Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a rich, flavorful chicken dish that’s easy to prepare but packed with sophisticated flavors, then this Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe is exactly what you need.

The dish features succulent chicken breasts cooked in a luxurious, velvety sauce made with Dijon mustard, heavy cream, garlic, and fresh herbs, creating the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or preparing a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The creamy sauce is a combination of Dijon mustard and heavy cream, providing a luscious texture and a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken.
• Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• Versatile: Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Impressive Flavor: Dijon mustard and fresh herbs elevate this dish, making it feel gourmet, even though it’s simple to prepare.

How to Make Creamy Dijon Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly and get that crispy, golden exterior. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. This will help bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and allow the sauce to cling better.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat up for about 1-2 minutes, making sure it’s hot enough to sear the chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
2. Remove and Rest: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be sure not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.
2. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful bits that have stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This will add extra depth of flavor to your sauce.
3. Add the Dijon Mustard: Stir in the Dijon mustard, allowing it to mix with the chicken broth. The mustard will add a tangy, sharp flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream.
4. Stir in the Heavy Cream: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. The cream will balance out the tanginess of the mustard, creating a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the thyme leaves, and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add a little extra Dijon mustard if you want more tang in the sauce.
6. Finish with Lemon Juice: Just before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten up the sauce and add a fresh, zesty finish.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken with the Sauce

1. Return the Chicken to the Pan: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the creamy Dijon sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 3-5 minutes, turning them occasionally to coat the chicken fully in the sauce. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to absorb some of the creamy goodness.
2. Garnish: Once the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the Chicken: Serve the creamy Dijon chicken over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or your favorite vegetable. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken for that extra touch of creamy goodness.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with additional parsley, thyme, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve with a side of vegetables like steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots to complete the meal.

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Dijon Chicken

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley bring out the best in this dish, adding fragrant notes that elevate the overall flavor. If you can, use fresh herbs for the best results.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.
• Add Extra Flavor: You can customize the sauce by adding a splash of white wine or a spoonful of honey for a slightly different flavor profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a little heat if desired.
• Cook the Chicken in Batches: If you’re making this dish for a larger crowd, you can cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Just keep the cooked chicken covered and warm while you make the sauce.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce. Alternatively, you can make a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stirring it into the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   • Yes! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They are more flavorful and juicy, and the creamy sauce complements the dark meat beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   • While it’s best to prepare the sauce fresh, you can make the creamy Dijon sauce ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve. If it thickens too much, add a little more chicken broth or cream to adjust the consistency.
3. What should I serve with this dish?
   • This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. For a lighter side, consider steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or sautéed spinach. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works well to balance the richness of the chicken.
4. Can I freeze the creamy Dijon chicken?
   • While it’s possible to freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, the cream may separate when reheated, causing a slight change in texture. If you plan to freeze the dish, it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately and reheat them gently.
5. Can I use a non-dairy substitute for the cream?
   • Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor and texture, so it’s best to experiment and adjust seasonings as needed.

Conclusion

This Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe is a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that feels special. The rich and creamy sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, and the tangy Dijon mustard adds a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Yield: 4

Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

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If you're craving a rich, flavorful chicken dish that’s easy to prepare but packed with sophisticated flavors, then this Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe is exactly what you need. The dish features succulent chicken breasts cooked in a luxurious, velvety sauce made with Dijon mustard, heavy cream, garlic, and fresh herbs, creating the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or preparing a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   
3. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, honey (if using), and dried thyme. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
   
4. Return Chicken to the Skillet:
   Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to reheat and absorb some of the flavors.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish the chicken with fresh chopped parsley and serve the creamy Dijon sauce over the top. Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the chicken broth.

If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce further. For a thinner sauce, add more chicken broth or cream.