Tangy Dijon Chicken Recipe

The Best Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe: Tender & Zesty Delight

Crafting a delectable dijon chicken brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Mustard’s tangy zest adds unexpected depth to this classic protein dish.

Rich, velvety sauce coats tender chicken pieces with elegant simplicity.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without complicated techniques.

Subtle herb notes complement the sharp mustard undertones beautifully.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this sophisticated yet remain incredibly approachable.

Come hungry and leave satisfied with this irresistible culinary creation.

Why Creamy Dijon Chicken Captivates Palates

  • Savor Gourmet Simplicity: Transforms basic chicken into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.
  • Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Requires just one skillet and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious dinner solutions.
  • Customize with Ease: Versatile recipe allows pairing with various side dishes like rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Combines rich, tangy Dijon mustard with creamy sauce, creating a sophisticated yet comforting dish that appeals to both adults and kids.

Ingredients That Make Creamy Dijon Chicken Shine

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the base of this delicious and creamy dish.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create a golden brown exterior on the chicken.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme: Enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and add depth to the overall taste.
  • Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base for the sauce and adds additional savory flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly sharp taste that cuts through the richness of the cream.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety texture and smooth consistency.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh touch of color and a mild herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Creamy Dijon Chicken Flawlessly

Step 1: Prep and Season Chicken

Get your chicken breasts ready by sprinkling them with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Make sure to coat each piece evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Warm up a large skillet with a blend of olive oil and butter over medium heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pan.

Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 3: Saute Fragrant Garlic

In the same skillet, drop in finely chopped garlic. Stir and cook for about a minute until the kitchen fills with a mouth-watering aroma.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Base

Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

These bits are packed with incredible flavor.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Dijon Sauce

Add these ingredients to the skillet:
  • Dijon mustard
  • Heavy cream

Gently simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick consistency.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Lovingly coat each piece with the creamy Dijon sauce.

Let it warm through for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top.

Plate with your favorite side dish and enjoy this restaurant-quality meal at home.

Methods to Achieve Creamy Dijon Chicken Perfection

  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and better flavor absorption.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe cooking without overcooking.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, reducing overall calorie content.
  • Choose Dijon mustard with whole grain for added texture and deeper, more complex flavor profile.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce for extra depth and nutritional variety.

Flavor Additions That Complement Creamy Dijon Chicken

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternative for a lactose-free version.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Swap thyme with rosemary or tarragon for a different aromatic flavor profile.
  • Protein Power Switch: Substitute chicken breasts with turkey breast or pork tenderloin for variety.
  • Low-Carb Champion: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides to reduce carbohydrate intake.

Dishes That Pair Well with Creamy Dijon Chicken

  • Dinner Party Delight: Impress guests by serving this chicken on a large platter with the sauce drizzled elegantly over the top, garnished with extra parsley for a pop of color.
  • Cozy Comfort Meal: Pair the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the rich Dijon sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Plate: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, and add a small Greek salad to complement the tangy mustard flavors of the chicken.
  • Quick Weeknight Meal Prep: Slice the chicken and store in meal prep containers with extra sauce, making it easy to reheat for a delicious lunch or dinner during busy weekdays.

Storing Creamy Dijon Chicken Safely and Simply

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to maintain moisture.
  • Separate the chicken from the sauce to prevent soggy texture and preserve the best quality.
  • Label the container with the date of storage to track freshness.

FAQs

  • What type of mustard works best for this recipe?

Dijon mustard is recommended for its tangy, sharp flavor that complements the creamy sauce. Grey Poupon or a classic French Dijon will provide the most authentic taste.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and juicy, and will absorb the creamy Dijon sauce beautifully.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white throughout when cut.

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Tangy Dijon Chicken Recipe

Tangy Dijon Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent dijon chicken emerges as a creamy culinary masterpiece from French cuisine. Mustard-infused sauce and tender chicken create a luxurious meal perfect for sophisticated palates you’ll savor with delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Garnish:

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Infuse chicken breasts with a robust blend of salt, pepper, and aromatic thyme, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Melt olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat (around 350°F), creating a golden searing environment for the chicken.
  3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a rich, caramelized exterior for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
  4. Transfer perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, keeping warm and preserving its juicy texture.
  5. In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to bloom for approximately 60 seconds.
  6. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to lift and incorporate the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
  7. Whisk in Dijon mustard and luxurious heavy cream, creating a velvety sauce that will simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.
  8. Gently return chicken to the skillet, thoroughly coating each piece with the creamy Dijon sauce and warming for an additional 2 minutes.
  9. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and bright flavor, serving immediately alongside your preferred accompaniment.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful alternative that stays tender during cooking.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to create a lighter, protein-packed sauce with reduced calories.
  • Choose gluten-free Dijon mustard and verify chicken broth ingredients for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior that seals in delicious moisture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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