If you are looking for a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, tangy twist, then this Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a luscious meal that’s perfect for weeknights or an impressive dinner gathering. This recipe marries the sharpness of Dijon mustard with the smoothness of heavy cream and the subtle depth of chicken broth, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of chicken breast. It is truly a dish that comforts and excites your taste buds in equal measure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe is a breeze, and every item plays a key role. From the olive oil that crisps the chicken to the fresh parsley that adds a burst of color and freshness, these essentials work in harmony to elevate the dish.
- 4 chicken breasts: Look for even-sized breasts for uniform cooking and juicy results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a perfect sear and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- Salt, to taste: Essential to enhance all the natural flavors in the chicken and sauce.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds mild heat and depth to the dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Delivers a tangy, sharp punch that’s quintessential to this recipe.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness and helps thin the sauce just right.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh garnish that brightens the flavors and presentation.
How to Make Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this helps achieve a golden brown sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning perfectly preps your chicken to carry the bold sauce flavors.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts and cook until crisp and golden on each side, about 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. This key step locks in juices, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mustard Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any tasty browned bits. Stir in the Dijon mustard and heavy cream, whisking steadily until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy mustard sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes, so the chicken soaks up all those luscious flavors and the sauce thickens slightly. This step perfects the harmony of the dish.
How to Serve Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over this dish is more than just for looks – it adds a splash of color and a subtle herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully. A pinch of cracked black pepper freshly ground on top can also enhance the aroma wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with light, fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every last drop of the creamy mustard sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as green beans or asparagus provide a fresh, crisp contrast. If you prefer grains, a simple buttered rice pilaf or herbed quinoa rounds out this meal with texture and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of sautéed spinach or buttery couscous, drizzled generously with the creamy mustard sauce. Alternatively, plate it with a decorative swirl of the sauce around the chicken breast for a bistro-style presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can easily store leftover Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and sauce together ensures the flavors remain melded and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze in a freezer-safe container. For best results, cool the food completely before sealing and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally to prevent the creamy sauce from separating. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to return it to a silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will make the dish even more tender and juicy, and the creamy mustard sauce will complement their rich flavor beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is Dijon mustard the only mustard that works?
Dijon mustard is preferred here for its smooth texture and balanced sharpness, but you can experiment with whole grain mustard for a bit of extra texture or spicy brown mustard for a stronger kick.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the flavor profile but still deliver a creamy, luscious sauce.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly over the chicken. If it gets too thick while simmering, simply add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure to use a larger skillet or sauté the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. The sauce quantities can also be doubled easily to ensure you have enough for every piece of chicken.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite in my kitchen. It’s straightforward, uses accessible ingredients, and yet creates a restaurant-worthy dish that feels cozy and indulgent. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll be amazed at how this simple combination can deliver such a satisfying meal full of creamy, tangy goodness.
Print
Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce recipe offers a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy mustard sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, the sauce combines Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and chicken broth to create a flavorful and comforting experience.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the chicken broth and Dijon mustard, stirring well to combine and scraping any browned bits from the pan to incorporate more flavor.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking the sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy mustard sauce over them. Let everything heat through together for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and moist.
