Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe
Picture this: juicy, golden seared chicken bathed in the most luscious, tangy sauce you’ve ever tasted. Creamy Dijon Chicken brings the warmth and flair of French bistro cooking straight to your kitchen, all in under 30 minutes. This beloved weeknight dish wows with layers of flavor from mellow garlic, bright mustard, and the silkiness of real cream. If you’re craving a satisfying chicken dinner that looks and tastes impressively gourmet but is secretly simple, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of straightforward pantry staples become the heart and soul of Creamy Dijon Chicken. Each ingredient carries its weight—whether it’s thickening the sauce, balancing flavors, or giving that beautiful melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for quick, even cooking and a tender bite.
- Olive oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous sear and infuses a subtle, fruity note.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich, classic depth and helps with browning.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple but crucial—season generously for maximum flavor.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings savory aromatics and a gentle zing.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the savory foundation for the sauce.
- Heavy cream: This is where the magic happens—smooth, silky, and utterly decadent.
- Dijon mustard: The signature sharp tang you expect from Creamy Dijon Chicken.
- Whole grain mustard (optional): Adds a rustic texture and bursts of flavor—totally worth including if you have it.
- Dried thyme: A touch of herbal earthiness perfectly complements the creamy, tangy sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who love a nutty, cheesy touch that thickens and enriches the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A sprinkle of greenery for a burst of color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Creamy Dijon Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by sprinkling both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. This first touch of seasoning locks in flavor right from the beginning. Next, heat a blend of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat—when the butter melts and gets just a bit bubbly, add the chicken. Sear for about 5–6 minutes per side until each breast is golden brown and cooked through with juices running clear. Remove the chicken and rest it on a plate. Don’t worry about the browned bits left in the skillet—those are flavor gold!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for a quick 30 seconds until beautifully fragrant, taking care not to let it brown. It’s a quick step but sets a deeply savory foundation for the entire Creamy Dijon Chicken sauce.
Step 3: Deglaze and Build Your Sauce
Pour the chicken broth straight into the pan and use a wooden spoon to scrape up every delicious bit stuck to the bottom. This should create a rich, slightly golden base. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and if desired, that extra pop from whole grain mustard. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and let the sauce gently simmer for 3–4 minutes so it can start to thicken.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Return Chicken
If you love things a bit cheesy, this is your moment—whisk in that grated Parmesan. It will melt into the sauce, intensifying its flavor and silkiness. Now, nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the luscious sauce over the chicken so every piece gets fully coated. Simmer together for another 2–3 minutes so flavors can meld and the chicken is piping hot.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is bubbling together in saucy perfection, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley all over. This final touch brightens the dish and adds a fresh color pop, making your Creamy Dijon Chicken look as irresistible as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Chicken
Garnishes
Garnishing truly elevates this dish from homey to restaurant-worthy. A handful of freshly chopped parsley delivers a refreshing lift and makes the sauce glisten. If you’re feeling fancy, a scatter of extra Parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper over each plate can seal the deal. Add a lemon wedge for brightness if you want an extra layer of zest!
Side Dishes
Creamy Dijon Chicken loves to be paired with sides that soak up its rich, velvety sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes, fragrant rice, or even buttered noodles are perfect for swirling through the extra sauce. For a lighter touch, go with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans—the sauce brings those sides to life.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, slice the chicken on a bias and fan the pieces over a bed of mashed potatoes or risotto, then drizzle with that golden sauce. Serving family style straight from the skillet looks cozy and inviting—just bring the whole pan to the table! For fuss-free entertaining, try spooning the chicken and sauce onto individual plates and finishing with parsley or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like tarragon or chives.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Creamy Dijon Chicken (lucky you!), cool everything to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep perfectly in the fridge for up to three days. Store the chicken in the sauce to keep it juicy and let the flavors meld even more.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a meal-prep star. Simply place cooled chicken breasts and sauce into a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, which helps maintain the smooth, creamy texture of the sauce.
Reheating
To gently reheat, pour the chicken and sauce back into a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce needs loosening. You can also microwave leftovers in short intervals, but the stovetop method best preserves that glorious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in Creamy Dijon Chicken, resulting in an even juicier, more flavorful dish. They may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
Yes! Swap in unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for the heavy cream. Just know the sauce will be slightly different in flavor and texture, but still delicious.
Can I make Creamy Dijon Chicken ahead for a dinner party?
Definitely—this dish is perfect for prepping in advance. Sear your chicken and make the sauce earlier in the day. When ready to serve, gently reheat everything in the skillet, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen if needed.
What if I don’t have whole grain mustard?
No worries! The core Dijon mustard is what gives Creamy Dijon Chicken its signature zing. If you don’t have whole grain, just use extra Dijon and the sauce will still be fabulous.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling when reheating?
The trick is to use gentle, even heat—avoid boiling the sauce. Reheat slowly over medium-low, stirring often, and consider adding a splash of cream or broth to help stabilize the sauce if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold flavors and dreamy textures, Creamy Dijon Chicken is a must-try for your dinner rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something special with minimal effort. I hope you’ll give it a go and discover just how comforting and crave-worthy homemade Dijon chicken can be!
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Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe that features tender chicken breasts in a velvety mustard cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for texture)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish the dish: Stir in Parmesan, return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over chicken, and simmer. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half for the cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
