Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

Irresistibly Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Culinary magic happens when you blend creamy dijon chicken with unexpected ingredients that spark excitement in your kitchen.

Smooth mustard notes dance through tender meat, creating a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become gourmet experiences with minimal effort.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each chicken piece with tantalizing depth.

One skillet transforms ordinary protein into something extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that promises deliciousness in every single bite.

Creamy Dijon Chicken That Melts in Your Mouth

  • Speed Up Weeknight Dinners: Whip up a restaurant-quality meal in less than half an hour with minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps.
  • Packed with Flavor Punch: Combine zesty Dijon mustard, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs to create a sophisticated yet approachable chicken dish that transforms ordinary protein into something extraordinary.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family meals, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal culinary skills required – works beautifully with side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, reducing washing time and making cooking and serving super convenient for busy home cooks.

What Goes Into Creamy Dijon Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean and tender protein base for the creamy Dijon sauce.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for creating a golden-brown crust on the chicken and adding rich, smooth flavor to the sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce while helping to deglaze the pan.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture for the sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard, Whole Grain Mustard: Provide a tangy, sharp flavor that cuts through the creaminess and adds complexity to the dish.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Thyme: Introduces a subtle, earthy herb note that complements the chicken and mustard.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

Step-by-Step Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

Step-by-Step Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and generously sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring every inch gets seasoned with flavor.

Step 2: Golden Brown Perfection

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the chicken breasts into the pan and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

This should take about 5-6 minutes on each side.

Make sure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Once done, transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Garlic Magic

In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter.

Add minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute until its aromatic fragrance fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Create the Flavor Base

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Let the broth simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Creamy Mustard Sauce

Stir in these ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Dijon mustard
  • Whole grain mustard
  • Fresh thyme

Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes thick and luxurious.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Gently return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet.

Spoon the creamy sauce over the top, letting the chicken warm through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

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

Plate and serve immediately while the dish is hot and steamy.

Tips for Creamy Dijon Chicken Excellence

  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in juices.
  • Blend Dijon and whole grain mustards for a complex, tangy flavor profile that elevates the sauce's depth.
  • Simmer sauce gently to thicken naturally, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Replace chicken broth with heavy cream or white wine for a richer, lower-carbohydrate sauce that maintains rich flavors.
  • Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or sage if unavailable, maintaining the recipe's aromatic herb essence.

Variations on Creamy Dijon Chicken

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace chicken broth with bone broth and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a keto-friendly alternative that maintains rich flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with olive oil or ghee and use coconut cream or almond milk cream as a substitute for heavy cream to accommodate dairy sensitivities.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or tarragon instead of thyme, adding unique depth and complexity to the classic Dijon sauce.
  • Spicy Kick Adaptation: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the mustard sauce for those who enjoy a zesty, warming flavor profile with their chicken.

Serving Creamy Dijon Chicken Nicely

  • Elegant Dinner Companion: Pair with roasted asparagus or green beans for a sophisticated vegetable side that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Carb Lovers' Delight: Serve over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or wide egg noodles to soak up the rich Dijon mustard sauce and add extra comfort.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the creamy sauce and enhance the chicken's delicate flavors.
  • Fresh Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top just before serving to add a bright, herbal note and make the dish look restaurant-worthy.

Storing Creamy Dijon Chicken Fresh

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the sauce and chicken remain sealed tightly.
  • Transfer chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, removing excess air. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Warm at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring sauce between cycles to prevent drying. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth. Gently stir sauce to prevent scorching, ensuring even heating and maintaining moisture.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that make this sauce special?

Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, heavy cream, and fresh thyme create a rich, tangy sauce that elevates the chicken’s flavor with complex and creamy notes.

  • Can I use different types of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon with spicy brown mustard or use only whole grain mustard. Just ensure you maintain similar proportions to preserve the sauce’s balance.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and appears golden brown on the outside with no pink in the center. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate method.

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Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

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

Description

Savory Dijon chicken brings French-inspired comfort to weeknight dinners, blending tangy mustard with rich cream sauce. Tender chicken breasts simmered in a silky sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cooking Fats and Liquids:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) whole grain mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both surfaces.
  2. Warm olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F). Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, melt remaining butter and sauté minced garlic for 45-60 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, scraping accumulated browned fragments from skillet bottom. Allow liquid to reduce by one-third, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  5. Incorporate heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and thyme. Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
  6. Gently reintroduce chicken breasts to skillet, coating thoroughly with mustard cream sauce. Warm chicken through for an additional 2 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and silky.

Notes

  • Choose organic, free-range chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful results.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature without overcooking.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding more broth for a lighter consistency.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 335 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 370 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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