Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this sensationally quick and easy Creamy Mustard Chicken. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, promising decadent flavors and chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Each succulent piece is lightly coated in flour, pan-seared to a golden, crispy perfection, and then enveloped in a rich, velvety Dijon mustard cream sauce. It’s the perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making it an instant favorite for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
Crafted from simple, everyday pantry staples, this creamy mustard chicken recipe comes together with remarkable speed and ease, making it the quintessential choice for those hectic weeknights when you crave something special without the fuss. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that consistently earns rave reviews from everyone at the table. Imagine juicy chicken breasts, perfectly pan-seared, then bathed in an irresistibly savory and tangy cream sauce – it’s a dish so good, you’ll find plates are cleaned in seconds, leaving absolutely no leftovers!
What makes this recipe truly exceptional is its one-skillet preparation, taking less than an hour from start to finish. This makes it my go-to when time is of the essence but flavor can’t be compromised. If you’re a fan of convenient one-pan wonders that deliver big on taste, you might also love my Garlic Mushroom Chicken Thighs or the indulgent Cheesecake Factory Chicken Madeira.
Why This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Will Become Your New Favorite
This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a culinary hug that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with our Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken:
- A Dreamy, Decadent Creamy Sauce: The star of this dish is undoubtedly its rich, luxurious sauce. Infused with the distinctive tang of Dijon mustard and the smooth richness of heavy cream, it creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Your family will adore every drop, eagerly using crusty bread, fluffy mashed potatoes, delicate pasta, or even simple rice to soak up every last bit of this incredible sauce.
- Explosive Flavor in Every Bite: Dijon mustard is a culinary gem, known for its complex flavor that’s tangy, subtly spicy, and delightfully zesty. It doesn’t just add a kick; it elevates the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the cream with a vibrant acidity that brightens every component. Combined with aromatic herbs and savory chicken broth, the sauce delivers a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible.
- Incredibly Quick and Convenient: Dinner can be on the table in under 40 minutes, making this recipe a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Even better, the entire dish is prepared in a single skillet, drastically reducing cleanup time. Spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, homemade meal with your loved ones.
- Perfectly Juicy & Crispy Chicken: The secret to our chicken’s perfect texture lies in a simple flour dredge and a quick pan-sear. This technique creates a beautiful golden, crispy exterior that locks in the chicken’s natural juices, ensuring every bite is moist, tender, and full of flavor. The crisp coating also helps the creamy sauce cling beautifully to the chicken, maximizing taste.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: While simple enough for a casual family meal, this elegant dish is also impressive enough to serve to guests. Its balanced flavors and appealing presentation make it a surefire hit for any gathering. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes, from hearty vegetables to light salads.
Essential Ingredients for Our Creamy Mustard Chicken
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly memorable meal. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible flavors of this creamy Dijon mustard chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend using two whole chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This method ensures they cook quickly and evenly, remaining wonderfully juicy. For a richer flavor, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be a fantastic substitute.
- Seasoning: A harmonious blend of garlic powder, dried rosemary, ground black pepper, and salt elevates the chicken’s natural flavors before searing. Freshly chopped rosemary can also be used in the sauce for a more vibrant herbal note.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light dredge in flour is crucial. It not only creates a beautiful, crispy golden crust on the chicken but also helps to seal in moisture, keeping the chicken tender. Furthermore, the residual flour helps thicken the creamy mustard sauce, giving it a luxurious consistency.
- Olive Oil: Used for pan-searing the chicken, olive oil provides a light, fruity base. A neutral oil like avocado or vegetable oil can also be used if preferred.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for building the foundation of our creamy sauce. Using unsalted butter allows you precise control over the overall saltiness of the dish.
- Aromatics: Finely minced shallots and garlic are the flavor powerhouses of the sauce. Shallots offer a milder, sweeter onion flavor, while fresh garlic provides a pungent, savory depth that is truly unmatched by pre-minced versions.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: This forms the liquid base of our sauce. Opting for low-sodium broth is important so you can season the sauce to your exact taste without it becoming overly salty.
- Dijon Mustard: The star ingredient of our sauce! Dijon mustard delivers a distinctive tangy, sharp, and slightly spicy flavor. It’s crucial to use authentic Dijon for its unique profile, which perfectly balances the richness of the cream. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your preference.
- Heavy Cream: This transforms the Dijon mustard sauce into a rich, velvety, and utterly dreamy cream sauce. It adds body and a luxurious mouthfeel that makes the dish truly decadent.
- Freshly Chopped Parsley: A final flourish for garnish, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish.
Mastering the Art of Creamy Mustard Chicken: Step-by-Step
Creating this flavorful and satisfying dish is simpler than you think. Follow these clear, concise steps to achieve creamy mustard chicken perfection:
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Begin by patting your chicken breast halves completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures a superior sear. Then, generously season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, dried rosemary, freshly ground black pepper, and salt. Make sure each piece is well-covered to infuse maximum flavor.
- Dredge the Chicken in Flour: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. Carefully dredge each seasoned chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it’s coated evenly on all sides. Lightly shake off any excess flour. This coating will create a beautiful crispy crust and help thicken our sauce later.
- Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully add the floured chicken breasts to the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until they develop a rich golden-brown color and a crispy exterior. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside, keeping any delicious browned bits in the skillet.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat slightly if needed. To the same skillet (without cleaning it – those browned bits are flavor!), add the unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted and slightly foamy, add the sliced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and softened, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Creamy Mustard Sauce: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. Immediately whisk vigorously to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the Dijon mustard and fresh or dried rosemary. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Add the Cream and Thicken: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, along with any additional salt and pepper to taste. Continue to gently simmer for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly to your desired consistency. It should be rich and coating, not watery.
- Finish the Chicken: Gently return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mustard sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Allow them to simmer gently for a few more minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through and wonderfully coated in the sauce. An instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve your delectable creamy mustard chicken immediately, accompanied by your favorite side vegetables, pasta, or potatoes to soak up all that amazing sauce!
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Mustard Chicken
Achieving restaurant-quality creamy mustard chicken at home is easy with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Ensure Even Cooking: For uniformly cooked chicken, aim to purchase breasts that are similar in size. If your chicken breasts are very thick, slicing them lengthwise into thinner cutlets (as recommended) or pounding them to an even thickness will help them cook faster and more consistently, preventing dry spots.
- Lighter Sauce Options: If you’re looking to reduce the richness, you can easily swap the heavy cream for half-and-half. For an even lighter option, whole milk can be used, but be mindful to keep the heat low and whisk continuously to prevent curdling.
- The Power of Patting Dry: Always pat your chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning and dredging. Moisture on the surface inhibits browning, preventing that desirable crispy sear and causing the seasoning and flour to stick less effectively.
- Fresh Garlic Makes a Difference: While convenience is appealing, freshly minced garlic offers a significantly more potent and vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic from a jar. Take the extra minute to mince fresh cloves for a noticeable difference in your sauce’s depth.
- Avoid Overcooking for Tenderness: Chicken breasts can quickly become tough and dry if overcooked. To ensure juicy results, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part, remove it from the heat. It will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
- Add a Boost of Greens: For extra nutrition and color, consider stirring in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale into the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering. They will wilt beautifully into the creamy sauce, adding a healthy touch.
- Deglaze for Flavor: Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan with chicken broth after searing the chicken. Those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet (fond) are packed with concentrated flavor that will greatly enhance your sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more Dijon mustard to suit your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Mustard Chicken
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Our absolute favorite is Homemade Mashed Potatoes because their fluffy texture is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce. Other excellent choices include roasted vegetables like roasted potatoes, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or glazed carrots. Fluffy rice, your favorite pasta, or a crusty baguette are also fantastic for scooping up the rich sauce. Don’t forget a simple side salad for a fresh contrast!
Absolutely! Creamy Mustard Chicken freezes quite well. To freeze, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely. Transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or covered in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
Yes, chicken thighs make an excellent substitute and often result in an even more flavorful and moist dish! We recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a similar cooking time and ease of preparation. If you prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs, you are welcome to use them, but be aware that the cooking time will increase significantly. Always ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) before serving, regardless of the cut.
To store any delightful leftovers, transfer the chicken and sauce into an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. For reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in short intervals until thoroughly warmed. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
While technically possible, we highly recommend against skipping the flour dredge. The flour plays a dual role: it helps create that desirable crispy, golden crust on the chicken, which adds wonderful texture and locks in moisture. More importantly, it helps the creamy mustard sauce cling beautifully to each piece of chicken, ensuring every bite is fully enveloped in flavor. Without it, the sauce might not adhere as well, and the chicken’s exterior won’t be as satisfying.
As written, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results) or a light coating of cornstarch for the dredge. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check labels for hidden gluten, especially in broths and mustards.
Discover More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes
If you loved this Creamy Mustard Chicken, explore these other fantastic chicken dinner ideas that are sure to become new family favorites:
- Hearty and Easy Chicken Stew
- Flavorful Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken
- Comforting Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Delectable Sweet and Spicy Asian Chicken
- Classic Easy Chicken Tetrazzini
We truly hope you enjoy all the recipes we bring to you, especially this incredible Creamy Mustard Chicken. It’s designed to be simple, flavorful, and a delight for anyone who tries it. We encourage you to give it a try, savor every bite, and share your experience!
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Print Recipe
Creamy Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 whole chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Mustard Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons shallot, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp salt , to taste
- ½ tsp pepper
- chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts halves generously with garlic powder, rosemary, pepper, and salt. Pat them dry before seasoning for best results.
- Dredge the seasoned chicken in all-purpose flour, ensuring an even and light coating on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
- Heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium flame. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy exterior. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- To the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the sliced shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and whisk continuously to deglaze the pan. Stir in the Dijon mustard and fresh (or dried) rosemary. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, along with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce gently thicken for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
- Return the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mustard sauce. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish the creamy mustard chicken generously with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- Try to buy chicken breasts that are similar in size so they will cook evenly. If they are thick, slicing them lengthwise or pounding them to an even thickness is recommended.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half.
- Always pat the chicken breasts completely dry before pan-searing. This helps achieve a better crust and ensures the seasoning sticks well.
- For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic instead of pre-minced.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) then remove it from the heat to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Feel free to add some fresh spinach or kale to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering for extra greens.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 267 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 698mg | Potassium: 131mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 622IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg