Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

Looking for a quick, delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor? This Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of tender chicken breasts, a rich and tangy Dijon mustard sauce, and a creamy texture that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just one pan and less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Whether you’re a mustard lover or simply looking to elevate your regular chicken recipe, this Creamy Dijon Chicken will soon become a favorite. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, variations, and serving suggestions!

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What is Creamy Dijon Chicken?

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that features seared chicken breasts cooked in a luxurious Dijon mustard sauce made with cream, garlic, and herbs. The tanginess of the mustard pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream, creating a sauce that’s velvety and full of flavor. The sauce clings to the chicken, making every bite juicy and delicious. This dish is perfect when served over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the extra sauce.

Ingredients List for Creamy Dijon Chicken

To make this deliciously rich dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional, for extra texture)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added richness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy flavor.
• Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try to customize the recipe to your liking:

• Chicken Thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs tend to take a little longer to cook.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative to make this dish dairy-free.
• Grainy Mustard: For a more textured sauce, add whole-grain mustard or a spicy brown mustard in addition to the Dijon mustard.
• Lemon: For extra brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your preferences while keeping the creamy Dijon essence intact.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make Creamy Dijon Chicken that’s full of flavor and perfect for any night of the week:

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear beautifully. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Deglaze with Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits are full of flavor and will help enhance the sauce.

4. Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce

Stir in the Dijon mustard and whole-grain mustard (if using) until fully combined. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring, allowing the sauce to come together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. If you want a richer sauce, stir in 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese at this stage.

5. Return Chicken to the Pan

Place the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, ensuring they are fully coated in the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let the chicken simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor and a pop of color. Serve the chicken with plenty of the creamy Dijon sauce spooned over the top.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to cook Creamy Dijon Chicken:

1. Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
2. Sear Chicken: Sear chicken in olive oil or butter until golden brown, then set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: Sauté garlic in the same skillet for about 30 seconds.
4. Deglaze Pan: Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits.
5. Make Sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream, simmer until the sauce thickens.
6. Simmer Chicken: Return chicken to the pan and simmer in the sauce until fully cooked.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is straightforward, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Searing the Chicken Properly: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Searing locks in the juices and adds flavor to the dish.
2. Overcooking the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) but avoid overcooking, as this can make the chicken dry.
3. Curdling the Sauce: Be sure to lower the heat when adding the cream to prevent it from curdling. Don’t boil the sauce; just let it simmer gently to thicken.
4. Undersalting the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving, especially if your chicken broth is low-sodium.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here’s how to serve Creamy Dijon Chicken for a meal that looks as good as it tastes:

How to Serve Creamy Dijon Chicken

• Over Rice or Pasta: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, jasmine rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy Dijon sauce.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Pair with mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that balances the richness of the sauce.
• With Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli, for a lighter meal.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Dijon Chicken

• Garnish Generously: Top the dish with fresh parsley, thyme, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve Family-Style: Place the chicken in a large serving dish with the sauce poured over it, allowing everyone to serve themselves.
• Individual Plates: For a more elegant presentation, serve each chicken breast individually with a generous drizzle of sauce and a side of vegetables.

Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
• Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, you can easily double the sauce ingredients to have more for serving over sides like rice or pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and add the chicken just before serving.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Q: Can I freeze Creamy Dijon Chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce. However, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. Reheat slowly and whisk well to bring the sauce back together.

Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful, though it will have a slightly different taste.

Conclusion

This Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that’s both easy and satisfying. The tangy Dijon mustard pairs beautifully with the cream to create a sauce that’s velvety and full of flavor. Serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh herbs for a meal that’s sure to impress. Enjoy!

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