Quick & Zesty Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe for Family Nights

Crafting a delectable Dijon chicken dish brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Tangy mustard whispers sophistication through each tender bite.

creamy sauces complement the succulent protein beautifully.

Mustard’s robust flavor creates unexpected depth in classic chicken preparations.

Home cooks adore simple yet impressive meal solutions that feel restaurant-worthy.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special beyond ordinary recipes.

This irresistible combination promises to delight every palate and spark mealtime excitement.

Discover What Makes Creamy Dijon Chicken So Delicious

• Whip Up Quickly: Perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal that doesn't require complex culinary skills.
• Create Gourmet Flavors: Combines simple ingredients like Dijon and whole grain mustard to elevate a basic chicken dish with restaurant-quality taste.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Works beautifully for weeknight family meals, romantic dinners, or casual gatherings with friends, adapting easily to different dining scenarios.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a single skillet method, allowing you to prepare a sophisticated meal without creating multiple dirty dishes.

Essential Ingredients For Creamy Dijon Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the primary protein for this creamy and flavorful dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: These fats help create a golden-brown exterior on the chicken and provide rich, smooth flavors to the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor that deepens the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that helps build depth in the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard, Whole Grain Mustard: Sharp and tangy mustards that create a complex and zesty sauce flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, luxurious texture to the sauce.
• Thyme: A herb that introduces a subtle, earthy undertone to the creamy sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the completed dish.

Stepwise Guide To Cooking Creamy Dijon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Melt olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and chicken is completely cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Drop minced garlic into the same skillet.

Saute for one minute, releasing its aromatic essence and capturing the remaining chicken drippings.

Step 4: Create Mustard Sauce Base

• Chicken broth
• Dijon mustard
• Whole grain mustard

Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes, developing deep, tangy flavors.

Step 5: Introduce Creamy Richness

Add heavy cream and fresh thyme to the skillet.

Stir ingredients together until sauce begins to thicken and become luxuriously smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return chicken breasts to the skillet.

Generously spoon sauce over each piece, letting them warm through for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken.

Serve immediately while sauce is hot and chicken remains juicy.

Insider Tips To Elevate Creamy Dijon Chicken

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a healthier, lower-fat version of this creamy dish.
• Simmer the sauce slowly to achieve the perfect thickness, stirring occasionally to prevent burning or sticking.
• Mix Dijon and whole grain mustards for a complex, tangy profile that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the chicken.
• Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature reaches 165°F and letting the chicken rest briefly before serving.

Exciting Ways To Switch Up Creamy Dijon Chicken

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version. Use coconut oil instead of butter to maintain the creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra flavor. Reduce the broth and use cauliflower puree instead of cream to keep the sauce rich and low-carb friendly.
• Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with different fresh herbs like rosemary or tarragon instead of thyme. Add a splash of white wine for depth and complexity in the sauce.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms. Adjust cooking time and use vegetable broth to create a meat-free alternative that's equally satisfying and flavorful.

Perfect Pairings To Serve With Creamy Dijon Chicken

• Rustic Dinner Plate Pairing: Serve alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious mustard sauce.
• Elegant Salad Companion: Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette that complements the rich, creamy chicken dish.
• Wine and Dine Selection: Pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the tangy Dijon mustard flavors and creamy texture.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh thyme or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch to the golden-brown chicken.

Best Practices For Storing Creamy Dijon Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Wrap chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Why use both Dijon and whole grain mustard?

The combination adds depth and complexity to the sauce, with Dijon providing a smooth, sharp flavor and whole grain mustard offering a textured, rustic taste that enhances the overall richness of the dish.

• Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy and might not thicken as well. For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt or coconut cream.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and the juices should run clear.

Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent creamy dijon chicken delivers a French-inspired culinary experience that blends tangy mustard with rich cream sauce. Home cooks can easily craft this elegant dinner, creating restaurant-quality flavors with simple ingredients you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauces and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
2. Melt olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes per side, developing a rich golden crust and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Remove chicken and transfer to a clean plate, keeping warm.
4. Using the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, releasing aromatic notes.
5. Pour chicken broth into the pan, then whisk in Dijon and whole grain mustards. Allow liquid to gently simmer and reduce, concentrating flavors for approximately 2-3 minutes.
6. Stream heavy cream into the mustard mixture, incorporating fresh thyme. Continuously stir sauce until it thickens and develops a silky consistency, approximately 2-3 minutes.
7. Nestle seared chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece generously with the creamy mustard sauce. Warm through for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring even heat distribution.
8. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finishing touch. Serve immediately while sauce remains luxuriously warm and chicken retains optimal moisture.

Notes

• Test chicken doneness by using a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, healthier alternatives that maintain creamy texture.
• Choose skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein and faster cooking time, trimming any visible fat before seasoning.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or tarragon instead of thyme to create unique flavor variations that complement the Dijon mustard’s tanginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg