If you’re searching for a savory dish that’s both simple and sure to impress, look no further than Creamy Dijon Chicken. This luscious and flavorful recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, tangy Dijon mustard sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a special gathering, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Read on to discover how to make the perfect Creamy Dijon Chicken and why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation!
What is Creamy Dijon Chicken?
Creamy Dijon Chicken is a flavorful, comforting dish that features seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich sauce made from Dijon mustard, cream, garlic, and herbs. This recipe beautifully balances the tanginess of the mustard with the smoothness of cream, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that coat the chicken perfectly. Whether served with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables, it is sure to leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Best of all, it’s quick enough to make on a weeknight but elegant enough for a dinner party.
Ingredients List for Creamy Dijon Chicken
Before diving into the recipe, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Additional Ingredients for Creamy Dijon Chicken
To customize this dish or add extra flavors, you can include the following ingredients:
- ½ cup white wine (optional, for deglazing the pan)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a subtle, smoky flavor)
- ¼ cup chopped shallots or onions (for a deeper flavor)
- 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard (for added texture and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a hint of sweetness)
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts: For a juicier version of this dish, substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Thighs have more fat, making them more tender and flavorful.
- Greek yogurt instead of cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt. It will still give the sauce a creamy consistency with a tangy kick.
- Honey mustard: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, mix Dijon mustard with a tablespoon of honey to add a touch of sweetness.
- Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian twist, use thick slices of cauliflower or tofu in place of the chicken. Simply follow the same steps for searing and cooking.
- Gluten-free option: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that your Dijon mustard and chicken broth do not contain any gluten-based ingredients.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s move on to the fun part—cooking the Creamy Dijon Chicken! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make this dish flawlessly:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic (and shallots if using) to the pan, stirring frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze the Pan: If using white wine, pour it into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the skillet. Let the wine cook down for about 2 minutes. If not using wine, simply add the chicken broth.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the lemon juice and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are fully coated in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Finish and Garnish: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh parsley and any additional herbs you’d like. Your Creamy Dijon Chicken is ready to serve!
How to Cook Creamy Dijon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepping the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Searing the chicken: Heat oil and butter, then brown the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side.
- Making the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic and shallots, deglaze with wine, then add Dijon, cream, and broth to create the sauce.
- Simmering to perfection: Return the chicken to the pan and simmer in the sauce until cooked through.
- Garnishing and serving: Top with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
- Not deglazing the pan: Skipping the deglazing step means missing out on extra flavor. The browned bits stuck to the pan add depth to the sauce, so don’t forget this step!
- Using too much mustard: Dijon mustard is potent, and too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amount unless you want an extra tangy flavor.
- Skipping the resting step: Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving Creamy Dijon Chicken, presentation matters! Here are some tips to elevate your plating:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve with colorful sides: Pair the chicken with vibrant sides like roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or a bright green salad for visual contrast.
- Use a decorative plate: A white or neutral-colored plate makes the golden chicken and creamy sauce pop.
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Chicken
- With starches: Serve the chicken alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a great pairing with this dish.
- On its own: For a lighter option, serve the chicken by itself with a side salad.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Dijon Chicken
- Layer the sauce: Spoon the sauce onto the plate first, then place the chicken on top for a restaurant-style presentation.
- Use garnishes: A few sprigs of fresh herbs or lemon slices can give your plate a polished look.
- Family-style serving: Arrange the chicken on a large platter and pour the sauce over top for a dramatic family-style presentation.
Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days. Simply reheat and add the chicken when you’re ready to serve.
- Double the recipe: This dish scales easily. If you’re cooking for a crowd, double the ingredients, and use a larger skillet.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and add a slightly richer flavor to the dish.
Q: Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free? A: Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Q: Can I freeze Creamy Dijon Chicken? A: You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Q: What sides go best with Creamy Dijon Chicken? A: Creamy Dijon Chicken pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a light green salad.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling? A: To avoid curdling, make sure the cream is at room temperature before adding it to the pan, and stir continuously as you add it.
Conclusion
Creamy Dijon Chicken is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking to spice up a weeknight dinner or impress guests at a dinner party. With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Try it today, and it’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
PrintCreamy Dijon Chicken
This Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts smothered in a velvety, tangy Dijon mustard sauce, making it a quick and flavorful meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, the sauce is made with cream, garlic, and a touch of white wine for extra richness. Serve over pasta, rice, or vegetables for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
- ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add white wine (if using) and cook for 2-3 minutes until reduced by half.
- Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and whole grain mustard (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute the white wine with additional chicken broth if preferred.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
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