I’m thrilled to share my go-to Honey Mustard & Tarragon Chicken Traybake recipe, a dish that’s garnered rave reviews from family and friends at special gatherings.
This recipe is a culmination of various cooking traditions, drawing inspiration from Gordon Ramsay’s mustard chicken and Jean Pare’s classic “company dish” from her “Company’s Coming” cookbook series.
The combination of sweet and tangy flavors creates a perfect profile that elevates simple chicken to a restaurant-quality dish.
After years of refining this recipe, I’m excited to walk you through each step of creating this impressive yet simple one-pan meal.
Key Takeaways
- A simple and delicious recipe perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
- The combination of honey, mustard, and tarragon creates a flavorful sauce.
- This one-pan meal makes cleanup easy.
- The dish is a result of combining various cooking traditions.
- Consistently earns high ratings from family and friends.
My Perfect Honey Mustard & Tarragon Chicken Traybake
This Chicken Traybake recipe, featuring honey, mustard, and tarragon, is my go-to dish for a quick yet impressive meal.
I’ve combined elements from various recipes to create a perfectly balanced food that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
- My version uses both Dijon and wholegrain mustard for a smooth and textured sauce.
- The addition of tarragon elevates the flavor profile, making it aromatic and special.
| Recipe Element | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Mustard Sauce | Creamy sauce with honey and mustard | Sweet and tangy flavor |
| Tarragon | Aromatic herb | Adds depth to the dish |
| Chicken | Protein of choice | Versatile and protein-rich chicken |
This recipe is versatile and works well with any cut of chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make my Delicious Honey Mustard & Tarragon Chicken Traybake, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients. The dish is divided into two main components: the chicken and sauce, and the accompanying vegetables.
For the Chicken and Sauce
For the chicken component, you’ll need 4 chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks) and 1-2 tbsp sunflower oil. The sauce requires 60ml sour cream or 200ml half-fat crème fraîche, 2-3 garlic cloves (chopped), 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tbsp wholegrain mustard, 1/4 tbsp dried tarragon or 40g fresh tarragon leaves (chopped), 30ml runny honey, 100ml hot vegetable stock, and 50ml white wine.
For the Vegetables
For the vegetables, you’ll need 500g new potatoes (halved) and 150g green beans (trimmed). These ingredients not only complement the chicken but also absorb the delicious sauce as everything bakes together.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking process, and I’ll share my secrets for a flavorful Honey Mustard & Tarragon Chicken Traybake. To start, preheat your oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6 or 425°F.
Preparing the Traybake
Begin by arranging your vegetables in an oven-safe dish, creating a flavorful bed for the chicken to rest on during baking. As “the preparation is key to a successful dish”, take a few minutes to properly season each component separately.
Making the Honey Mustard Sauce
For the honey mustard sauce, combine 2 tbsp of honey, mustard, and tarragon in a bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are evenly distributed, resulting in a sauce that’s both flavorful and the right consistency.
Baking to Perfection
Place the chicken in the dish, coat with the honey mustard sauce, and bake in the preheated oven. The baking process requires attention to timing; the chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). As the sauce reduces and concentrates, it creates an incredible flavor that permeates both the chicken and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations
The beauty of this Honey Mustard & Tarragon Chicken Traybake lies in its versatility, and I’m here to guide you through some of my favorite adaptations.
I love serving this chicken traybake with fluffy basmati rice, which perfectly absorbs the delicious honey mustard sauce – a combination that always receives a high rating from my dinner guests.
For sides, green beans are an excellent choice, either incorporated into the traybake or served separately for a fresh addition to the plate. You can also serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a lower-carb option.
This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can easily substitute different cuts of chicken based on your preference. If using bone-in chicken thighs, adjust the oven time accordingly.
Feel free to customize the vegetable base according to the season, and don’t hesitate to adjust the mustard tarragon sauce to your taste by adding more honey or mustard. This dish scales easily for larger gatherings, and leftovers keep beautifully.
FAQ
What type of beans can I use in this recipe?
I recommend using green beans or French beans for this dish, as they hold their texture well when roasted in the oven.
Can I adjust the amount of mustard used in the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the amount to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount, such as 1 tbsp, and add more to taste.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 35-40 minutes, making it a quick and easy meal option.
Can I make this recipe with other types of protein besides chicken?
While I’ve only tried this recipe with chicken, you can experiment with other proteins like pork or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I store leftovers of this oven-baked dish?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready.
What is the rating of this recipe?
I’ve received great feedback from those who’ve tried this recipe, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Can I customize the ingredients to suit my dietary needs?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out ingredients or make adjustments as needed to accommodate your dietary preferences or restrictions.
