If you’re searching for the crispiest, most flavor-packed comfort food, look no further than Mustard Fried Chicken. This Southern classic gets a tangy twist from a bold mustard-buttermilk marinade, yielding tender, juicy chicken cloaked in a golden, garlicky crust. Whether you’re hosting a backyard picnic or just craving a plate of something irresistibly satisfying, this recipe brings the kind of happy, homemade magic you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The strong, simple ingredients for Mustard Fried Chicken are pure kitchen staples, yet each one lends something special — the buttermilk tenderizes, the mustard brightens, and the seasoned flour brings crunch and color. Here’s what you’ll need for guaranteed deliciousness:
- Chicken pieces (8 bone-in, skin-on drumsticks or thighs): Opt for dark meat with the skin on; it stays juicy and delivers the ultimate crispy bite.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Helps tenderize the chicken and creates a flavorful base for the marinade.
- Yellow mustard (1/4 cup): The key to that signature tang and savory depth in every bite.
- Hot sauce (2 tablespoons, optional): A dash for those who love a little heat — add more if you’d like your chicken to really sing.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation of that crunchy, golden coating.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle savory note.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): For a gentle sweetness and complexity.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a beautiful color and a whiff of smokiness.
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the coating with a little kick (not overpowering, just right!).
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Enhances all the other flavors — don’t skip or skimp!
- Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for best results; peanut or canola work great.
How to Make Mustard Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by whisking together the buttermilk, yellow mustard, and hot sauce (if using) in a large bowl until smooth. Toss the chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Cover the bowl and let it work its magic in the refrigerator for at least four hours, but overnight is truly where the deep flavor develops — don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the chicken marinates, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a separate large bowl. Mix thoroughly so each piece will be enveloped with an even, flavorful crust that turns deliciously crunchy when fried.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Roll each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating clings. Set the coated chicken aside on a wire rack and let it rest for about 10 minutes—this simple pause is the secret to a perfectly crisp crust that doesn’t fall off during frying.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven, and heat until it registers 350°F on a thermometer. Working in batches, fry the chicken pieces, turning occasionally for even browning. After about 12 to 15 minutes, each piece should be deeply golden and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and let them rest briefly so the juices settle.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Let your Mustard Fried Chicken rest for a few minutes before serving so every bite stays juicy and the crust stays crisp. The result? Crispy, golden perfection with a pop of mustard flavor and just the right amount of heat.
How to Serve Mustard Fried Chicken
Garnishes
Jazz up your platter of Mustard Fried Chicken with fresh parsley for color and freshness, or tuck in some tangy pickles. A wedge of lemon on the side adds brightness with just a squeeze, making those savory flavors sing even more.
Side Dishes
No Southern table is complete without sides: think creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or a heap of mashed potatoes. For a truly classic spread, serve your Mustard Fried Chicken with bright, crunchy pickles, or try some garlicky green beans to balance everything out.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these beauties picnic-style on a big platter lined with parchment, or stack them high for an eye-catching tower at your next gathering. For fun, try mini drumsticks as kid-friendly party bites or tuck slices into a fluffy biscuit for a next-level fried chicken sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Mustard Fried Chicken, store cooled pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, keep the chicken on a paper towel to help absorb extra moisture and preserve the crisp coating.
Freezing
Freeze leftover chicken by laying pieces on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, the pieces won’t stick together and will reheat more evenly. Enjoy within two months for best texture.
Reheating
To revive the irresistible crunch, reheat Mustard Fried Chicken in a 375°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can sap the crispiness—unless you don’t mind sacrificing the crunch for speed!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs or breasts can be substituted; just adjust frying time since they may cook a little faster. The flavor is just as wonderful, and the process is just as easy!
Can I marinate for less than four hours?
While you can get away with a shorter marinade if you’re in a hurry, giving the Mustard Fried Chicken at least four hours (or overnight) truly makes a difference in tenderness and depth of flavor.
Can I oven-bake or air-fry instead of frying?
You can! While you won’t get exactly the same deep-fried crunch, using an oven or air fryer at a high temperature with a light spritz of oil produces a crispy crust with less mess and effort.
Can I make the coating spicier?
Definitely! Add extra cayenne or swap in hot paprika, or even a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to both the marinade and flour mix for a bolder kick.
Do I need to double-dip the chicken?
Double-dipping isn’t mandatory, but if you’re after that super thick, craggy crust, dip the flour-coated chicken back into the marinade, then the flour again before frying—it’s a Southern secret worth knowing.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like gathering around a table with friends or family to share a platter of Mustard Fried Chicken. The marriage of golden crunch, tangy marinade, and juicy chicken is sure to warm hearts and spark smiles. If you’ve been searching for the fried chicken recipe of your dreams, do yourself a favor and make this one soon—your cravings will thank you!
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Mustard Fried Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the crispy, flavorful goodness of Mustard Fried Chicken. This Southern classic is a perfect blend of tangy mustard, savory spices, and juicy chicken pieces, creating a dish that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
Chicken Coating:
- 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Whisk buttermilk, mustard, and hot sauce. Coat chicken, refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Prepare Coating: Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge marinated chicken in seasoned flour.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Drain on paper towels, let rest, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in the flour after resting.
- You can use Dijon or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor twist.
- Serve with coleslaw, pickles, or cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
