Ina Garten’s Mustard Roasted Chicken is a simple yet flavorful roast chicken recipe that uses a tangy mustard glaze to create a beautifully crisp and golden skin. The chicken stays juicy and tender inside, making it a perfect comforting dinner. It’s an easy recipe with classic ingredients that elevates your weeknight meal or impresses guests at a dinner party.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)

• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 lemon, quartered

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Rinse the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Place chicken in a roasting pan.

3. Rub the mustard all over the chicken, then drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.

4. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters and thyme sprigs.

5. Roast the chicken for about 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).

6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Nutrients (estimate per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Protein: 40 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Carbohydrates: 1 g

• Fiber: 0 g

The Art of Roasting the Perfect Chicken

Roasting a whole chicken is one of the most timeless cooking methods, celebrated for its ability to develop deep flavors and pleasing textures with minimal effort. Ina Garten’s recipe leverages this technique by enhancing the chicken’s natural qualities with a simple mustard-based rub.

Proper roasting at a high temperature ensures the skin becomes beautifully crisp and golden, a textural highlight that adds contrast to the juicy meat beneath. The high heat seals in the juices, preventing the chicken from drying out—a common challenge in roasting.

Resting the chicken after roasting is an essential step that allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in slices that are moist and flavorful. This simple technique elevates the home-roasted chicken to a restaurant-quality level.

Mustard: A Tangy Flavor Booster

The use of Dijon mustard in this recipe is key to its distinctive flavor profile. Mustard adds a mild tanginess and subtle heat that permeates the skin during roasting, enhancing the chicken without overpowering its natural taste.

Mustard also acts as a binder for the olive oil and seasoning, helping to create a thin crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven. The acidity in the mustard helps tenderize the skin slightly, contributing to the dish’s appealing texture.

Beyond flavor, mustard brings nutritional benefits such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, adding a healthful component to this indulgent dish.

The Role of Olive Oil

Olive oil is a crucial ingredient that contributes to the lusciousness of the chicken skin and overall mouthfeel of the dish. It helps the mustard rub adhere evenly and promotes browning during roasting, resulting in a shiny, appetizing finish.

Olive oil’s healthy fats enhance the richness of the chicken and provide subtle fruity undertones that complement the mustard and herbs. Using extra virgin olive oil, known for its high-quality flavor and antioxidants, further elevates the dish and adds nutritional value.

This ingredient not only enriches flavor but also supports heart health and satiety.

Lemon and Thyme: Aromatic Complements

Stuffing the chicken cavity with lemon quarters and fresh thyme sprigs infuses the meat from the inside out with bright citrus notes and herbal aroma. Lemon adds a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the chicken and mustard glaze, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy.

Thyme’s earthy, slightly minty flavor enhances the savory profile and complements the mustard’s tanginess. The herbs and citrus also create a fragrant steam during roasting that permeates the chicken, making every bite flavorful.

Together, these aromatics contribute complexity and freshness, elevating a simple roast into a dish with depth and nuance.

Simplicity and Elegance in Preparation

Ina Garten’s Mustard Roasted Chicken stands out for its straightforward, approachable preparation that requires minimal ingredients and effort. This simplicity is part of its charm—it’s an elegant dish that home cooks can execute without stress or complicated steps.

The recipe demonstrates how classic, pantry-friendly ingredients like mustard, olive oil, lemon, and thyme can transform a basic whole chicken into something special. It’s accessible for beginners and reassuring for seasoned cooks seeking a reliable, foolproof roast chicken method.

This balance between simplicity and sophistication makes it a versatile recipe suitable for everyday meals and festive occasions alike.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Mustard Roasted Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it adaptable to different cuisines and occasions. Roasted or mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement the savory richness and bring balance to the plate.

For a more elegant presentation, sides like garlic sautéed greens, herb-infused rice, or a vibrant carrot and fennel slaw add texture and freshness. The lemon and herb flavors in the chicken also pair well with lighter wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Serving the chicken sliced or pulled apart provides flexibility for plating or family-style dining, making it an ideal dish for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

Nutritional Profile and Health Aspects

This roast chicken recipe offers a well-rounded nutritional profile, featuring high-quality protein, healthy fats, and minimal carbohydrates. Chicken is a lean protein source that supports muscle repair and overall health, while olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

The use of fresh herbs and lemon adds antioxidants and vitamins without adding calories. The dish’s low carbohydrate content makes it suitable for low-carb and ketogenic diets.

While relatively rich due to the skin and olive oil, the dish’s nutrient density and balanced ingredients offer a wholesome meal option when paired with vegetables or whole grains.

Tips for Achieving the Best Results

For the most flavorful and juicy roast chicken, selecting a high-quality, fresh bird is essential. Patting the chicken dry before applying the mustard and oil ensures the skin crisps up nicely.

Generously seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the natural flavors and helps develop a savory crust. Using an instant-read thermometer to check doneness prevents overcooking and ensures perfectly tender meat.

Allowing the chicken to rest after roasting is key to juicy results. Tent with foil to keep warm and let the juices redistribute before carving.

Experimenting with additional herbs or spices in the rub can personalize the dish while maintaining its classic appeal.

Conclusion

Ina Garten’s Mustard Roasted Chicken is a timeless recipe that brings together simplicity, elegance, and bold flavors in a dish that never fails to impress. Its tangy mustard glaze, golden crisp skin, and juicy tender meat make it a versatile and satisfying centerpiece for any meal.

The recipe’s minimal ingredient list and straightforward preparation encourage home cooks of all levels to enjoy the art of roasting chicken with confidence. The addition of fresh lemon and thyme elevates the flavor, making it both comforting and refined.

Offering both nutritional benefits and indulgent taste, this mustard roasted chicken embodies the perfect balance for modern home cooking. Including this recipe on your website will inspire readers to explore classic roasting techniques and enjoy a dish that celebrates fresh ingredients and simple yet impactful flavors.