Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe

If you’re looking for a flavorful, elegant meal that comes together quickly, this Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe is exactly what you need. Inspired by the classic Steak Diane, this dish swaps out beef for tender chicken breasts and features a creamy, savory sauce made with mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs. The addition of heavy cream transforms the traditionally sharp, tangy Diane sauce into a velvety, rich accompaniment that perfectly complements the juicy chicken.

This recipe is ideal for both weeknight dinners and more formal occasions when you want something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to create a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own home.

this Recipe

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What is Chicken Diane?

Chicken Diane is a twist on the classic Steak Diane, a dish that originated in mid-20th-century American restaurants. Traditionally made with pan-seared beef and a mustard-based sauce, Chicken Diane features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and fresh herbs. The sauce is finished with heavy cream, making it creamy and indulgent, while still carrying the signature bold flavors of the classic Diane sauce.

This recipe brings together tender chicken and a silky, flavorful sauce for a satisfying, gourmet meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.

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Ingredients List for Creamy Chicken Diane

Before getting started, make sure you have all the ingredients you need. Here’s what you’ll need for this creamy version of Chicken Diane:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

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Ingredient List for the Diane Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish, offering a creamy, tangy, and slightly savory flavor that’s hard to resist. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients for the sauce:

• Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth of flavor, giving the sauce its characteristic sharpness.
• Worcestershire sauce: Contributes a savory, umami richness to balance out the acidity of the mustard and lemon juice.
• Heavy cream: Softens the sharp flavors and makes the sauce luscious and velvety.
• Garlic and fresh herbs: These provide a fragrant, earthy base that complements the richness of the cream and chicken broth.

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, and you can easily modify it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts: For a juicier, more flavorful option, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs take slightly longer to cook.
• Lighten up the sauce: If you prefer a lighter version of the sauce, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
• Herb variations: Fresh parsley and thyme are classic, but you can swap these for fresh rosemary, tarragon, or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Wine variation: Add ¼ cup of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity. Let it reduce before adding the cream.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this creamy Chicken Diane dish, step by step:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This ensures that the chicken is flavorful and sears well.

2. Sear the Chicken:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. Sauté the Garlic:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Make the Diane Sauce:

• Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.

5. Add the Cream:

• Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. The sauce should become smooth and creamy.

6. Add Lemon Juice and Herbs:

• Stir in the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and thyme. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

7. Return the Chicken to the Pan:

• Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to warm through and absorb the flavors.

8. Serve:

• Garnish the chicken with additional fresh parsley or thyme if desired, and serve immediately with the sauce spooned over the top.

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How to Cook Creamy Chicken Diane: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

1. Season and sear the chicken until golden brown.
2. Sauté garlic to build the base of the sauce.
3. Prepare the Diane sauce with mustard, Worcestershire, and chicken broth.
4. Add heavy cream and let the sauce thicken.
5. Return the chicken to the pan to finish cooking in the sauce.
6. Serve and garnish with fresh herbs.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C), and remove them from the skillet as soon as they hit that temperature.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns easily, so sauté it briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds, before adding liquids.
• Not reducing the sauce: Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly before adding the cream. This will give it a rich, concentrated flavor.
• Adding cream too early: Add the cream after the sauce has reduced to avoid curdling. It should be gently heated, not boiled.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Diane is a rich, flavorful dish, so pairing it with the right sides can make the meal complete. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With mashed potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes.
• Over rice or pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
• With a side of roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make great companions to balance the richness of the dish.
• With crusty bread: A piece of crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

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How to Serve Creamy Chicken Diane

Here are a few ways to present this dish beautifully:

• Family-style: Serve the chicken breasts directly from the skillet with extra sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
• Plated individually: Plate each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of sauce, and pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
• Sliced for a restaurant-style presentation: Slice the chicken breasts into medallions before serving for a more elegant presentation, and drizzle the sauce over each slice.

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Presentation Ideas for Creamy Chicken Diane

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
• Serve in a cast-iron skillet: Presenting the dish directly in a cast-iron skillet adds a rustic, homey feel.
• Sliced with sauce drizzled over: For a more refined presentation, slice the chicken breasts into medallions and arrange them on a plate with the sauce drizzled over the top.

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Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe Tips

• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh parsley and thyme really elevate the dish.
• Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth to scrape up all the flavorful bits left after searing the chicken. This adds depth to the sauce.
• Don’t rush the sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce before adding the cream. This creates a richer, more concentrated flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs take a little longer to cook than breasts.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: You can sear the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately, and reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop before adding the chicken to warm through.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
A: You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich. Greek yogurt can also work, but add it off the heat to avoid curdling.

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes, use a dairy-free cream substitute, like coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative, to make the dish dairy-free.

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Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe is the perfect dish for those who want something delicious, elegant, and comforting. The creamy mustard-based sauce, enriched with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs, brings out the best in the tender chicken breasts. Whether you’re preparing a simple family dinner or looking to impress guests, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the rich, flavorful experience of this modern twist on a classic recipe!

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