Mustard Chicken Thighs with Rosemary Potatoes

Man, was this ever good!

Perhaps I should back up and start at the beginning.    This is pretty much a pantry meal.  That is, with a couple of substitutions, I had everything on hand to make it.  And in spite of the substitutions, it was delicious.  Well, that’s what this blog is all about…..cooking as economically as possible, and making it taste fantastic.

First off, I discovered a package of chicken thighs getting dangerously close to their blast off date, ahem, I mean expiration date.  You can use any chicken pieces that you have available, but I happen to love thighs so I keep several packages of them in my freezer at all times.

Whole grain mustard is called for and also peppercorns, crushed.  However in a gift package I received a jar of whole grain mustard that also contained whole peppercorns, so I used that.  The mustard really wakes up the chicken, so be sure to use it.  The seasoning on the skin and underneath it, really allows the chicken to brown up nicely, and smells heavenly.

Instead of the fingerling potatoes, I used 2 medium-sized russets, cut into wedges, and I used dried chopped rosemary for the fresh.  If you do that, remember to use less of the dried, usually about 1/2 of the fresh herb that’s called for.

You know, I really like making dishes using whole pieces of chicken, especially the dark meat.  There’s just something about tender chicken falling off the bone, that’s so je ne sais qua.

MUSTARD CHICKEN THIGHS  W/ROSEMARY POTATOES

Yield:  Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
• 3 Tbsp. Olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp. mixed peppercorns, crushed
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• kosher salt
• 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 1/2 pounds fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise( ( used russet potatoes, cut into wedges)
• 2 tsp, chopped fresh rosemary, or 1 tsp. dried rosemary
• 1 red or green pepper, cut into strips, optional

Directions:

1.  Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat to 450*F.

2.  Whisk 1/2 cup water, the mustard, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, the lemon juice, peppercorns, 1/2 the garlic and 1/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl.  Add the chicken and toss, loosen the skins and rub some of the mustard mixture underneath.  Transfer to a rimmed baking sheet, skin-side up.  Roast on the upper rack until golden and crisp, 25 minutes.

2.  Meanwhile, put the potatoes and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl.  Cover with plastic wrap; pierce in several places with a knife to vent.  Microwave until just tender, 10 minutes.  Drain and pat dry.

3.  Combine the remaining garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the rosemary and 3/4 tsp. salt in a bowl.  Add the potatoes and bell pepper strips (if using), and toss.  Transfer to a separate rimmed baking sheet.  Roast on the lower rack until the vegetables are tender and golden, about 20 minutes.

4.  Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest.  Move the vegetables to the upper oven rack and continue roasting until browned, 5 more minutes.  Serve with the chicken and any pan juices.

Treat your sweetie to this meal for Valentine’s Day.

SOURCE:   Food Network Magazine