Oven-baked chicken with hot mustard

Oven-baked chicken with spicy mustard and vegetables - a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick and hearty dinner. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite due to its intense flavor and attractive presentation. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish, step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 3 tablespoons of spicy mustard
- 2 carrots
- 4 potatoes
- olive oil
- 50 ml liqueur (optional)
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Wash the chicken under cold running water and dry it with paper towels. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready, including the vegetables.

2. Cutting the vegetables:
Peel the carrots and potatoes, then cut them into large cubes. These vegetables will absorb the delicious flavors of the chicken during baking, adding extra taste to the dish. Place the vegetables in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil, adding salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to coat them evenly.

3. Preparing the chicken:
In a small bowl, mix the mustard with a splash of olive oil and, if desired, the liqueur. Using a kitchen brush, generously coat the chicken with this mixture, ensuring that you cover the entire surface, including under the skin, for an intense flavor. Don’t forget to season the chicken with salt and pepper inside and out.

4. Arranging in the dish:
Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the dish. If you like, you can add some herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, which pair perfectly with the chicken and vegetables.

5. Baking:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for about 1 hour. It’s important to check occasionally if the chicken is nicely browned and if the vegetables are cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 75°C.

6. Serving:
Once the chicken is ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy. Serve the chicken alongside the roasted vegetables and, if desired, you can add a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast.

Variation suggestions:
- If you want to add a touch of sweetness, you can include a diced apple or a few slices of red onion in the dish, which caramelize beautifully during baking.
- Replace the mustard with a mixture of honey and mustard for a sweeter note, or add spices like paprika or garlic powder for an extra flavor boost.

This oven-baked chicken with spicy mustard and vegetables is not only simple but also full of flavor, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious dish made with love!