Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the tangy sharpness of Dijon mustard with a creamy, rich sauce. This dish is simple to make yet packed with flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. The creamy sauce infuses the chicken with a savory, slightly tangy taste that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and depth from the mustard.

The creamy Dijon mustard sauce has the ideal consistency, providing a luscious coating that is both indulgent and satisfying. It’s a dish that can be served with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to vegetables, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress your guests, Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken

• Bold, Tangy Flavor: The combination of Dijon mustard and heavy cream creates a rich, tangy sauce that complements the chicken beautifully, providing a delightful burst of flavor with every bite.
• Creamy and Velvety Sauce: The creamy sauce coats the chicken perfectly, providing a luxurious texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its rich flavor, this dish is quick and simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create an impressive meal in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Weeknights and Special Occasions: Whether you’re making a quick dinner after a busy day or preparing something special for guests, this recipe is a great option for both.
• Versatile Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from rice to roasted vegetables, making it a perfect choice for any meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 4-6g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3-4g

Ingredients

For the Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added richness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, and then season both sides with salt and pepper. This ensures the chicken is well-seasoned and will sear evenly.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the creamy Dijon sauce.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

4. Prepare the Dijon Mustard Sauce

Once the onion and garlic are softened, add the Dijon mustard to the skillet, stirring it into the onions and garlic. Allow the mustard to cook for 1-2 minutes to intensify its flavor.

Next, pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. This will deglaze the skillet and lift any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding extra flavor to the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.

5. Add the Cream and Seasonings

Once the broth has reduced, add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can adjust the heat slightly to ensure the sauce doesn’t boil too aggressively.

Add the dried thyme and optional rosemary to the sauce, along with the lemon juice. The lemon juice adds a fresh, zesty note that balances the richness of the cream and mustard. Stir everything together and taste the sauce. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a little extra Dijon mustard to taste.

For an extra rich and velvety sauce, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese at this point. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce, enhancing its flavor and giving it a creamy, cheesy texture.

6. Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Once the sauce has thickened and is perfectly seasoned, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to coat it, and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce while staying juicy and tender.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully coated with the creamy Dijon sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and serve immediately.

Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. The creamy sauce makes a great accompaniment to any starch, and the dish is sure to impress your family or guests.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken

• Use Room Temperature Chicken: Let the chicken breasts sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from being too tough or dry.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken tender and juicy, make sure not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F or 74°C) to avoid dry chicken.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream to thin it out. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
• Balance the Tanginess: Dijon mustard can be quite tangy, so be sure to balance it with the cream and lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors as needed by adding more cream for richness or more mustard for tang.
• Customize the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in this recipe. Thyme and rosemary are classic choices, but you can also try fresh basil or tarragon for a unique twist.

Variations of Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken

• Mushroom Dijon Mustard Chicken: For a rich, earthy twist, add sliced mushrooms to the skillet after sautéing the onions and garlic. The mushrooms will absorb the creamy mustard sauce, adding extra depth and flavor.
• Spinach Dijon Mustard Chicken: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sauce just before returning the chicken to the skillet. The spinach wilts beautifully in the creamy sauce, adding both color and nutrition to the dish.
• Lemon Dijon Mustard Chicken: For an extra citrusy note, add more lemon juice or lemon zest to the sauce. The additional lemon will enhance the tanginess of the Dijon mustard and give the dish a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Bacon Dijon Mustard Chicken: For a smoky, savory twist, crumble crispy bacon into the sauce. The bacon adds a rich, salty flavor that complements the tanginess of the mustard and the creaminess of the sauce.
• Honey Dijon Mustard Chicken: For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce. The honey helps to balance the sharpness of the mustard and adds a beautiful depth of flavor.

Storage and Shelf Life

Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored for later if needed:

• Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
• Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, the sauce may change in texture slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let the dish cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently warm it on the stovetop.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken

Pair this rich and creamy chicken dish with a variety of sides to complete your meal:

• Rice: Serve the chicken and creamy sauce over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect vehicle for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
• Pasta: This dish is also great served with pasta such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. The creamy mustard sauce will coat the noodles beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair the creamy chicken with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. The crisp vegetables provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the chicken. The acidity in the dressing will cut through the creamy sauce and refresh your palate.

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Conclusion

Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold, tangy mustard flavor and rich, creamy sauce, this dish will impress your family and guests alike. It’s easy to prepare, quick to cook, and pairs well with a variety of sides, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or something to serve at a special meal, this dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness of Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken—you’ll be glad you made it!