If you are looking for a dish that is both easy to make and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe. With tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce combining tangy Dijon mustard and rich cream, every bite offers a perfect balance of savory and slightly sharp notes. This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate a simple weeknight dinner or impress guests with minimal fuss, all while delivering a comforting and memorable meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient, which together create that irresistible creamy Dijon flavor and a pleasing texture that clings perfectly to the chicken. Every item is easy to find but essential in building this delicious dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing a tender, juicy base to soak up the sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps sear the chicken to a golden perfection.
- 1 tbsp butter: Enriches the sauce and creates a silky texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic introduces a fragrant depth that complements the mustard.
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: The tangy heart of the sauce, delivering a mild heat and complex flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Lends creaminess and balances the sharp mustard with richness.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and ensures the sauce is perfectly saucy, not too thick.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into harmony.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and brightness at the end.
How to Make Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step ensures your chicken is tasty all the way through, enhancing the layers of flavor you’ll build later in the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts carefully and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until their exterior is a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Then, remove them from the skillet and set aside—don’t worry if all the delicious brown bits stick to the pan; they will add flavor to your sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in your minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This quick step releases the garlic’s aromatic oils without burning it, which would add bitterness.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Now comes the magic moment. Add Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth directly into the pan, scraping up those browned bits. Stir well to combine everything into a smooth, creamy sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon—this richness is what makes the Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe so memorable.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the golden chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce, and spoon some sauce over the top. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all the creamy, mustardy goodness before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked and the sauce is thick and luscious, turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like a touch of color and freshness. Now it’s ready to bring to the table!
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh parsley is not just pretty but adds a subtle herbaceous note that balances the creaminess and tanginess of the sauce beautifully. Feel free to add a little cracked black pepper or a small drizzle of olive oil for extra shine and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice soak up all the wonderful sauce, while steamed green vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli add color, crunch, and a healthy counterpoint to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, slice the chicken breasts diagonally and fan them out on the plate, pouring sauce artistically around and over them. You can also serve the chicken atop a bed of buttered noodles or creamy polenta to change up the texture and keep things interesting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day meal that tastes just as good reheated.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based sauces isn’t always ideal because the texture can change, this Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe freezes well if done carefully. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave at a reduced power setting to prevent the cream sauce from curdling. Stir occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and will work beautifully with this sauce. Just adjust cooking time as thighs can take a little longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you want to lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
How spicy is the Dijon mustard in this recipe?
Dijon mustard offers a mild heat and a pleasant tang. This recipe is not spicy hot but has a flavorful punch that brightens the creamy sauce without overwhelming your palate.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This recipe scales up easily. Just ensure your skillet is large enough or cook the chicken in batches. The sauce can be made in one pan and poured over the cooked chicken once ready.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay complements the tangy mustard and creamy sauce beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply satisfying about a meal that feels both comforting and a little special, and this Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe is just that. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough to share over the weekend. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover what a lovely family favorite it can become in your home too.
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Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with Dijon mustard, garlic, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy stovetop meal perfect for weeknight dinners, served best with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy Dijon sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken through and let it absorb some sauce.
- Serve: Plate the chicken with the sauce spooned on top and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when making the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent curdling of the cream sauce.
