If you are looking for a dish that brings together comforting creaminess and the bright, tangy kick of mustard, you have to try this Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal where juicy chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and then bathed in a luscious sauce made from Dijon and whole grain mustard, infused with fresh thyme and garlic. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that elevates everyday ingredients into something special, guaranteed to impress anyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list. Each element plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the rich creaminess to the sharp mustard notes and fresh herbaceous hints. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide a tender, protein-packed base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a subtle fruitiness and to help achieve that perfect sear on the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness to the sauce and aids in browning the chicken evenly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and warmth to every bite.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture, helping create the base for the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to that luxurious, velvety sauce texture that makes this dish so addictive.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Provides tang and a bit of heat to brighten the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard: Adds texture and a lovely burst of mustard seed flavor.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried): Introduces an herbal freshness that lifts the entire recipe.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional): Offers a vibrant, final pop of color and a touch of freshness.
How to Make Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, creating the perfect environment to get a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken. Cook each breast for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until they develop that beautiful brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside – this step locks in juices and ensures the meat stays tender.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base
With the skillet still hot, toss in the minced garlic and sauté briefly, about 30 seconds, just until fragrant – don’t let it burn! Pour in the chicken broth while using your spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the pan; this little trick is a flavor jackpot. These bits dissolve into the broth, deepening the sauce’s complexity.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Mustard Sauce
Now for the star of the show: stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and thyme to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken just enough to coat the back of a spoon, which usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. This sauce is rich yet tangy, with the cream mellowing out the bite of the mustards perfectly.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return your chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the tops to keep each piece moist and flavorful. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken can soak up those delicious flavors. This finishing touch gives you juicy chicken wrapped in a heavenly mustard cream sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright green contrast and a fresh burst that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully. If you like a little extra zing, a few lemon zest curls also work wonderfully to lighten the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish screams for sides that can soak up all that creamy mustard goodness. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or even wide egg noodles. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement with their crispy texture and earthiness, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on a serving plate, then drizzle the sauce generously over them. Alternatively, serve individual portions in shallow bowls with a hearty bed of creamy polenta or cauliflower mash to highlight the sauce’s silky texture. A rustic wooden board with crusty bread on the side invites guests to sop up every last bit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to include some sauce along with the chicken to prevent it from drying out. When stored properly, the flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier second meal.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It will stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to avoid curdling the creamy sauce. Stir occasionally, and if the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or cream. This helps revive the sauce’s smooth consistency and keeps the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring more fat and flavor to the dish. Just adjust your cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, and they’re naturally juicier, so you’ll get an even richer experience.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Definitely. You can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce, but be careful heating these substitutes to prevent curdling. Lower heat and gentle stirring are key.
What can I substitute for Dijon and whole grain mustard?
If you don’t have both mustards, regular yellow mustard can work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t have the same depth or texture. For the grainy element, you could add some capers or chopped pickles for a bit of bite.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your mustard brands don’t include gluten-containing additives.
How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Don’t overcook the chicken breasts; cooking them just until golden and through is perfect. Also, allowing them to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices, resulting in moist and tender chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe is genuinely a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, comforting meals packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again because it hits all the right notes—creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying. Give it a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorites to share with friends and family.
Print
Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a flavorful sauce made from Dijon and whole grain mustard, garlic, chicken broth, and heavy cream. A fragrant touch of thyme elevates this easy-to-make dish, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and build sauce: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to build flavor. Then stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and fresh thyme leaves.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3–5 minutes, until it slightly thickens and flavors meld together.
- Return chicken to skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the creamy mustard sauce over them. Let simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to warm through and allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish, if desired. Serve hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to enjoy the rich sauce.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy mustard sauce.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for more flavor and juiciness.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half in place of heavy cream.