Mustard Fried Chicken

This Mustard Fried Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it features juicy chicken pieces coated in a tangy mustard marinade and seasoned flour. The result is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making it a go-to dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Experience: The mustard adds a unique tanginess that elevates the chicken’s taste.
• Easy Preparation: Simple steps make this recipe accessible, even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with your favorite sides like coleslaw or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings or family dinners, this dish is sure to impress guests.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the chicken in advance and fry when ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are essential items you’ll need to create delicious Mustard Fried Chicken.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Deep pot or deep fryer
• Cooking thermometer
• Cooling rack or paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken, ensuring every piece gets coated evenly.
• Deep pot or deep fryer: Provides enough space for frying multiple pieces at once, ensuring even cooking.
• Cooking thermometer: Guarantees that your chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature for safety.
• Cooling rack or paper towels: Helps drain excess oil from the fried chicken, keeping it crisp.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Mustard Fried Chicken, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade

• 6 pounds Chicken Pieces with bones
• 1 cup Yellow Prepared Mustard
• 1 tablespoon Season Salt
• 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes

For the Coating

• 3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons Season Salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons paprika

For Frying

• Oil for frying

How to Make Mustard Fried Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the raw chicken pieces into a large bowl.
2. Squeeze the mustard over the top of the chicken.
3. Sprinkle season salt, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and parsley flakes over the mustard.
4. Mix well until all pieces are thoroughly coated.

Step 2: Let It Rest

1. Allow the chicken to sit in the marinade for at least 20 minutes; refrigerate if preparing ahead.

Step 3: Heat Oil

1. Fill a large deep pot or deep fryer halfway with oil.
2. Preheat oil to 325°F.

Step 4: Prepare Coating

1. In a separate bowl, combine all crust ingredients (flour & spices).
2. Remove marinated chicken from bowl and coat each piece with seasoned flour.

Step 5: Fry Chicken

1. Once oil is heated, add chicken pieces gradually.
2. Fry until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (approximately 15-20 minutes).

Step 6: Drain

1. Remove fried chicken from oil.
2. Drain on a cooling rack or paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Enjoy your delicious Mustard Fried Chicken! Serve it hot with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that’s sure to be loved by everyone at your table.

How to Serve Mustard Fried Chicken

Mustard Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Its crispy texture and tangy flavor make it a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Classic Southern Style

• Coleslaw – A creamy and crunchy side that adds freshness and balances the richness of the fried chicken.
• Cornbread – Sweet, moist cornbread complements the savory flavors of the chicken, creating a comforting meal.
• Pickles – Tangy pickles provide a sharp contrast to the chicken’s flavor, enhancing each bite.

Light and Fresh Options

• Green Salad – A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the fried chicken.
• Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal grilled vegetables add color and nutrition, making the plate more vibrant.

Comfort Food Pairings

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy create a hearty combination that many love.
• Macaroni and Cheese – This cheesy comfort food is always a hit alongside fried chicken and adds indulgence to the meal.

How to Perfect Mustard Fried Chicken

Achieving perfectly crispy Mustard Fried Chicken is all about technique and care. Follow these tips for outstanding results every time.

• Marinate Longer – Allowing the chicken to marinate in mustard for several hours or overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Spices – Freshly ground spices boost flavor; consider grinding whole spices just before use for maximum aroma.
• Maintain Oil Temperature – Keeping oil at 325°F ensures even cooking; too hot can burn the crust before cooking through.
• Do Not Overcrowd – Frying in small batches prevents temperature drop in oil, leading to better frying results.
• Drain Properly – Allowing chicken to drain on a rack instead of paper towels keeps it crispy by preventing steam buildup.

Best Side Dishes for Mustard Fried Chicken

Pairing Mustard Fried Chicken with complementary side dishes enhances your meal. Here are some fantastic options that work beautifully together.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and balance to the tangy chicken.
2. Buttermilk Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits are perfect for sopping up any juices or sauces from the chicken.
3. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and crunch, making a delightful contrast.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Caramelized Brussels sprouts bring earthy flavors that pair well with mustard’s tanginess.
5. Corn on the Cob – Juicy corn on the cob adds sweetness and is a classic side dish that everyone loves.
6. Baked Beans – Hearty baked beans offer a smoky flavor that complements the mustard in the chicken nicely.
7. Cucumber Salad – Crisp cucumbers in a light dressing provide a refreshing contrast to rich fried chicken.
8. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad adds brightness and sweetness, balancing the savory elements of your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Mustard Fried Chicken from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Bold Flavor Overload: Using too much mustard can overpower the dish. Stick to the recipe’s suggested amount for a balanced flavor.
• Inadequate Marination Time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate long enough can result in bland meat. Aim for at least 20 minutes, or ideally refrigerate for several hours.
• Wrong Oil Temperature: Frying at too low or high a temperature can lead to greasy or burnt chicken. Use a thermometer and maintain a steady 325°F while frying.
• Skipping the Seasoned Flour: Neglecting to coat the chicken in seasoned flour means missing out on extra crunch and flavor. Ensure each piece is fully coated before frying.
• Overcrowding the Fryer: Adding too many pieces of chicken at once can lower oil temperature and affect cooking time. Fry in batches for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mustard Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mustard Fried Chicken

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Mustard Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking often to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Mustard Fried Chicken that might help you.

What is Mustard Fried Chicken?

Mustard Fried Chicken is a flavorful dish where chicken pieces are marinated in mustard and spices, then fried until crispy. It’s known for its tangy taste and juicy texture.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken works well, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Boneless pieces may cook faster than bone-in options.

How do I make Mustard Fried Chicken extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness, double-coat your chicken by dipping it back into the mustard mixture after the first flour coat, then re-coat with seasoned flour before frying.

Is there a spicy version of Mustard Fried Chicken?

Absolutely! You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the mustard marinade for an additional kick of heat.

Can I bake Mustard Fried Chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake it! Coat the marinated chicken with seasoned flour, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.

Final Thoughts

Mustard Fried Chicken is not just delicious; it’s also versatile. You can customize it with different spices or serve it alongside various sides. Whether you’re hosting dinner or enjoying a family meal, this dish is sure to impress everyone. Give it a try!