Zesty Barefoot Contessa’s Crispy Mustard Chicken Recipe

Every home cook secretly dreams of a roasted chicken that boasts golden-crispy mustard chicken skin and juicy, tender meat that melts in your mouth.

Ina Garten’s recipe delivers exactly that – a mouthwatering dish that elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.

The secret lies in her masterful blend of tangy Dijon mustard, herbs, and a perfectly balanced seasoning.

Crisp edges, succulent interior, and a robust flavor profile make this dish an instant crowd-pleaser.

She marinates the chicken with precision, allowing each piece to absorb rich, zesty notes that promise a delectable meal.

The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly gathering around the dinner table.

Get ready to savor a classic recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients Needed for Barefoot Contessa Crispy Mustard Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein centerpiece that absorbs delicious flavors and provides main dish structure. Choose plump, fresh cuts with minimal moisture for crispiest results.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances natural chicken taste and helps create flavor foundation. Use kosher or sea salt for best texture.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to chicken's overall taste profile. Freshly ground provides more vibrant flavor.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates irresistible crispy exterior with light, airy texture. Look for Japanese-style breadcrumbs for maximum crunchiness.
• Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumbs adhere and promotes golden-brown color. Select extra virgin for richest flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps breadcrumbs achieve beautiful golden color. Ensure butter is melted for smooth mixture.
• Lemon Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy notes that complement chicken's richness. Use fresh lemon for most intense flavor.

• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy, complex base for coating that penetrates chicken deeply. Choose smooth, high-quality mustard.
• White Wine: Adds subtle acidity and helps mustard mixture stick to chicken. Select dry white wine for best results.
• Fresh Garlic: Delivers robust, aromatic punch to overall dish. Choose firm, fresh cloves without sprouts.
• Fresh Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbaceous undertones. Select bright green sprigs with strong aroma.

Gear Up for Barefoot Contessa Crispy Mustard Chicken

• Food processor: Essential for mixing garlic, herbs, and creating breadcrumb coating.
• Shallow bowl: Perfect for whisking mustard and wine mixture.
• Large plate: Used for spreading breadcrumb mixture.
• Baking tray: Needed to roast chicken evenly.
• Paper towels: Great for drying chicken before seasoning.
• Whisk: Helps blend mustard and wine smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Useful for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning amounts.

The Process of Cooking Barefoot Contessa Crispy Mustard Chicken

Crispy Mustard Chicken Adventure

• Flavor Foundation Preparation

Grab your food processor and toss in fragrant garlic, delicate thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Pulse everything into a tantalizing aromatic mixture that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Crispy Coating Magic

Mix panko breadcrumbs with bright lemon zest, silky olive oil, and rich melted butter. Blend these ingredients until they create a golden, crunchy coating that’ll transform ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

• Mustard Dip Technique

Create a zesty bath of Dijon mustard and white wine in a shallow dish. This magical liquid will help your breadcrumb mixture cling perfectly to each chicken piece.

• Chicken Transformation

Pat your chicken pieces dry, then generously season with salt and pepper. Dunk each piece into the mustard mixture, then roll luxuriously in the herbed breadcrumb coating, pressing gently to ensure maximum crispiness.

• Oven Performance

Place your coated chicken on a baking tray, making sure the crumb side faces up. Start baking at a moderate temperature, then crank up the heat for the final few minutes to achieve that irresistible golden crunch.

• Delicious Finale

Pull out your masterpiece when the chicken is beautifully golden and perfectly cooked. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Tips & Customizations for Barefoot Contessa Crispy Mustard Chicken

• Insider Tips & Twists
• Mix panko with grated parmesan or pecorino cheese for extra richness and a deeper golden crust.
• Swap thyme with rosemary, tarragon, or oregano to create unique flavor profiles that match your mood and pantry ingredients.
• Replace white wine with chicken broth or apple cider for different subtle flavor undertones if you prefer non-alcoholic options.
• Complement this crispy chicken with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a light arugula salad to balance the dish's rich, crunchy texture.
• Prepare the chicken breading mixture and coat the chicken up to 4 hours ahead, then refrigerate before baking to save time during busy evenings.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Crispy Mustard Chicken

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the crispy chicken with a light, tangy green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, golden breadcrumb coating.
• Roasted Vegetable Side: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or colorful bell peppers to add nutritional variety and vibrant colors to the plate.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a comforting meal by adding smooth, buttery mashed potatoes that perfectly soak up the mustard and chicken juices.
• Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Offer warm, crusty bread or a rustic baguette to help soak up any delicious pan drippings and mustard sauce.

Prep & Preserve Barefoot Contessa Crispy Mustard Chicken

• Maximize Meal Prep: Prepare chicken up to 24 hours ahead, storing uncooked breaded pieces in a sealed container in the refrigerator, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crispy texture by placing a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Crunch: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes to maintain the crispy breadcrumb coating, avoiding microwave methods that can make the breading soggy.

Tangy Barefoot Contessa Crispy Mustard Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Barefoot Contessa’s crispy mustard chicken recipe delivers golden, herb-crusted poultry with tangy Dijon charm. Rustic French techniques combine simple ingredients for a memorable dinner that invites home cooks to savor each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.6 to 1.8 kg (3.5 to 4 lbs) chicken, cut into eighths
• 120 ml (½ cup) dry white wine
• 120 g (4.2 oz) Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon)
• 200 g (7 oz) panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 30 ml (2 tbsps) good olive oil
• 30 g (1 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 15 g (½ oz) minced fresh thyme leaves
• 4 garlic cloves
• 6 g (2 tsps) grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Flavor Development: Blend garlic, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a food processor until uniformly chopped, creating an aromatic base for the crispy coating.
2. Crumb Preparation: Pulse panko breadcrumbs with lemon zest, olive oil, and melted butter into the herb mixture, forming a moistened, textured coating. Spread the mixture evenly on a large plate.
3. Mustard Wash: Whisk Dijon mustard and white wine in a shallow dish, creating a smooth, tangy liquid for coating the chicken.
4. Chicken Preparation: Thoroughly dry chicken pieces with paper towels, then season comprehensively with salt and black pepper, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Coating Process: Immerse each chicken piece in the mustard wash, then transfer to the breadcrumb plate. Press firmly, especially on the skin side, to ensure a thick, even crumb coating that adheres completely.
6. Baking Method: Arrange coated chicken on a baking tray with skin facing upward. Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over exposed areas. Roast in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 40 minutes, then intensify heat to 200°C (400°F) for a final 10 minutes until the chicken achieves a golden-brown crust and reaches perfect internal temperature.
7. Serving: Rest the chicken briefly before presenting, allowing the crispy exterior to set while maintaining optimal juiciness and flavor.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown breadcrumb coating that sticks perfectly.
• Crumb Coating Technique: Gently press breadcrumb mixture onto chicken, focusing on skin-side for maximum crunch and flavor absorption.
• Temperature Transformation: Two-stage baking method creates a perfectly crisp exterior while maintaining juicy chicken interior.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Combine fresh thyme, lemon zest, and garlic in food processor for an intensely aromatic and well-distributed seasoning base.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg