Crispy Chicken Maryland with Herb-Mustard Crust
Indulge in this delightful Crispy Chicken Maryland with Herb-Mustard Crust, inspired by the flavors of a gourmet butcher's kitchen. This dish is a comforting celebration of winter flavors, perfect for a festive 'Christmas in July' gathering or a cozy family dinner any time of year. The golden, crispy crust, created from fresh breadcrumbs infused with herbs, sweet paprika, and a hint of cinnamon, elevates tender chicken legs to new heights. It's quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, yet it feels special enough for holiday feasts. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the dish's savory notes and enjoy a meal that everyone will love, just as Vince fell in love with it all those years ago.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken legs (Marylands)
4 (Complete bone in, skin on)
Fresh breadcrumbs
3 cups (Made from a 3-day-old loaf)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Cut into small dots)
Sweet paprika
1 teaspoon (For sprinkling on top)
Dijon mustard
1/2 cup (Mixed with other ingredients)
Garlic
1/2 clove (Large, minced)
Thyme
1 tablespoon (Freshly chopped)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (A pinch)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
2
Prepare the breadcrumbs: Using a stale loaf of fresh bread, either crumble the bread by hand or pulse in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Season the breadcrumbs with freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt to taste.
3
In a mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth mustard mixture.
4
Take each chicken Maryland and coat it with the mustard mixture, ensuring an even layer.
5
Roll each mustard-coated chicken piece in the seasoned breadcrumbs until fully covered.
6
Place the chicken legs skin side up in a shallow baking tray. Dot the breadcrumbs with small pieces of butter and generously sprinkle sweet paprika on top for an extra layer of flavor.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 to 1.25 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown. If using turkey Marylands, increase the baking time and adjust the amount of seasonings accordingly to account for their size.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your deliciously crispy chicken!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a Chicken Maryland?
A Chicken Maryland is a cut of chicken that includes both the thigh and the drumstick attached in one piece.
What oven temperature should I use for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 160 degrees Celsius or 320 degrees Fahrenheit for a slow, even bake.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should bake for approximately 1 to 1.25 hours until it is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
What ingredients make up the herb-mustard mixture?
The mixture consists of Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, black pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon.
How do I prepare the fresh breadcrumbs?
Use a stale loaf of fresh bread and pulse it in a food processor or crumble it by hand until you have coarse crumbs.
Can I substitute chicken with turkey?
Yes, you can use turkey Marylands, but you must increase the baking time and adjust seasoning amounts due to their larger size.
What type of mustard is best for this crust?
Dijon mustard is recommended for this recipe because of its smooth texture and tangy flavor profile.
Why is cinnamon included in the mustard mixture?
A small pinch of cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that complements the savory herbs and mustard.
Should the chicken be placed skin side up or down?
Place the chicken legs skin side up in the baking tray to ensure the herb-mustard crust becomes crispy and golden.
What is the role of sweet paprika in this recipe?
Sweet paprika is sprinkled on top of the breadcrumbs to provide a beautiful golden color and an extra layer of flavor.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for half of a large clove of minced garlic to be mixed into the mustard coating.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme provides the best aromatic flavor, you can use dried thyme in smaller quantities if fresh is unavailable.
Why do I need to dot the breadcrumbs with butter?
Small dots of butter help the breadcrumbs crisp up and turn a beautiful golden brown while in the oven.
Is this dish suitable for a festive occasion?
Yes, its gourmet flavors make it perfect for festive gatherings like Christmas in July or cozy family holiday dinners.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or when the juices run clear and the crust is crisp.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of fresh?
Fresh breadcrumbs provide a superior coarse texture, but store-bought panko or coarse crumbs can be used if necessary.
Should I season the breadcrumbs before coating?
Yes, it is important to season the breadcrumbs with freshly cracked black pepper and sea salt to enhance the overall flavor.
What side dishes go well with Crispy Chicken Maryland?
Roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad are excellent choices to complement the savory, crispy chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs if I cannot find Marylands?
Yes, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can be used, though you may need to reduce the baking time slightly.
Why is it important to rest the chicken after baking?
Resting the chicken for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and succulent.
How many servings does this specific recipe provide?
This recipe is designed for 4 chicken Marylands, which typically serves four people.
What if my bread is too fresh for making crumbs?
If your bread is too fresh, you can lightly toast the slices or leave them out on the counter for a few hours to dry out.
Is the herb-mustard crust spicy?
No, the crust is savory and aromatic with a hint of sweetness from the paprika, but it does not have a spicy heat.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the fresh breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed GF crackers.
What is the best way to apply the mustard mixture?
Use a spoon or a pastry brush to coat each chicken piece thoroughly, ensuring an even layer for the crumbs to stick to.
What type of baking tray should I use?
A shallow baking tray is best as it allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, helping the crust become crispy.
Should I cover the tray with aluminum foil?
No, do not cover the tray with foil; the chicken needs to be exposed to the dry heat of the oven to achieve a crispy crust.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken in the mustard mixture ahead of time, but it is best to add the breadcrumbs just before baking for maximum crunch.
What is the texture of the final crust?
The final crust is thick, coarse, and crunchy, offering a satisfying contrast to the tender meat underneath.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, despite its gourmet description, it is very quick to prepare and uses simple techniques, making it ideal for busy weeknights.