If you are looking for a dish that is both comforting and impressively flavorful, this Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It strikes the perfect balance between tangy Dijon mustard and rich, velvety cream, enveloping tender chicken breasts in a luscious sauce that’s utterly irresistible. This recipe is wonderfully simple yet delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home, making for a quick midweek dinner or a special weekend treat that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each one plays a vital role in creating the harmonious blend of flavors and textures that makes this dish shine. From the tender chicken breasts to the creamy sauce with a mustardy kick, everything is designed to come together effortlessly.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, providing a juicy base for the sauce to cling to.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 tbsp butter: Enhances richness and assists in creating a flavorful cooking base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a slight spicy warmth.
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: The star ingredient, bringing sharp tang and complexity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that balances the mustard’s bite.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly and adds subtle savory notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Offers a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial as it layers flavor right from the start, ensuring every bite is well-seasoned and delicious.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter’s melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside; you want those flavorful browned bits to stay in the pan for the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic for Aroma
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute. This brief cooking releases the garlic’s fragrance without burning it, adding a wonderful foundation to the sauce’s flavor profile.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Dijon Sauce
Now, stir in the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth. These ingredients combine to form a silky, tangy sauce that will elevate the chicken to something truly special. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens just enough to coat the spoon.
Step 5: Reintroduce Chicken to the Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce generously over them. Allow everything to cook together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes; this lets the chicken soak up some of that glorious Creamy Dijon flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe is now ready to be plated and enjoyed, complete with that irresistible mustard-cream sauce cloaking each tender piece of chicken.
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds vibrant color and a hint of herbal freshness that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce. You can also experiment with chives or tarragon for a slightly different aromatic touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with comforting sides like buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice, which are fantastic for soaking up that luscious sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or broccoli add color, crunch, and nutritional balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside garlic-infused sautéed spinach. Resting the chicken on a mound of herbed couscous with a drizzle of extra sauce makes for an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or second meals without losing any flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to two months. Be sure to cool it completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave using short bursts to avoid curdling the creamy sauce. Stir occasionally to keep everything smooth and evenly warmed, so your Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe tastes just as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add an extra layer of juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through evenly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. The sauce will still be creamy but will have a slightly different flavor profile, which can be delicious in its own way.
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
If Dijon mustard is not your favorite or unavailable, you can try yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard. Each will bring a unique texture and taste, though Dijon is preferred for its smooth, balanced tang.
Can this recipe be made keto-friendly?
Definitely! The ingredients are naturally low in carbs, especially if you serve it with keto-approved sides like cauliflower rice or steamed non-starchy vegetables instead of potatoes or rice.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to check that the juices run clear and there is no pink center.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy enough to whip up any night of the week but elegant enough to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Once you try it, this dish will likely become a delicious staple in your home kitchen that you return to again and again. Give it a go, and you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved recipe!
Print
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
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A rich and flavorful Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce made from Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy skillet dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and pairs beautifully 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
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over them, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Plate the chicken topped with the creamy Dijon sauce and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside your choice of rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- To ensure chicken cooks evenly, pound the breasts to an even thickness before seasoning.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- This dish pairs well with green beans, asparagus, or a crisp salad for added freshness.
