If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant dinner that’s effortlessly whipped up in one pan, this French Mustard Chicken: Creamy One-Skillet Dinner Recipe will become your new go-to. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a luxuriously creamy, tangy mustard sauce create the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this dish is all about delivering rich taste without any fuss. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for guests but is easy enough for a weeknight. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe showcases a handful of straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the table, building layers of flavor and richness. Nothing complicated, just good, quality basics that combine beautifully.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for soaking up that creamy mustard sauce.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a golden sear that locks in juiciness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds a velvety richness to the sauce base.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of savory aroma balancing the creaminess.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds a flavorful foundation and keeps the sauce light.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates that dreamy, silky texture everyone loves.
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Provides sharp, tangy complexity.
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard: Adds a delightful pop of texture and mild heat.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Offers an herbal brightness to cut through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful finishing touch.
How to Make French Mustard Chicken: Creamy One-Skillet Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step is key to bringing out the full flavor of the tender chicken and setting the stage for the sauce to shine.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts carefully and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. This sear seals in juices and creates the signature texture that makes this recipe so satisfying. Remove the chicken and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Build Your Flavor Base
Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant aroma. This step forms the flavorful heart of your sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. Those bits infuse the sauce with deep, savory notes. Let the broth simmer gently for around 3 minutes, reducing slightly to concentrate the flavors.
Step 5: Add Cream and Mustards
Now comes the magic moment when you whisk in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir everything to combine into a luscious, thickening sauce. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes so the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
Step 6: Coat and Warm the Chicken
Return your seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat completely. Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the meat is perfectly heated through.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Your French Mustard Chicken: Creamy One-Skillet Dinner Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve French Mustard Chicken: Creamy One-Skillet Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens the look but adds a subtle herbaceous note that lightens the creamy sauce. For a bit of texture, toasted walnuts or slivered almonds can add a lovely crunch without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic buttery mashed potatoes or silky polenta soak up the sauce perfectly. Roasted or steamed green vegetables like asparagus or green beans add a pleasant crisp contrast and vibrant color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating the chicken atop a bed of sautéed spinach or creamy risotto, spooning the sauce artistically around for an elegant look. Alternatively, serve it with crusty artisan bread on the side to mop up every last bit of that dreamy mustard sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for easy, flavorful lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Just portion out the chicken breasts with sauce in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Microwaving is possible but monitor closely to avoid overheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work beautifully and tend to stay even juicier due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. The sauce will have a slightly different flavor but still be deliciously rich and creamy.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can make the mustard sauce ahead and keep it in the fridge for a day. When ready to serve, warm the sauce gently and add freshly cooked chicken breasts. Just keep in mind the sauce thickens in the fridge, so you might need to thin it with a little broth when reheating.
What type of mustard is best for this recipe?
Dijon and whole grain mustards provide a perfect balance of tanginess and texture. Dijon mustard gives a smooth sharpness, while whole grain mustard adds complexity with its little mustard seed bursts. Avoid overly sweet mustards.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth. Just double-check your mustard labels to be sure they don’t contain any added gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This French Mustard Chicken: Creamy One-Skillet Dinner Recipe is the ultimate weeknight winner that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day but actually comes together quickly and simply. I encourage you to give it a try—there’s something so satisfying about a meal that’s hearty, elegant, and minimal cleanup all at once. Once it’s on your table, I bet it’ll become one of your favorite dishes to make again and again.
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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 one-skillet dinner featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich Dijon and whole grain mustard sauce with a touch of fresh thyme. This easy-to-make dish combines savory flavors with a smooth, velvety sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sauce
- 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
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat before cooking.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom to incorporate deep flavors. Reduce the heat to low and allow the broth to simmer for approximately 3 minutes.
- Prepare Mustard Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix thoroughly and let the sauce gently simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to coat evenly with the mustard sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to soak up the flavors and heat through completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Serve the creamy French mustard chicken with your favorite side dishes such as steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be pounded to an even thickness for more uniform cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with white wine instead of chicken broth.
- This dish pairs well with roasted potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad.
