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Are you ready to impress your family with a simple yet flavorful dish? French Mustard Chicken is a delightful recipe that brings tangy mustard and juicy chicken thighs together. In this article, I’ll guide you through easy steps to create a dish that tastes gourmet without the fuss. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, you can elevate your weeknight meals with this delicious recipe. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of Dijon and whole grain mustard creates a tangy and savory flavor that elevates the chicken.
- Simple Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Moist and Tender Chicken: Baking with chicken broth ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden-brown skin and fresh parsley garnish make this dish visually appealing for any dinner table.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on: The bone and skin add great flavor and moisture.
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: This mustard offers a sharp, tangy taste that enhances the chicken.
– 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard: It gives a nice texture and a milder flavor.
– 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings an aromatic quality and depth to the dish.
– 1 tablespoon honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the mustard’s tang.
– 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil helps to coat the chicken and aids in browning.
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Thyme adds a lovely herbaceous note.
– 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors in this dish.
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a bit of heat and depth.
– 1/2 cup chicken broth: This keeps the chicken moist while baking.
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Parsley adds color and a fresh finish to the dish.
These ingredients create a simple yet flavorful meal. The mix of mustards gives the chicken a unique taste. The balance of flavors makes this dish special. Each ingredient plays a key role to ensure your French mustard chicken shines on your table.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms your oven for even cooking.
2. Gather your materials. You will need a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a baking dish.
3. Next, prepare the mustard mixture. In a bowl, whisk together:
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4. Mix until everything blends well. This mix gives the chicken great flavor.
5. Now, prepare the chicken thighs. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps them crisp up in the oven.
Cooking Process
1. Coat the chicken thighs with your mustard mixture. Make sure to cover each piece well.
2. Arrange the chicken in the baking dish with the skin side up. This way, the skin gets crispy.
3. Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the dish. This broth keeps the chicken moist while cooking.
Baking Times and Clarity
1. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. It should turn golden brown.
2. Check the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It needs to reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
3. After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps the juices stay inside.
4. Lastly, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. This adds a nice touch to your dish.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Crispy Skin
To get that perfect crispy skin on your chicken thighs, start by drying them well. Use paper towels to pat them dry. This step removes moisture, which helps the skin crisp up in the oven. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is key for achieving a golden, crunchy skin.
Enhancing Flavor
For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like rosemary or oregano. Fresh herbs boost the dish’s taste. You can also play with mustard ratios. If you love a strong mustard flavor, go for more Dijon. If you prefer a milder taste, stick with whole grain mustard.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. This can lead to dryness. Always check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F (75°C). Another mistake is uneven seasoning. Make sure to coat each chicken thigh well with the mustard mix. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Pro Tips
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before coating them helps achieve a crispy skin while baking.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after baking; this helps the juices redistribute for a more flavorful bite.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Using fresh thyme and parsley brings vibrant flavors to the dish; feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or tarragon.
- Adjust the Mustard: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Dijon mustard or mix in a bit more honey for sweetness.

Variations
Alternative Mustard Options
For a fun twist, try using spicy mustard. It adds heat and depth. You can also mix Dijon and spicy mustard for a new flavor. If you want to get creative, make your own mustard. Mix mustard seeds, vinegar, and spices. Homemade mustard can taste fresh and unique.
Protein Substitutions
You can switch chicken for pork or beef. Both meats pair well with the mustard sauce. Just adjust cooking times. Pork cooks faster, while beef may need more time. If you seek a vegetarian option, use hearty vegetables or tofu. Marinate them in the mustard sauce for great flavor.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need gluten-free options, check your mustard labels. Some brands may add gluten. Use gluten-free broth too. For low-carb meals, skip the honey or use a low-carb sweetener. This keeps the dish tasty without extra carbs.
Storage Info
Best Ways to Store Leftovers
To keep your French mustard chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. Make sure to eat it within three days for the best taste.
Reheating Instructions
When reheating chicken, do it slowly. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze leftovers for later. Wrap each piece of chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. French mustard chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is French Mustard Chicken?
French Mustard Chicken is a simple and tasty dish. It features chicken thighs coated in a rich mustard sauce. The dish has roots in French cuisine, where mustard is a key ingredient. The blend of Dijon and whole grain mustard gives it a unique flavor. Garlic and honey add layers of taste, making it even more special.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Chicken breasts cook faster and are leaner. However, they may dry out more easily. Thighs have more fat, which keeps them juicy. If you choose breasts, check them often to avoid overcooking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can definitely prepare this dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in the mustard mixture for a few hours. This helps the flavors soak in well. You can also coat the chicken and store it in the fridge overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before cooking.
What to serve with French Mustard Chicken?
Pair this dish with simple sides for a balanced meal. Here are some great options:
– Steamed green beans
– Mashed potatoes
– Rice pilaf
– A fresh garden salad
These sides complement the flavors of the chicken and create a complete meal. Enjoy!
This blog post covered a delicious recipe for French Mustard Chicken. You learned about the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. Achieving crispy skin and enhancing flavor are key for great results. Remember to avoid common mistakes like dryness. You can even switch out proteins or adjust for dietary needs. By mastering these techniques, you create a tasty meal everyone will love. Enjoy exploring different mustard types and adaptations for a personalized touch! Happy cookin
French Mustard Chicken
A flavorful dish featuring chicken thighs coated in a mustard mixture, baked to perfection.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine French
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 4 thighs chicken, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, honey, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to get a crispy skin.
In a large baking dish, place the chicken thighs skin-side up. Generously coat the chicken with the mustard mixture, ensuring each piece is well covered.
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the chicken moist while cooking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.
Keyword baked, chicken, mustard
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