If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe. It hits the perfect balance of tangy Dijon mustard blended with rich, velvety cream, wrapping tender chicken breasts in a luscious sauce that’s deeply comforting and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward but pack incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays an essential role, from adding savory depth to creating that creamy consistency you’ll want to savor every bite of.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, these form the perfect base for soaking up the mustard cream sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps in browning the chicken evenly while keeping it juicy inside.
- 1 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps create a beautifully smooth sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a subtle aromatic kick that wakes up the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: The star ingredient offering sharp, tangy flavor that balances the cream.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce that dreamy, silky texture and mellow taste.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Helps loosen the sauce so it’s smooth and luscious without being too thick.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every flavor in the dish.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by liberally seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning is key because it brings out the chicken’s natural flavor and works beautifully with the mustard sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook them undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden-brown crust with juicy, cooked-through meat. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute, stirring frequently. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not brown or burnt, as this will keep its sweet and slightly pungent flavor.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Dijon Sauce
Time to bring the magic together! Pour in the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir everything until fully combined, then reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. This lets it thicken slightly while intensifying the flavors.
Step 5: Reintroduce the Chicken
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top, then cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This finishing step allows the chicken to absorb some of those luscious creamy Dijon flavors before serving.
Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Once the chicken is heated through and bathed in sauce, it’s ready to plate! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a little brightness and color. This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe is simply divine served right away.
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or finely chopped chives adds not just color but a burst of fresh, herbal brightness that perfectly contrasts the creamy, tangy sauce. For an extra touch, a few lemon wedges on the side can bring a subtle zesty lift.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with classic comfort sides like fluffy mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up all that creamy mustard sauce. Rice, especially a fragrant jasmine or basmati, is another excellent choice. For a lighter option, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or sautéed spinach add fresh texture and vibrant color on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a homey yet elegant approach, serve the chicken sliced on a communal platter with the sauce generously spooned over each portion. Alternatively, arrange each chicken breast individually over a bed of your favorite grain and drizzle with extra sauce, then garnish for a restaurant-worthy presentation that feels genuinely special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. The sauce thickens as it chills, so you may want to stir in a splash of cream or broth when reheating to bring it back to that silky consistency you love.
Freezing
While you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately, freezing the chicken with the cream sauce isn’t ideal because the texture of the cream can change upon thawing. Instead, freeze the chicken breasts alone and prepare a fresh sauce when you’re ready to enjoy the meal again.
Reheating
For best results, gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works in a pinch, but be sure to heat in short bursts to avoid curdling the creamy sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and offer a bit more richness and moisture. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind these alternatives will subtly change the flavor and texture but still deliver a creamy finish.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer uncovered until it reduces to your desired consistency. Alternatively, stirring in a small slurry of cornstarch and water can boost thickness quickly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and make the sauce separately in advance, then combine and warm gently right before serving. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or hosting guests.
What type of mustard works best?
Dijon mustard is the classic choice for this recipe because of its smooth texture and balanced tanginess, but you could experiment with whole grain mustard for added texture and flavor complexity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s both indulgent and straightforward, and this Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe delivers just that in spades. It’s one of those meals that brings people together, effortlessly elegant yet comforting enough for everyday dinners. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too—you’ll be so glad you did!
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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 tangy mustard cream sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for an impressive weeknight dinner. The velvety sauce combines Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth, creating a luscious coating for the chicken, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their natural 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 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown color and are fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Make the Sauce: Add Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy mustard sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the sauce generously over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness to cook uniformly.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Adjust Dijon mustard quantity to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter and cream with olive oil and coconut cream, respectively.
