Chicken with mustard and garlic a la Jacques Pepin

Chicken with mustard and garlic à la Jacques Pépin

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-45 minutes
Total time: 45-60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love a dish that combines the intense flavors of mustard and garlic with the juiciness of oven-cooked chicken? This recipe, inspired by master chef Jacques Pépin, promises a memorable culinary experience, full of rich flavors and pleasing textures. Plus, it's a quick and simple recipe, perfect for family dinners or a special occasion.

Brief history

Baked chicken is a classic dish on tables all over the world, but this recipe combines tradition with modern cooking techniques to give an exceptional result. Jacques Pépin, a renowned French chef, has succeeded in transforming the simple chicken dish into a delicacy by using simple but quality ingredients combined with an ingenious cooking technique.

Ingredients needed

- 1 chicken (about 1.5 kg)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredients details

- Chicken: Choose fresh, quality chicken. Organic or free-range chicken will provide superior flavor.
- Dijon mustard: It adds a touch of acidity and a spicy flavor that perfectly complements chicken.
- Garlic: In addition to its strong flavor, garlic also has numerous health benefits as a good antioxidant.
- Dry white wine: It helps enrich the sauce, adding a touch of complexity.
- Soy sauce and Tabasco: These add an extra layer of umami and spiciness.

Preparation technique

1. Preparing the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This will ensure even baking and will help to achieve a crispy crust.

2. Preparing the chicken: Wash the chicken thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel. Using kitchen shears, remove the chicken's backbone. This method, known as spatchcocking, will significantly reduce cooking time and allow the chicken to cook evenly.

3. Flattening the chicken: Turn the chicken breast-side up and press firmly to flatten it slightly. This will help achieve a tender and juicy texture.

4. Cutting the chicken: Cut off the ends of the lower thighs and section the chicken around the joints to ensure even cooking.

5. Making the sauce: In a bowl, mix the crushed garlic, Dijon mustard, white wine, olive oil, soy sauce, Tabasco sauce, herbes de Provence and salt. This will be the flavorful base to enrich the chicken.

6. Baste the chicken: Turn the chicken breast-side down and baste generously with half of the prepared sauce. Place it in a well heated frying pan, greased side down.

7. Brown the chicken: Leave the chicken on a high heat for about 5 minutes until it starts to brown. This will create a delicious, flavorful crust.

8. Bake: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is well seared and browned. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken.

9. Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicier meat.

10. Serving: Portion the chicken and serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes. We recommend also adding two cloves of garlic to the water while boiling the potatoes for a subtle added flavor.

Serving suggestions and variations

- Mashed potatoes: As mentioned, mashed potatoes are a great choice. You can add butter or cream for a richer consistency.
- Lettu salad greens: A fresh salad with crunchy greens will contrast perfectly with the baked chicken.
- Garnishes: The chicken can be accompanied with grilled vegetables or basmati rice to create a balanced and tasty dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use thawed chicken? Yes, make sure the chicken is completely thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. What can I do with leftover chicken? Leftovers can be used in salads, sandwiches or soups, providing a new culinary experience of the same dish.

3. How do I know when the chicken is ready? Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature of the chicken must reach 75°C to be considered cooked.

4. Can I substitute Dijon mustard? You can use regular mustard, but the taste will be different; Dijon mustard gives a more refined taste.

Nutritional benefits

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein and garlic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This recipe is not only tasty but also nutritious, making it an ideal choice for a healthy meal.

Calories

One serving of garlic mustard chicken contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size and additional ingredients used.

Now that you've got all the information you need, all that's left to do is get cooking! This chicken with mustard and garlic recipe a la Jacques Pépin is sure to become a favorite in any household. Enjoy!