Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe

Sizzling Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe: A Buttery Delight

Unexpected flavors dance through this creamy chicken Diane that will make your taste buds sing with delight.

Classic French culinary techniques merge seamlessly with modern comfort food sensibilities.

Tender chicken breasts absorb rich, velvety sauce ingredients that complement each delectable bite.

Mustard and cream create magical harmony in every forkful of this elegant dish.

Sophisticated yet approachable, the recipe brings restaurant-quality meals directly to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Bold herbs and tangy wine undertones elevate this classic preparation into something truly memorable.

You’ll fall in love with how easily gourmet becomes achievable through these straightforward cooking steps.

Prepare to impress everyone at your dinner table with this irresistible culinary creation.

Storage Advice For Chicken Diane

  • Transfer leftover chicken and sauce to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Warm chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
  • Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • What is Chicken Diane?

A classic French-inspired dish featuring chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sauce made with brandy, mustard, and cream, originating from restaurant-style cuisine.

  • Can I substitute brandy in the recipe?

Yes, you can use white wine or cognac as alternatives. If avoiding alcohol, replace with additional chicken broth for similar depth of flavor.

  • What type of mustard works best?

Dijon mustard is recommended for its tangy, sharp flavor. If unavailable, use whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard as substitutes.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part – the meat should be white and have no pink areas.

Creamy Chicken Diane That Satisfies

  • Whip Up Restaurant-Quality Meal: Elevate your home cooking with a sophisticated dish that tastes like it's straight from a gourmet restaurant.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Dinner: Prepare a luxurious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families wanting something special without extensive cooking skills.
  • Impress Dinner Guests: Create a creamy, flavorful chicken dish that looks and tastes impressive, making you feel like a professional chef with minimal effort.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping brandy with white wine or adding mushrooms for extra depth, making it versatile for different taste preferences.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Diane

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless cuts that serve as the primary protein for this rich and creamy dish.
Sauce Base Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a flavorful foundation for searing and creating a golden crust on the chicken.
  • Shallots, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
  • Brandy: Adds a sophisticated, complex flavor to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a savory liquid base for the sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy and slightly sharp note to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a luxurious, smooth, and creamy texture.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note to the dish.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Diane

Step 1: Prepare Chicken for Searing

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Heat a skillet with a combination of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until the pan is hot and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Golden Brown Perfection

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the sizzling skillet.

Cook each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is fully cooked through.

This should take about 5-6 minutes per side.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, toss in finely chopped shallots and minced garlic.

Sauté these aromatic ingredients until they become soft and fragrant.

Pour in the brandy to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits.

Stir in chicken broth and Dijon mustard to create a rich, flavorful base.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat and slowly pour in heavy cream.

Gently stir the sauce, allowing it to simmer and thicken into a velvety consistency that will make your mouth water.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce.

Spoon the sauce generously over the top of the chicken and let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve the Chicken Diane immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is at its most luxurious.

Tips For Rich And Creamy Chicken Diane

  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
  • Use high-quality brandy and Dijon mustard to enhance the sauce's richness and complexity.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
  • Replace brandy with white wine or extra chicken broth for a lighter version that maintains the dish's essence.

Variations To Try With Creamy Chicken Diane

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version. Use olive oil instead of butter to keep it completely dairy-free.
  • Low-Carb Champion: Swap shallots with green onions and use a small amount of xanthan gum to thicken the sauce instead of cream. Choose chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Substitute brandy with white wine, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Incorporate fresh oregano for an authentic Greek-inspired profile.
  • Spicy Herb Fusion: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce, use smoked paprika when seasoning chicken, and mix in fresh chopped cilantro for a zesty, herbaceous kick.

Serving Suggestions For Creamy Chicken Diane

  • Elegant Date Night Dinner: Pair this luxurious chicken dish with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay for a romantic meal that feels sophisticated and special.
  • Hearty Side Companions: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery herbed rice to soak up the rich, velvety sauce and create a complete, satisfying plate.
  • Fresh Brightness Boost: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or add a small side salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy sauce.
  • Rustic Plating Style: Present the chicken in a cast-iron skillet or white ceramic dish, allowing the golden-brown meat and glossy sauce to be the star of the presentation.
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Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe

Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken diane elevates classic comfort food with rich, tangy flavors from France. Creamy pan sauce and tender chicken create a restaurant-worthy meal home cooks can master with ease.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup brandy or white wine

Aromatics and Herbs:

  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 shallots
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley

Cooking and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and black pepper for robust flavor enhancement.
  2. Preheat skillet with olive oil and butter at medium-high temperature until butter foam subsides, creating perfect searing conditions.
  3. Cook chicken pieces until golden caramel color develops, approximately 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Transfer cooked chicken to a warm plate, maintaining its crisp exterior.
  5. In the same skillet, gently sweat finely chopped shallots and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
  6. Deglaze pan with brandy, allowing alcohol to reduce and concentrate flavors, then incorporate chicken broth and Dijon mustard.
  7. Lower heat and slowly stream heavy cream into the liquid, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
  8. Allow sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  9. Carefully return chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the luxurious cream sauce.
  10. Warm chicken through for an additional 2 minutes to marry flavors.
  11. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the dish for vibrant color and herbal brightness.
  12. Serve immediately while sauce remains glossy and chicken retains its succulent texture.

Notes

  • Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked areas.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth works great for controlling salt levels in the final dish.
  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace brandy with white wine or additional chicken broth if needed.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon can be wonderful flavor substitutes for parsley.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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