Easy Mustard Fried Chicken Recipe
If you love fried chicken but want something with a little more zing, this Mustard Fried Chicken recipe is the perfect twist on a classic. The tangy kick of mustard combined with savory spices and a golden, crispy crust makes it irresistible. It’s comfort food with an edge—juicy, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a picnic, or a casual get-together, this recipe guarantees crispy perfection every time. Plus, you don’t need fancy equipment—just some simple ingredients, a good skillet or fryer, and a little patience.
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Why You’ll Love This Mustard Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, but mustard brings something extra special to the table. Instead of just acting as a marinade, mustard tenderizes the chicken, adds depth of flavor, and helps the coating stick better. The result? Extra crispy chicken that bursts with tangy, savory goodness in every bite.
This recipe is great because:
- It’s easy to follow, even for beginners.
- The marinade locks in juiciness while building bold flavor.
- The coating fries up extra crispy and golden.
- You can make it ahead of time and reheat without losing crunch.
- It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, or even just a simple green salad.
Ingredients for Mustard Fried Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious recipe. Feel free to swap a few ingredients depending on what’s in your pantry.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 3 pounds chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- 1 cup yellow mustard (or Dijon for a sharper flavor)
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for spice)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Coating:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (enough for deep or shallow frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Mustard Fried Chicken
Follow these simple steps to make sure your Mustard Fried Chicken comes out crispy, juicy, and flavorful.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Rinse and pat dry your chicken pieces with paper towels. This helps the marinade and coating stick better. Place the chicken in a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the Mustard Marinade
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mustard, buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour the mixture over the chicken and toss until well coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, marinate overnight.
Step 3: Set Up the Coating
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.
For extra crispy chicken, double dredge: dip the flour-coated chicken back into the mustard marinade, then coat it again in the flour mixture.
Place coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them rest for 10–15 minutes before frying. This helps the crust stick and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour your oil into a deep skillet, Dutch oven, or fryer. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature—too hot and the coating burns, too cool and the chicken turns greasy.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place 3–4 pieces of chicken in the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 12–15 minutes for drumsticks and thighs, or 8–10 minutes for wings and smaller pieces. Breasts may need closer to 15–18 minutes depending on size.
Flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Drain and Serve
Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack set over a baking sheet or paper towels. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips for Perfect Mustard Fried Chicken
- Use mustard as a glue: The acidity in mustard not only flavors but also helps the flour coating stick firmly.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: Mixing cornstarch with flour gives the crust a shatteringly crisp texture.
- Maintain oil temperature: A thermometer is your best friend. Keep the oil at 350°F for consistently crispy results.
- Rest before frying: Letting coated chicken rest helps the crust adhere better.
- Drain on a rack, not paper towels: A wire rack prevents soggy bottoms and keeps the crust crisp.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Mustard Fried Chicken is how versatile it can be. With just a few tweaks, you can create new flavors that suit your mood or the occasion. Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Spicy Kick: Love heat? Swap in spicy brown mustard or Dijon for the marinade, then boost the coating with extra cayenne pepper and a splash of hot sauce.
- Herb-Infused: For a more fragrant twist, mix dried rosemary, oregano, or basil into the flour coating. This gives the crust a subtle herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with mustard.
- Honey Mustard Fried Chicken: If you enjoy a sweet-and-savory combo, stir 2 tablespoons of honey into the mustard marinade. It creates a rich glaze effect once fried.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and keep the cornstarch for crispiness. The results are just as crunchy and satisfying.
- Air Fryer Method: Looking for a lighter option? Coat the chicken as usual, spray with oil, and air fry at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get a crispy crust without deep frying.
These variations keep the base recipe exciting and ensure your Mustard Fried Chicken never gets boring, no matter how many times you make it.
Ingredient Substitutions
One of the best parts about cooking at home is making a recipe work with what you already have in your kitchen. If you’re missing an ingredient or want to try something different, here are some simple swaps for Mustard Fried Chicken:
- Buttermilk Substitute: Don’t worry if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly before using.
- Mustard Options: Classic yellow mustard is perfect for a mild tang, but you can swap it with Dijon for a sharper bite or whole-grain mustard for extra texture and depth.
- Oil Alternatives: Peanut oil is ideal for frying thanks to its high smoke point and rich flavor. However, vegetable oil or canola oil work just as well and are usually more budget-friendly.
These substitutions ensure you’ll still get crispy, flavorful results—even if you don’t have every single ingredient listed.
What to Serve with Mustard Fried Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides or even lighter accompaniments:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Buttery cornbread
- Coleslaw for crunch and freshness
- Mac and cheese
- Green beans or roasted vegetables
- Biscuits with honey
Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you’ve got leftovers (though it’s rare with fried chicken), here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each piece in foil or plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat in a 375°F oven for 15–20 minutes. Avoid the microwave—it makes the crust soggy.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2+ hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 6–8 servings
Conclusion
This Mustard Fried Chicken recipe is proof that a simple twist on a classic can create something extraordinary. The tangy mustard marinade doesn’t just add flavor—it tenderizes the chicken and locks in juiciness, making every bite unforgettable. When paired with the crispy, golden crust, the result is fried chicken that feels both familiar and excitingly new.
What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can serve it hot and fresh for dinner, pack it for a picnic, or even enjoy leftovers the next day thanks to its incredible crunch that holds up well. With just a few pantry staples and a bit of patience, you’ll create a dish that delights friends and family alike.
The best part is how adaptable it is—you can spice it up, sweeten it with honey, or even make it gluten-free. No matter how you choose to prepare it, one thing remains constant: this Mustard Fried Chicken will deliver flavor, crunch, and comfort every time.
If you’ve been looking for a fried chicken recipe that goes beyond the ordinary, this is it. Give this Mustard Fried Chicken a try and see for yourself why it deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.
