Creamy French Mustard Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that offers rich, creamy flavors with a touch of French elegance, this Creamy French Mustard Chicken is the perfect choice. Combining tender chicken breasts with a creamy mustard sauce, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The dish has a wonderful depth of flavor, featuring both Dijon and whole grain mustard, making it a luxurious yet simple meal to prepare. Whether you’re a mustard lover or just looking to elevate your chicken recipes, this one will surely impress.

Ingredients with Quantities

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful French-inspired chicken dish:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Ensure they’re evenly sized for uniform cooking.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: For searing the chicken, creating a golden brown crust.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: To deglaze the pan and enhance the sauce’s flavor.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds the creamy richness to the sauce.
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard: The star ingredient providing tang and depth.
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard: Adds texture and a more nuanced mustard flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that aromatic, savory taste.
• 1 tsp dried thyme: Offers an earthy and aromatic note.
• Salt and pepper: To season the chicken.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For garnish, adding a fresh, vibrant finish.

Directions and Preparation Method

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s go through the step-by-step process to create this creamy mustard chicken. The method is simple, making this dish accessible even for novice cooks while delivering restaurant-quality results.

1. Preparing the Chicken Breasts

To begin, season your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides. You can either use fresh thyme if available, but dried thyme will work just as well for this dish.

2. Searing the Chicken

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. The goal here is to achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken, which will not only add flavor but also give the chicken a lovely texture.

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Making the Sauce

In the same skillet, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter. The garlic will infuse the oil with flavor, creating the base for the sauce.

Next, pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this step, called deglazing, adds immense flavor to the sauce.

4. Adding the Mustards and Cream

Now, it’s time to incorporate the stars of the show: mustard and cream. Stir in 3 tbsp of Dijon mustard and 1 tbsp of whole grain mustard. The Dijon mustard adds that familiar tangy flavor, while the whole grain mustard provides a wonderful texture with its mustard seeds.

Finally, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

5. Simmering the Chicken in the Sauce

Once your sauce has thickened, return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top of the chicken to ensure every bite is coated in that delicious, creamy mustard goodness. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Garnishing and Serving

If you like, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the chicken warm, with the creamy mustard sauce spooned generously over the top.

Cooking Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 Servings

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and have a richer flavor. However, they may take a bit longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Always ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

If you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor, but the coconut cream adds a nice richness that pairs well with the mustard.

3. What sides go well with Creamy French Mustard Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:

• Mashed potatoes: The creamy mustard sauce works wonderfully when drizzled over mashed potatoes.
• Steamed vegetables: A side of broccoli, green beans, or carrots adds freshness and balance to the richness of the chicken.
• Rice or quinoa: These grains can soak up the sauce, making them perfect companions for this dish.
• Crusty bread: Use bread to mop up every last bit of the creamy mustard sauce.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but reheating on the stove helps preserve the texture of the sauce.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

This recipe can be made in advance, but for the best results, cook the chicken and the sauce fresh. You can prepare the sauce ingredients ahead of time and sear the chicken in advance, but simmer the chicken in the sauce just before serving to maintain the texture and flavor.

6. Can I freeze Creamy French Mustard Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. However, cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture when frozen and reheated. To freeze, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Conclusion

This Creamy French Mustard Chicken recipe brings a taste of French cuisine right into your home kitchen. The combination of tender chicken breasts and a luscious mustard cream sauce makes this dish a comforting yet elegant meal. It’s perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal occasions when you’re looking to impress. The recipe is versatile enough to allow for substitutions, whether you’re looking to swap the chicken breasts for thighs or make the dish dairy-free.

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