If you are searching for a dish that feels both comforting and elegant, then you absolutely must try this French Mustard Chicken: Creamy One-Skillet Dinner Recipe. It brings together tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, velvety mustard sauce that’s bursting with flavor from Dijon and whole grain mustards, fresh thyme, and a touch of cream. This harmonious blend creates a rich, satisfying plate that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night but comes together quickly and without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is one that impresses with its simplicity and taste, all done in just one pan for easy cleanup and maximum impact.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for basic, pantry-friendly ingredients, but each plays a vital role in building those unforgettable layers of flavor. The combination of creamy and tangy elements, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked chicken creates a beautifully balanced dish that’s both simple and sumptuous.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to cook and great for soaking up sauce.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the chicken’s natural taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sautéed onions and the cream sauce.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, savory base to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a fragrant hint that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that forms the sauce’s foundation and helps deglaze the skillet.
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream: Brings the sauce its luxurious creaminess and smooth texture.
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor that is classic in French cooking.
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard: Adds texture and a mild bite for extra complexity.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: A fragrant herb that brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish that lifts the flavors.
How to Make French Mustard Chicken: Creamy One-Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously sprinkling salt and freshly ground black pepper onto the chicken breasts. This simple step ensures that every bite has a well-rounded flavor from the inside out. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s what sets the stage for a delicious final dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes per side. This creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in juices while developing flavor. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry, the skillet still holds plenty of flavor to build on.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent and soft, about 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step enriches the base of the sauce, infusing it with sweetness and warmth.
Step 4: Deglaze with Chicken Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and give it a good stir, scraping up all those delicious brown bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. These bits are packed with concentrated chicken flavor and help form the sauce’s depth. Allow the broth to simmer gently for about 3 minutes, reducing just a little.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Mustard Sauce
Now for the star of the sauce: stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix everything thoroughly until it blends into a smooth, creamy sauce. Let this simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors marry and the sauce thickens beautifully. The balance of tang, creaminess, and herbaceous notes makes this sauce unforgettable.
Step 6: Reintroduce the Chicken to Simmer
Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, turning them gently to coat in the luscious mustard sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 more minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors and ensuring it’s heated through. This step really ties the dish together, making it ready to serve.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley if you like. It adds a pop of vibrant color and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce, making every plate look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve French Mustard Chicken: Creamy One-Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it brings a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. For a little extra flair, a lemon wedge on the side can add a splash of zesty brightness that complements the creamy mustard sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles are perfect for soaking up the sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette make a wonderful counterbalance to the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this French Mustard Chicken family-style straight from the skillet to your dinner table for a cozy, rustic touch. Alternatively, plate each breast neatly with a generous spoonful of sauce and your favorite sides for a more elegant presentation that feels fit for a special occasion at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your French Mustard Chicken, let leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals that retain much of their creamy goodness.
Freezing
If you want to save a portion for longer, this dish freezes well. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. To prevent texture loss, avoid freezing any fresh herbs with it.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s creaminess and to rewarm the chicken evenly. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and offer more moisture and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy dairy-free alternative and swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?
You can complete all steps except the last simmer with chicken in the sauce. Then, refrigerate and reheat it gently before serving, which makes it perfect for hosting without last-minute stress.
How spicy is the sauce? Can I make it milder?
The mustard provides tang and a slight bite but it’s not overly spicy. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the mustard quantities or use milder mustard varieties.
What wine pairs well with French Mustard Chicken?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy mustard sauce beautifully, enhancing the meal’s nuanced flavors.
Final Thoughts
This French Mustard Chicken: Creamy One-Skillet Dinner Recipe is a must-have in your weeknight dinner arsenal. It’s simple to make, endlessly delicious, and feels like a special treat any day of the week. Once you experience this irresistible combination of tender chicken and rich mustard cream sauce, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again. Grab your skillet and give it a go—you won’t regret it!
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French Mustard Chicken: Creamy One-Skillet Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Description
French Mustard Chicken is a creamy, flavorful one-skillet dinner featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious Dijon and whole grain mustard sauce with fresh thyme. This easy stovetop recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release the aroma.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let the broth simmer for around 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Prepare the Mustard Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and fresh thyme leaves into the skillet. Mix thoroughly and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop a rich, creamy texture.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to fully coat with the mustard sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes until heated through, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle the dish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh touch. Serve the creamy mustard chicken alongside your favorite sides for a satisfying and elegant meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken breasts to keep them tender.
- Fresh thyme can be replaced with dried thyme if necessary; use about 1/3 teaspoon in that case.
