicken Recipe. This beloved dish combines the tangy punch of Dijon and whole-grain mustards with fragrant garlic and fresh thyme, resulting in a beautiful, golden chicken that’s as simple to prepare as it is impressive to serve. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or an easy showstopper for guests, this recipe consistently delivers that unmistakable Ina Garten touch—comforting, rustic, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role. The combination of mustards brings a robust zing, while olive oil ensures crisp skin, and garlic and thyme add layers of aromatic depth. Keeping the ingredients straightforward means you get maximum flavor without fuss.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin when roasted properly.
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds smooth tanginess that forms the base of the mustard coating.
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard: Offers a delightful texture and a slightly milder bite than Dijon.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to crisp up the skin while enriching the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Brings wonderfully pungent and savory notes to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Imparts a fresh, herbaceous lift that complements the mustard perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other ingredients.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a burst of color and fresh flavor at the end.
How to Make Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that gorgeous, golden skin and tender meat that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 2: Mix the Mustard Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. This mixture will coat the chicken and infuse every bite with brilliant layers of flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Thighs
Generously rub the mustard mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is completely covered. This coating not only provides flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.
Step 4: Prepare for Roasting
Place the mustard-coated chicken thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using parchment makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking, plus it helps the skin crisp evenly.
Step 5: Roast Until Perfect
Roast the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The result is chicken that’s tender and juicy inside, with mouthwatering, crispy mustard-coated skin.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes once it’s out of the oven. Resting lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is perfectly moist.
How to Serve Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle fresh note that contrasts beautifully with the savory mustard flavors. You can also add a wedge of lemon for an optional citrus brightness.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The richness of the mustard calls for something that balances or complements its boldness, so think about light, fresh, or buttery accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve each chicken thigh on a bed of wilted greens or alongside a colorful quinoa salad. You can drizzle a little extra mustard sauce over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal, making it perfect for dinner parties or family meals alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors become even more melded, making the chicken a great candidate for next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cooked chicken thighs in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes to maintain crisp skin, or warm in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for their richness and tenderness, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Just watch the cooking time, as breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Is it necessary to use both Dijon and whole-grain mustard?
Using both types adds complexity—the Dijon provides smooth piquancy, and the whole-grain offers texture and a mild tang. However, you can adjust according to your taste or what you have on hand.
Can I prepare this dish without fresh thyme?
Yes, though fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal brightness. If you don’t have fresh, dried thyme can be used—use about one-third the amount—and it will still be tasty.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone; it should register 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! All the ingredients in Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Chicken Recipe are naturally gluten-free, just be sure to check your mustard brands if you have sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Chicken Recipe is a true keeper—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a fan favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying chicken recipes out there. Trust me, this will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
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Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ina Garten’s Mustard-Roasted Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs coated in a tangy blend of Dijon and whole-grain mustards, garlic, thyme, and olive oil, then roasted to perfection until juicy and tender with crispy skin.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Mustard Mixture
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is at the perfect temperature for roasting the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Mustard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant, tangy coating for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Evenly coat each bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh with the prepared mustard mixture, making sure every surface is well-covered for maximum flavor.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken thighs skin-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Roast Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked while keeping it juicy and tender.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute, resulting in moist, flavorful meat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a bright, fresh touch to the dish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness to avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken.
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide extra flavor and moisture compared to boneless or skinless cuts.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the mustard mixture for 1 hour before roasting if time permits.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, using about 1/3 of the amount.
