The Savory Barefoot Contessa Crispy Mustard Chicken Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Crispy Mustard Chicken transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a delectable culinary adventure.

Tangy mustard creates a magical coating that elevates simple poultry to gourmet status.

Crisp textures and rich flavors dance together in this surprisingly uncomplicated recipe.

Bold seasonings infuse each tender bite with mouthwatering complexity.

Home cooks appreciate meals that feel sophisticated yet remain wonderfully approachable.

Elegant without being intimidating, this dish promises restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen.

The combination of ingredients guarantees a memorable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The Bold Flavor Story of Mustard Chicken

• Elevate Everyday Chicken: Transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen.
• Crave-Worthy Crispy Coating: The panko breadcrumb mixture, enhanced with fresh garlic, thyme, and lemon zest, creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that delivers maximum texture and flavor in every single bite.
• Foolproof Flavor Combination: Dijon mustard and white wine create a tangy, complex marinade that perfectly tenderizes the chicken while adding depth and richness to the overall dish, making it nearly impossible to mess up this recipe.
• Quick and Impressive Weeknight Winner: With just 50 minutes of total cooking time and minimal prep work, this chicken recipe offers maximum flavor impact with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy home cooks who want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need to Build Crispy Mustard Perfection

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, tender and lean protein source ideal for crispy coating.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing chicken's natural flavor and seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the overall taste profile.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style crispy breadcrumbs that create a light and crunchy exterior.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp and tangy condiment that provides complex flavor and helps breadcrumbs adhere.
• White Wine: Adds subtle acidity and helps create moisture for breadcrumb coating.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves that provide robust and pungent background flavor.
• Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb with earthy and slightly minty undertones.
• Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that add freshness and complexity.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind breadcrumbs and promotes golden, crispy texture.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): Adds richness and helps create a golden brown coating.

Mustard Chicken That Crunches and Comforts

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (180°C). Get ready for a crispy chicken adventure!

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Garlic cloves
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pulse until everything is finely chopped and blended.

Step 3: Craft Crunchy Coating

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Lemon zest
• Olive oil
• Melted butter

Pulse briefly until ingredients are just combined. Spread this magical mixture onto a large plate.

Step 4: Prepare Tangy Dip

In a shallow bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard and white wine until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 6: Dive Into Deliciousness

Dunk each chicken piece into the mustard mixture, making sure it’s completely covered. Then roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick like best friends.

Step 7: Line Up for Baking

Arrange chicken pieces on a baking tray, crumb-side facing up. Press any remaining breadcrumbs onto the chicken for extra crunch.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 40 minutes at 350°F. Then crank up the heat to 400°F and bake for another 10 minutes until the coating turns a gorgeous golden brown and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your crispy masterpiece! Serve hot, warm, or at room temperature. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite.

Bright Ideas to Keep Mustard Chicken Bold

• Maximize Crunch: Dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels to create an extra crispy coating that adheres perfectly to the meat.
• Herb Boost: Snip fresh thyme leaves just before using to release their most intense, aromatic oils and elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Baking Space Magic: Give each chicken piece room to breathe on the baking sheet, preventing soggy spots and ensuring an evenly golden, crisp exterior.
• Flavor Balance: Taste the mustard-wine mixture before coating to fine-tune the seasoning, creating a perfectly balanced and delicious sauce.
• Juicy Secrets: Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after baking, allowing the internal juices to redistribute and keep the meat tender and succulent.

Lock in That Zing When Storing This Chicken

• Freeze: Seal leftover chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-lock bags. Flatten chicken pieces to maximize space and prevent freezer burn. Label containers with the date to track storage time accurately.
• Refrigerate: Pack cooled chicken in glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Arrange pieces in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture accumulation. Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating: Restore crunchiness by using the oven method. Preheat to 375°F and place chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Warm for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make breadcrumbs soggy and compromise the crispy exterior.

Creative Paths for Your Mustard Chicken Journey

• Herb Garden Fusion: Replace thyme with a blend of fresh rosemary, parsley, and sage for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture to create a zesty and bold version of the original recipe.
• Nutty Crunch Coating: Incorporate finely chopped almonds or pistachios into the panko breadcrumbs for extra texture and nutty undertones.
• Smoky Paprika Version: Mix smoked paprika into the breadcrumb mixture to introduce a rich, smoky depth that complements the mustard's tanginess.

Close Out with a Tangy Bite to Remember

Culinary magic unfolds with Barefoot Contessa’s crispy mustard chicken, a recipe that whispers sophistication and comfort.

Mustard’s tangy embrace meets golden panko, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across taste buds.

Ina Garten’s signature style emerges through each carefully crafted bite, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Chicken becomes an art form, crisp and juicy, with herbs and lemon zest elevating the experience beyond ordinary dinner fare.

Home chefs can master this elegant dish with simple techniques and quality ingredients.

Passionate cooks, share this delectable recipe, spark conversations in comments, and spread culinary joy with friends and followers.

Barefoot Contessa Crispy Mustard Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s crispy mustard chicken delivers a perfect blend of tangy and savory flavors. Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crisp, herbed mustard crust promise a delightful meal that brings French-inspired comfort to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.6 kg to 1.8 kg chicken, cut into eighths
• 120 ml dry white wine
• 120 g Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 15 g minced fresh thyme leaves
• 4 garlic cloves
• 6 g grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Coating and Fat:

• 200 g panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 30 ml good olive oil
• 30 g unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the flavor base by combining minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper in a food processor, blending until uniformly chopped.
2. Incorporate panko breadcrumbs, fragrant lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, and melted unsalted butter into the garlic mixture, pulsing briefly to create a moistened crumb coating. Transfer this aromatic mixture onto a large flat plate.
3. Create a tangy mustard wash by whisking Dijon mustard with white wine in a shallow dish, ensuring a smooth, well-integrated liquid.
4. Pat chicken pieces completely dry using clean paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Dunk each chicken piece into the mustard mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage on all surfaces.
6. Carefully transfer the mustard-coated chicken to the prepared breadcrumb plate, gently pressing the skin-side down to encourage maximum crumb adherence.
7. Methodically arrange the crumb-coated chicken pieces on a baking tray, skin-side facing upward. Delicately press any remaining breadcrumb mixture onto any exposed chicken surfaces.
8. Roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40 minutes, then increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) for an additional 10 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn a rich golden brown and the chicken reaches perfect internal doneness.
9. Allow the chicken to rest momentarily before serving hot, warm, or at room temperature, showcasing the crisp, flavorful exterior.

Notes

• Resting transforms the chicken’s texture, allowing juices to redistribute and create a more tender, succulent bite.
• Spacing chicken pieces on the baking sheet guarantees crispy, evenly golden breadcrumbs with perfect crunch.
• Patting chicken completely dry ensures breadcrumb coating adheres flawlessly, preventing soggy results.
• Fresh thyme adds a vibrant, aromatic layer that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile.
• Tasting and adjusting the mustard and wine mixture before dipping helps balance the overall seasoning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 80mg