Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 whole chicken (3-3.5 lb), skin removed
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2.5-3 teaspoons salt (start with 2.5 tsp, add extra if needed)
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder (not liquid mustard)
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 2 cups mixed frozen vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
- 2-3 potatoes, cut into 1.5 cm thick rounds or semi-circles
Other
- About 1/4 cup oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together lemon juice, salt, mustard powder, and black pepper until well combined. Taste the marinade; it should be tart, salty, with a warm mustard flavor and a touch of black pepper sharpness. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Pierce the Chicken: Use a fork to pierce holes all over the chicken. This allows the marinade to penetrate deeper, enhancing flavor throughout the meat.
- Marinate: Place the chicken in a bowl, pour the marinade over it, and rub it in well using your hands. Cover and refrigerate the chicken breast side down for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Flip the chicken halfway through marinating and rub in the marinade again.
- Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Remove the chicken from the fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Heat Oil: In a large pot suitable for holding the chicken and vegetables, heat about 1/4 cup of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Brown the Chicken: Place the chicken on its back in the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Carefully move the chicken to brown the legs and breasts, about 3 minutes per side. Use tongs or your hands (with caution) to turn the chicken, ensuring all sides develop a rich brown color for flavor.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Add the mixed vegetables and potatoes to one side of the pot. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over them and pour in 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then cover tightly and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook Through: Simmer covered for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and potatoes are tender. Test a potato for doneness and seasoning. If bland, turn the chicken over, sprinkle a little more salt, and steam for a few additional minutes.
- Serve: Serve the lemon chicken and vegetables hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor but a minimum of 6 hours is recommended.
- Removing the skin reduces fat content and allows the marinade to penetrate better.
- Ensure oil is hot enough to prevent the chicken from sticking during browning.
- Adjust salt levels based on taste, especially when adding vegetables.
- Use a pot large enough to comfortably hold the chicken and vegetables without overcrowding for even cooking.
- Allowing the chicken to come to room temperature helps it cook more evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Low Fat