If you are searching for a comforting yet elegant dinner that comes together effortlessly, this Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s the perfect balance of tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, enveloped in a luscious sauce that marries tangy Dijon mustard with rich cream and a whisper of herbs. Every bite delivers a delightful harmony of flavors that’s sure to impress both weeknight family meals and special occasions. Once you make this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes for a reason!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating that perfect blend of texture, flavor, and color. Each item brings something special to the plate, from the savory depth of chicken broth to the bright lemon juice that brightens the sauce.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces for consistent cooking and juiciness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a mild, fruity flavor while ensuring a crisp sear on the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings richness and helps develop that beautiful golden crust.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing overall flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Gives the dish a fragrant savory base.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Builds the sauce’s body and adds mild savory notes.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly creamy texture and smooth mouthfeel.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: The star ingredient that provides a tangy bite and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional): Adds texture and a rustic mustard flavor punch.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh citrus zing.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy herbal note to elevate the sauce.
- Chopped parsley for garnish: Freshens the presentation and adds a pop of green.
How to Make Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. This searing step locks in moisture and flavor, creating a juicy, tender center. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Use the same skillet with the flavorful browned bits left behind. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant. This quick step infuses the dish with a savory aroma that’s foundational to the sauce, making everything taste richer and more complex.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken broth and give the pan a good scrape to loosen those tasty caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, optional whole grain mustard, lemon juice, and dried thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly, coating the back of your spoon beautifully. This stage is magic—watch as simple ingredients transform into a velvety sauce bursting with character.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of the luscious sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and saturated with flavor. This ensures every juicy bite is richly coated and deeply satisfying.
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley isn’t just about color; it offers a mild peppery freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce. It makes the dish feel light and visually inviting—like a warm hug on your plate.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe shines alongside smooth mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of that irresistible sauce. You could also serve it with fluffy rice or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli for a balanced, wholesome meal. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with both hearty and fresh sides, so you have lots of flexibility here.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, try plating the chicken on a bed of buttery polenta topped with a drizzle of sauce and finished with a parsley flourish. Another idea is to slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on a platter, spooning the sauce artistically for dinner parties or special family gatherings. This recipe adapts beautifully to both casual and refined dining experiences.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy Dijon mustard chicken keeps very well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the sauce’s luscious texture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for a later date, freezing is an option. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on low heat in a covered skillet or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream or broth can restore creaminess and prevent dryness. The chicken remains tender and the sauce creamy with proper reheating care.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in the Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe, adding a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Is the whole grain mustard necessary?
The whole grain mustard is optional, but it adds a wonderful texture and an extra layer of mustard flavor that complements the smooth Dijon beautifully. If you don’t have it on hand, the Dijon alone still makes an incredibly delicious sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To adapt this dish to a dairy-free diet, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Butter can be replaced with a plant-based oil or vegan butter. The sauce will remain rich and flavorful with these adjustments.
What other herbs go well in this recipe?
While dried thyme is classic here, feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or tarragon for a slightly different herbal note. Fresh herbs added at the end intensify freshness and aroma.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for guests?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to a day before serving. Reheat gently before combining, then add the final simmer so the flavors meld freshly. It’s a great recipe for easy entertaining without last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe is a beautiful blend of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. It’s comforting, elegant, and incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect choice whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again when you crave a dish that feels both luxurious and satisfying.
Print
Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken is a flavorful French-inspired main course featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and tangy mustard cream sauce. This comforting skillet dish combines Dijon and whole grain mustards with garlic, thyme, and lemon juice, making for an elegant yet easy dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, scraping up any browned bits left from cooking the chicken.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to deglaze the pan. Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), lemon juice, and dried thyme.
- Simmer the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Reheat chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes to heat through and absorb flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and sauce before serving. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- For a lighter cream sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.
