This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe is an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without fuss. With tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, tangy cream sauce bursting with the bright flavors of Dijon mustard and a hint of garlic, this dish strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness. Every bite is comforting and sophisticated, bringing a restaurant-quality meal right to your own kitchen with minimal effort. If you have just 20 minutes, you have everything you need to create this delightful classic that feels special but is incredibly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients straightforward and essential is part of what makes this recipe so accessible. Each component plays a crucial role—from the juicy chicken breasts providing a hearty base, to the Dijon mustard giving a sharp, savory kick, and the heavy cream delivering that signature silky texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even thickness for consistent cooking and juicy results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and deepens the flavor of your sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the sauce with a fragrant aroma and gentle warmth.
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: This is the star flavor that provides a smooth tang and complexity.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy, luscious base of the sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and helps thin the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness to finish.
How to Make Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial as it enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and ensures every bite is well-seasoned before it hits the pan.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat your olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully lay the chicken breasts into the pan and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a golden, caramelized crust that locks in the juices. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, now infused with the delicious browned bits from the chicken, add the minced garlic. Stir and sauté just for about a minute until fragrant—this little step releases an amazing aroma that sets the stage for the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce
To the garlicky skillet, add the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice it thickens beautifully, transforming into a rich, velvety coating perfect for the chicken.
Step 5: Return Chicken to the Sauce
Place the chicken breasts back into the sauce, spooning some over the tops. Simmer everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the chicken soak up the creamy, tangy flavor. This step melds the flavors, making each bite irresistibly tender and juicy.
Step 6: Serve Up Your Masterpiece
Your Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe is ready to shine. Serve the chicken breasts smothered in that luscious sauce, garnished as you like, and pair it with your favorite sides to complete the experience.
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also lifts the dish with a fresh herbal note. You can also experiment with a dusting of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness if you like.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of that divine mustard sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus work beautifully. Rice pilaf or buttered noodles are also excellent choices that complement the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner presentation, plate the chicken over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice, then drizzle with extra sauce. For a casual family meal, serve it alongside warm crusty bread to mop up all the sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken keeps really well when refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mingle more over time, making the dish even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but for the best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts to prevent the cream sauce from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and actually stay juicier due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream in this recipe?
You can substitute with half-and-half or Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk, but be careful when heating to avoid curdling. The cream is key for that luscious sauce, but these alternatives work in a pinch.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce a day ahead, then gently reheat before serving. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining when you want less last-minute cooking.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe?
A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy mustard sauce beautifully. Their acidity balances the richness and enhances the savory flavors.
Can I add vegetables directly to the sauce?
Certainly! Adding mushrooms, spinach, or peas during the last few minutes of simmering is a great way to boost flavor and nutrition. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, so the sauce thickens properly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe truly feels like a special treat that is surprisingly easy to make. The combination of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and watch how it becomes a go-to dish that you share enthusiastically with friends and family. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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
Description
This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, tangy mustard cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients like Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and garlic to create a flavorful, comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the fat is hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth, combining all ingredients well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the chicken in the sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to warm through.
- Serve: Plate the chicken topped with the creamy Dijon mustard sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the cream and mustard.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
