If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal with a tangy twist, this Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. The interplay between the smooth, velvety cream sauce and the bright, distinctive flavor of Dijon mustard creates a melody of taste that simply cannot be beaten. Tender chicken breasts get bathed in a luscious, flavorful sauce with garlic, thyme, and a hint of Parmesan for that extra touch of luxury, making dinner feel like a special occasion any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, tender texture, and an appealing color contrast. You’ll find this recipe wonderfully simple and approachable, perfect to whip up without hunting down hard-to-find items.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and juicy results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a mild fruity aroma and helps crisp the chicken’s exterior.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce and aids in browning with a silky finish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds a savory base for the sauce and helps deglaze the pan for extra flavor.
- ¾ cup heavy cream: Creates the luxurious creamy texture that makes the dish irresistibly smooth.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: The star ingredient that brings tang and complexity to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional): Adds delightful texture and bursts of mustard flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses a subtle earthiness that balances the richness.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Introduces a nutty umami depth to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Brightens the plate visually and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Next, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Adding the chicken breasts, sear them for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. This step locks in the juices and adds caramelized flavor that sets the tone for the entire dish. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside patiently while you build the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
In the same skillet, drop in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds just until fragrant — be careful not to burn it! Pour in the chicken broth, and with a wooden spoon, scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan. These bits are flavor gold and will enrich your sauce tremendously. This deglazing step awakens those caramelized remnants and turns them into a savory sauce starter.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Dijon Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard if using, and dried thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, which thickens it and brings all those flavors together beautifully. If you’re adding Parmesan cheese, this is the moment to stir it in, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the sauce for extra richness and a savory kick.
Step 4: Return Chicken to the Sauce
Carefully nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the luxurious sauce generously over the top. Let everything simmer together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken absorbs some of that creamy, tangy goodness. This final step melds the flavors and creates an irresistibly saucy dish ready to impress.
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top adds a gorgeous pop of color and a lively herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. If you like, a little extra grated Parmesan can also boost the savory appeal and add a slight textural contrast.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of the mustard sauce. Alternatively, fluffy cooked rice works perfectly for sopping up the luscious flavors. Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or carrots provide vibrant color and a crisp counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, slice the chicken breasts after cooking and fan them out on warm plates, drizzling extra sauce artistically. You can also serve this dish over a bed of buttery egg noodles or creamy polenta to elevate the comfort food aspect. Adding a lemon twist or microgreens on top can bring a fresh, modern visual and flavor lift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Dijon Chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the chicken covered with sauce to prevent it from drying out, ensuring every bite remains juicy and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Place portions of the chicken breast along with ample sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken with sauce in a skillet over low heat or microwave at medium power in short intervals. Stir the sauce occasionally to maintain its creamy texture and avoid overheating, which can cause the cream to separate. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating can refresh the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick cooking and presentation, you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more forgiving cut. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they reach the right temperature.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with a coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor but will still yield a creamy, satisfying sauce.
Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes during the sauce-making step adds wonderful texture and nutrients. Just toss them in after sautéing the garlic, so they cook gently in the sauce.
How can I make the sauce thicker if needed?
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you like, you can let it simmer a little longer uncovered. Alternatively, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it into the sauce, cooking until it thickens to your preference.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe?
A crisp white wine with bright acidity like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy richness nicely and balances the tang from the mustard. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir works well without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe a try because it has all the hallmarks of a classic favorite—easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for both weeknights and special dinners alike. Its deliciously silky sauce paired with tender chicken never fails to impress, and it invites endless creativity with your favorite sides and garnishes. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it earns a special place at my table, and soon, yours too!
Print
Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Dijon Chicken is a luscious, French-inspired main course featuring tender seared chicken breasts cooked in a rich and velvety mustard cream sauce. Infused with garlic, thyme, and Parmesan cheese, this quick stovetop recipe delivers comforting flavors perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sauce Ingredients
- 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)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Deglaze and make sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan to incorporate flavor. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard if using, and dried thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan and finish the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if desired, enriching the sauce’s creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Return chicken and coat in sauce: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Let it simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving while warm, pairing perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- You can omit the whole grain mustard if you prefer a smoother sauce texture.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
