Spicy Brown Mustard Chicken: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful chicken recipe to spice up your weeknight dinners? Look no further than this Spicy Brown Mustard Chicken! This recipe combines the tangy zest of spicy brown mustard with savory herbs and spices, creating a delicious marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary delight. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to adjust the spice levels and ingredients to your liking. Whether you prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, this marinade works wonders. Let’s dive into the details!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Brown Mustard Chicken
* **Quick and Easy:** The marinade comes together in minutes, and the chicken can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, or in a skillet.
* **Flavorful:** The spicy brown mustard provides a tangy and zesty base, complemented by garlic, herbs, and spices for a complex and delicious flavor profile.
* **Versatile:** You can use any cut of chicken you prefer, and the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
* **Healthy:** Using lean chicken and baking or grilling minimizes added fats, making this a healthier option compared to many takeout meals.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Chicken is a relatively inexpensive protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples, making this a cost-effective meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Chicken:** 2-3 pounds of your preferred chicken cut (bone-in, skin-on thighs, boneless, skinless breasts, or a mix).
* **Spicy Brown Mustard:** 1/2 cup (This is the star of the show! Use a good quality spicy brown mustard for the best flavor).
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons (Helps to keep the chicken moist and aids in browning).
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced (Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor).
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons (Brightens the flavors and tenderizes the chicken).
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** 1 tablespoon (Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice).
* **Dried Herbs:** 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano (Provides a savory and earthy flavor).
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon (Adds a smoky depth of flavor).
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste (Enhances the other flavors).
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes (For extra heat).
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Mixing Bowl:** To prepare the marinade.
* **Whisk or Fork:** To combine the marinade ingredients.
* **Resealable Plastic Bag or Dish:** To marinate the chicken.
* **Baking Dish or Sheet Pan:** For oven-baked chicken.
* **Grill:** For grilled chicken.
* **Skillet:** For pan-fried chicken.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide to making delicious Spicy Brown Mustard Chicken:
**1. Prepare the Marinade:**
* In a mixing bowl, whisk together the spicy brown mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. If you want to add some extra heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or honey depending on your preference.
**2. Marinate the Chicken:**
* Place the chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
* Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
* Massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure it penetrates thoroughly.
* Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
**3. Choose Your Cooking Method:**
You have several options for cooking your marinated chicken. Here are instructions for oven baking, grilling, and pan-frying:
**Option 1: Oven-Baked Chicken**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Line a baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
* Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
* For the last few minutes of baking, you can broil the chicken to achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin (if using skin-on chicken). Watch carefully to prevent burning.
**Option 2: Grilled Chicken**
* Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
* Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
* Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
* Place the chicken pieces on the grill. If using skin-on chicken, start skin-side down.
* Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
* If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat or move it to a cooler part of the grill.
**Option 3: Pan-Fried Chicken**
* Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
* Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
* Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. Reduce the heat if the chicken starts to brown too quickly.
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
**4. Rest and Serve:**
* Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven, grill, or skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
* Serve the Spicy Brown Mustard Chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Perfect Spicy Brown Mustard Chicken
* **Use High-Quality Mustard:** The flavor of the spicy brown mustard will greatly impact the final dish, so choose a brand you enjoy.
* **Don’t Over-Marinate:** While marinating for a longer time enhances the flavor, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken fibers, making it mushy.
* **Pat the Chicken Dry:** Before cooking, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help it to brown better and prevent it from steaming in the pan.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Let the Chicken Rest:** Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of smoked paprika or omit the red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Add Vegetables to the Baking Dish:** You can roast vegetables alongside the chicken in the oven. Toss chopped vegetables like broccoli, carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them in the baking dish with the chicken.
* **Make it a Sheet Pan Dinner:** For an even easier clean-up, make this a sheet pan dinner. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet, top with the marinated chicken, and bake until everything is cooked through.
* **Use Different Cuts of Chicken:** This recipe works well with any cut of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Make Ahead:** The marinade can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Brown Mustard Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes, or sweet potatoes.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato mash.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Pasta:** Buttered noodles or pasta with a light sauce.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
Variations
* **Honey Mustard Chicken:** Use regular brown mustard and increase the amount of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter flavor.
* **Dijon Mustard Chicken:** Substitute Dijon mustard for spicy brown mustard for a milder, more sophisticated flavor.
* **Maple Mustard Chicken:** Use maple syrup as the sweetener for a rich, caramelized flavor.
* **Lemon Herb Chicken:** Add more lemon zest and fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the marinade for a brighter, more refreshing flavor.
* **Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken:** Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sriracha to the marinade for an Asian-inspired twist.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the chicken in the oven, microwave, or skillet until heated through. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
* **Freeze:** You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on boneless, skinless chicken breast):
* Calories: 300-350
* Protein: 35-40g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
This Spicy Brown Mustard Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a weekend gathering. The tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors create a symphony in your mouth, and the versatility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your liking. So, grab your ingredients, fire up the oven or grill, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more! Enjoy!
Recipe Card
**Spicy Brown Mustard Chicken**
A flavorful and easy weeknight dinner recipe featuring chicken marinated in a tangy and spicy brown mustard sauce.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Marinating Time:** 30 minutes (minimum), 2 hours (recommended), overnight (best)
**Cook Time:** 25-35 minutes (oven), 6-8 minutes per side (grill), 4-5 minutes per side (skillet)
**Servings:** 4-6
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 pounds chicken (bone-in, skin-on thighs, boneless, skinless breasts, or a mix)
* 1/2 cup spicy brown mustard
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the spicy brown mustard, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), dried thyme, rosemary, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
2. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Arrange the chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Alternatively, grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or pan-fry in a skillet with olive oil for 4-5 minutes per side, until cooked through.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
**Notes:**
* Adjust the spice level to your preference.
* Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
* Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.