Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Vegetables is the perfect recipe for a comforting and hearty meal. This delicious dish combines tender chicken legs, roasted to perfection with potatoes, carrots, and onions. The star of the dish is the honey mustard glaze, a balance of sweet and savory, which gives the chicken a crispy, caramelized skin while keeping the meat juicy.
The addition of soy sauce adds umami depth, and the paprika brings a smoky warmth. Paired with a colorful array of roasted vegetables, this meal is not only flavorful but also nutrient-packed, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting, this recipe is simple, wholesome, and guaranteed to impress your taste buds!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Chicken Legs: 3 pieces
- Potatoes: 800 g (28 oz), peeled and cubed
- Carrots: 150 g (5.5 oz), peeled and chopped
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Parsley: A small bunch, chopped (for garnish)
- Butter: 30 g (1 oz)
- Honey: 2 tablespoons
- Soy Sauce: 4 tablespoons
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon (Dijon or whole grain)
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Pepper: To taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). While the oven is heating, start preparing the vegetables and chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the Vegetables: Peel and cube the potatoes, carrots, and onion. Arrange them in a baking dish or roasting pan.
- Season the Vegetables: Add half of the minced garlic to the vegetables, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables with melted butter to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, mustard, paprika, and the remaining garlic. This will be your marinade for the chicken.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
- Season the Chicken Legs: Pat the chicken legs dry with a paper towel, then season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Coat the Chicken: Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the chicken legs with the honey mustard glaze. Make sure the legs are evenly covered for maximum flavor.
Step 5: Roast the Chicken and Vegetables
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken legs on top of the vegetables in the baking dish.
- Bake: Roast the chicken and vegetables in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken with any remaining glaze or pan juices.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F), and the skin is golden brown and crispy. The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Serve: Once everything is cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken and vegetables for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve the honey mustard chicken and roasted vegetables hot, paired with a simple side salad or some crusty bread if desired.
Cooking Tips
- Chicken Alternatives: You can substitute chicken legs with thighs, drumsticks, or even bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes for added variety.
- Marinating the Chicken: If you have time, marinate the chicken in the honey mustard glaze for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
- Basting: Basting the chicken with its juices halfway through the cooking process helps to create a more flavorful, crispy skin.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes to regain the crispy texture. You can also microwave them, though the skin may lose some of its crispiness.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, store the chicken and vegetables in separate airtight containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 7 g (from honey and vegetables)
- Sodium: 600 mg (due to soy sauce)
Please note that these nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients used.
FAQs
Q: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well in this recipe. Just reduce the cooking time by 10-15 minutes to avoid drying out the meat.
Q: How do I make the chicken skin extra crispy?
A: To achieve extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken legs are patted dry before applying the glaze. Additionally, roasting at a high temperature helps to caramelize the glaze and make the skin crisp.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, marinate the chicken, and store everything in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: What sides pair well with this dish?
A: This dish pairs perfectly with a light side salad, garlic bread, or even steamed rice for a complete meal.
Q: Can I use other types of mustard?
A: Absolutely! You can use Dijon mustard for a milder flavor or whole grain mustard for added texture and a more robust taste.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Chicken with Roasted Vegetables is a delightful, easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special family meal. The combination of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and savory soy sauce elevates the chicken, while the roasted potatoes and carrots provide a comforting side. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences, whether you want to switch up the vegetables or add extra spices. It’s also a relatively healthy meal, packed with lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables, making it a balanced option for all ages.
Serve this flavorful dish to impress your family or guests, and enjoy the irresistible blend of crispy, juicy chicken and tender, caramelized vegetables. You can even double the recipe to ensure there are plenty of leftovers, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day!