Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

The Best Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe For Cozy Family Dinners

Weeknight dinners sometimes need a creamy dijon chicken twist that breaks the monotony of predictable meals.

My kitchen experiments have revealed this recipe as a delightful surprise.

Rich, tangy flavors dance across your plate with unexpected elegance.

Mustard’s sharp notes blend seamlessly with tender chicken, creating a sophisticated yet approachable dish.

Simple ingredients combine to produce something truly memorable.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, making this recipe a perfect weeknight solution.

Come cook alongside me and transform an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Creamy Dijon Chicken: Change Up the Flavors

  • Herb-Crusted Version: Coat chicken with a mix of dried thyme, rosemary, and breadcrumbs before searing for an extra crispy exterior and aromatic flavor profile.
  • Mushroom Medley Variation: Sauté sliced cremini and shiitake mushrooms in the skillet before adding cream sauce, creating a rich, earthy dimension to the classic recipe.
  • Spicy Cajun Spin: Replace Dijon mustard with Cajun seasoning and add a dash of cayenne pepper for a bold, fiery kick that transforms the dish's character.
  • Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese into the sauce for a tangy, Mediterranean-inspired transformation.

Serve Creamy Dijon Chicken with Sides

  • Weeknight Elegant Dinner Plate: Serve the Dijon chicken over fluffy white rice, allowing the creamy sauce to cascade around the grains, creating a luxurious meal that looks restaurant-worthy yet takes minimal effort.
  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Transform the dish into a hearty chicken and rice bowl by adding roasted seasonal vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, which complement the tangy mustard sauce and provide extra nutrition.
  • Rustic French-Inspired Platter: Arrange the golden chicken on a large wooden board surrounded by crusty baguette slices, encouraging guests to soak up the rich, velvety sauce directly from the plate for a classic bistro-style presentation.

How to Store Creamy Dijon Chicken

  • Store leftover Dijon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the chicken is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to maintain sauce consistency and prevent burning.
  • Keep any extra sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Use as a quick flavor enhancer for future meals or as a dipping sauce.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Yes, both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Just ensure they’re similar in thickness for even cooking and adjust cooking time based on the cut.

  • Is there a substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or Greek yogurt as alternatives. Each will slightly change the sauce’s texture and richness.

  • How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before serving to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Creamy Dijon Chicken: Reasons to Savor It

  • Satisfy Hunger Quickly: This recipe delivers a delicious chicken dish that's ready in minutes, perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-style meal at home.
  • Create Gourmet Experience: With simple ingredients like Parmesan, panko, and provolone, home cooks can transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality entrée without advanced culinary skills.
  • Customize with Ease: Cooks can adjust seasonings or cheese types to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The crispy, cheesy topping and rich ranch dressing create a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates at the dinner table.

Ingredients List for Creamy Dijon Chicken

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean and tender meat that absorbs the creamy Dijon sauce beautifully.
For the Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavor and add depth to the dish.
For the Sauce Base:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich liquid foundation for the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, silky texture and richness to the sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly sharp flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
For the Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken and prevent sticking to the skillet.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the dish.

Simple Steps for Creamy Dijon Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Create an even layer of oil across the pan’s bottom.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with seasoning.

Step 3: Sear the Protein

Cook chicken pieces in the hot skillet for 5-6 minutes on each side.

Look for a golden-brown exterior and ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked. Transfer chicken to a clean plate once done.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Pour chicken broth into the same skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the delicious browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom, releasing all the concentrated flavors.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Whisk in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Dijon mustard

Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return chicken pieces to the skillet, gently coating each piece in the rich, creamy sauce.

Continue simmering for an additional 2 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh garnish.

Plate and enjoy immediately while the dish is hot and steamy.

Must-Know Tips for Creamy Dijon Chicken

  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra juiciness and deeper flavor.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the sauce from becoming too salty.
  • Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for complexity and depth in the flavor profile.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption and perfect doneness.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
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Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Dijon chicken showcases French-inspired flavors with tender meat bathed in a rich, tangy sauce. Elegant weeknight dinner provides comforting warmth and sophisticated taste you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons (tbsps) Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon (tbsp) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (tsp) garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for perfectly seasoned chicken.
  2. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for 5-6 minutes, ensuring complete internal cooking.
  3. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and preserving its juicy texture.
  4. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to lift the caramelized flavor bits from the pan’s surface.
  5. Whisk heavy cream and Dijon mustard into the broth, creating a rich, velvety sauce that will gently simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Reintroduce the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to bathe in the luxurious sauce and absorb additional flavor for 2 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant finish, adding a touch of color and fresh herbaceous notes before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Customize the seasoning by adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra depth of flavor.
  • Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, ensuring even cooking and tender results.
  • Reduce the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, healthier alternative that still maintains a creamy texture.
  • Swap Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard to add a rustic, textured element and enhance the sauce’s complexity.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 282 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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