Maple-Mustard Baked Chicken

Baked chicken is our favorite; this will work well when we have company since not everyone prefers dark meat as we do...Marinating not included in prep time.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 3  tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2  tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2  tablespoons canola oil, divided
• 1  tablespoon  finely chopped fresh thyme
• 3⁄4 teaspoon  freshly ground pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 8 1⁄2 lbs  bone-in chicken pieces, skin removed (thighs, drumsticks and or or breasts)
• 1 1⁄2 cups  fresh breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Whisk mustard, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon oil, thyme, pepper and salt in a large bowl.
2. Add chicken and turn to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 6 hours.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F Set a wire rack on a large baking sheet.
4. Combine breadcrumbs and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil on a plate. Dredge the skinned side of each chicken piece in the breadcrumbs (with drumsticks, dredge the meatier side) and arrange breaded-side up on the wire rack. Leave at least 1 inch between pieces.
5. Bake until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 165°F, 35 to 40 minutes.
6. Serve hot or let cool, refrigerate and serve chilled.