Crispy Dijon Chicken
with Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
Crispy Dijon Chicken is the perfect combination of zesty and crunchy. Pair with the earthy flavor of roasted parmesan potatoes, and you have a perfect meal. The best part? This simple, elegant meal can be on the table in less than an hour. It’s so fancy that you may make your significant other believe they forgot your anniversary.
History of Dijon Chicken
Dijon chicken is much younger than you might think. It was created in the 1930s by the wife of Gaston Gérard, the Mayor of Dijon, France. The story goes that the renowned hostess had a bit of a mishap while preparing a chicken dish for the famous gastronomist Curnonsky (Maurice Edmond Sailland).
Mrs. Gérard dropped a jar of mustard and some spices into her dish as it was cooking. Instead of letting the dish be ruined, the couple added wine, crème fraiche, and grated Comté. Thus, the original dish was born. Curnonsky loved the dish and named it Chicken Dijon.
Is the story true or just a tall tale designed to make this humble dish more exciting? Only history knows the answer to that. What is known is that Chicken Dijon is a wonderful dish, perfect for either a weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
Non-History of Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
While researching this recipe, I tried to uncover the history behind Roasted Parmesan Potatoes. Unfortunately, my efforts were unsuccessful, and I couldn’t find much information. Roasted potatoes have been enjoyed for centuries, but I wasn’t able to determine exactly when cooks started adding cheese to the humble potato.
Make it a Meal
Crispy Dijon Chicken is an amazing recipe on its own. With just four ingredients and minimal effort, any cook can prepare a tasty and inspiring chicken dish. Serve it with roasted parmesan potatoes as a side, and dinner is sure to impress. It's clear that the flavor profiles of mustard and cheese complement each other perfectly.
Even though this meal is one of the easiest I have in my collection, it can be deceiving due to the presentation. I’ve had friends and significant others exclaim how I spoil them with “fancy” meals. The reality is quite different; I simply coat a basic chicken breast with mustard, bread it, and pop it in the oven at the last minute. Not bad for 15 minutes of work.
Make it Your Own
Both my crispy Dijon chicken and roasted parmesan potatoes are very simple recipes with few ingredients. Modifying this type of recipe is a little more challenging, but experimentation is still possible. The easiest place to start is by playing with the mustard. While this is Dijon chicken, try using grainy or stone-ground mustard. I prefer Grey Poupon original but sometimes substitute it with a German stone-ground version. This straightforward step can make a significant difference in flavor.
Another way to experiment with the chicken is to skip the searing before placing it in the oven. I know this may sound crazy, but when I have thin chicken pieces, I forgo the skillet and go straight to the oven. This helps ensure the chicken doesn’t overcook. It comes out much lighter than when seared, but I’m okay with that. If you’re fine with not having a deep golden color on your chicken, then give it a try.
Lastly, you can always swap out the side dish. I enjoy having roasted potatoes with my chicken, but sometimes I change up the seasoning or even the cheese. There are no limits to the combinations you can create, and I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Final Thoughts Before the Recipe
Crispy Dijon chicken and roasted parmesan potatoes are truly the perfect combination, whether you're preparing dinner for your family or enjoying a date night. The flavor profiles complement each other beautifully. As always, I look forward to seeing your creations. Don’t forget to tag me in your posts on any or all of my social media.
Crispy Dijon Chicken with Roasted Parmesan Potatoes
(2 servings)
Ingredients
Dijon Chicken
2 chicken breasts
4 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
4 tbsp olive oil
salt & pepper (to taste)
Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
5 Yukon potatoes (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
4 tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated)
2 tbsp olive oil
salt & pepper (to taste)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F.
Prepare a baking sheet with foil and cooking spray
Clean and pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with salt & pepper.
Place Panko breadcrumbs on a plate, and coat the chicken on both sides with Dijon mustard. Use a basting brush to ensure even coverage over the entire chicken breast. Place each breast in the breadcrumbs, pressing down to adhere. Coat chicken breast on all sides with breadcrumbs. Repeat with the second breast.
Heat the olive oil in a high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil comes up to temperature, add the chicken breast to the skillet. Sear the chicken until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. (Chicken will finish cooking in a later step.)
Place chicken on one half of the baking sheet. On the other side, add the diced potatoes. Coat the potatoes in olive oil, add the parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are golden brown and tender.