There’s something irresistibly cozy about a pan sizzling with chicken bathed in a luscious sauce, and that’s exactly what the Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Skillet Recipe delivers. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor – making it a perfect weeknight winner you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Skillet Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
When I first made this skillet dish, I was blown away by how simple ingredients transform into a sophisticated meal without the fuss. It’s that perfect balance between comfort food and elegant flavors that makes it so unique.
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The Dijon mustard blended with heavy cream creates a silky sauce that coats every bite perfectly.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 25 minutes, it’s ideal when you want a tasty dinner on the table fast.
- Flavor Depth: Fresh thyme, sage, and honey add subtle layers of taste that surprise your palate.
- One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup – everything comes together in one pan, making life easier!
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a starring role here, working harmoniously to build flavor without overwhelming the dish. I always pick fresh herbs and the best-quality Dijon mustard I can find, because those little details make a big difference.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pounding them to an even thickness ensures quick, even cooking and juicy results.
- Olive oil: Creates a beautiful sear on the chicken while adding a touch of richness.
- Minced garlic: Sauteed just briefly so it’s fragrant but not bitter, it infuses the sauce beautifully.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth while keeping the sauce light and flavorful.
- Heavy cream: The magic ingredient that turns the sauce into a heavenly, silky coating.
- Dijon mustard: Gives that signature tang and a slight bite – I recommend Grey Poupon for its smooth, balanced flavor.
- Fresh thyme & dried sage: These herbs bring an earthy note that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Honey: Just a touch to mellow the mustard’s sharpness and add subtle sweetness.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and tying all flavors together.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the dish with a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
Make It Your Way
What I love most about this Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Skillet Recipe is how adaptable it is. Sometimes I add mushrooms or swap fresh garlic for shallots depending on what’s in my fridge for a delightful twist.
- Mushroom Variation: I sauté sliced cremini mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthier, hearty boost.
- Wine Swap: If you prefer deeper flavor, replace some or all the chicken broth with dry white wine and cook off until it reduces beautifully.
- Dairy-Free Option: I’ve experimented using full-fat coconut milk – it adds richness with a subtle different note but still works wonderfully.
- Spicy Kick: When I want something with heat, a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne blends nicely into the sauce.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken
This step is key to juicy chicken that cooks evenly. I use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan and gently flatten each breast to about half an inch thick. It helps the chicken soak up the flavors and prevents those frustrating dry edges.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—wet chicken won't sear properly—and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the pan and resist the urge to move it around. Cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until it's beautifully golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Then, transfer it to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Drop the heat to medium-low and drizzle in the remaining olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds—just until fragrant and slightly golden; don’t let it burn! Pour in the chicken broth, add the fresh thyme and dried sage, and let it simmer until the liquid halves, roughly a minute.
Step 4: Creamy Mustard Finish
Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Keep stirring and let the sauce thicken just a bit—usually about a minute longer. Add honey for a subtle sweetness, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to balance the tang and creaminess perfectly.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Return the chicken to the skillet to warm through briefly, spooning that silky sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like a fresh pop of green and a bit more herbal brightness.
Top Tip
After making this dish a handful of times, I learned some little tweaks can elevate it from great to unforgettable. These tips come straight from playing around in my kitchen and wanting every bite perfect for you.
- Don’t Skip the Pounding: Flattening the chicken makes cooking quick and reliable—no more dry edges or chewy bits.
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear; make sure you blot it thoroughly before seasoning.
- Watch Your Garlic: Garlic burns fast and then tastes bitter, so toss it in at the last second and keep the heat moderate.
- Simmer Sauce to Perfect Thickness: Don’t rush the reduction—it’s what makes the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken.
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh minced parsley just before serving. It adds a lovely bright touch that cuts through the richness of the sauce and makes the dish look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
For sides, I’m partial to buttery mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or even a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. All of these soak up or peek out nicely alongside the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I serve the chicken sliced on a bed of creamy polenta or fluffy rice pilaf, then drizzle extra sauce over the top, finishing with a few thyme sprigs as a pretty garnish. It looks restaurant-worthy but feels like home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce thickens a bit as it chills, but it reheats beautifully without losing any flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well—freeze the chicken and sauce together in a sealed container. When you're ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove to keep the creamy texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and keep that silky texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add more richness and remain juicy, but you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly since they’re more tender. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you don’t have heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk works as a dairy-free alternative and still gives the sauce a wonderful creaminess. For a lighter option, you can try half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
Garlic cooks very quickly and can burn easily, which makes it bitter. Saute it on medium-low heat and only for about 10 seconds until fragrant and just starting to color. Remove from direct heat if your pan gets too hot before adding the liquids.
Yes! This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your Dijon mustard and chicken broth don’t contain gluten additives. Most brands are safe, but always read labels to be sure.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s a dependable crowd-pleaser that never feels heavy or dull. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but impressive for guests, and the sauce is downright addictive. I hope you give it a try and discover the joy of that perfect creamy mustard bite – I’m cheering you on in your kitchen adventures!
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Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and flavorful sauce made from Dijon mustard, garlic, fresh herbs, and cream. Perfect for a quick and elegant dinner that’s packed with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 (6 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
Sauce:
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Fresh parsley, minced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Using a meat mallet, flatten the chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking and tender texture.
- Cook chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the hot oil and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: Return the pan to medium-low heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 10 seconds until lightly golden and fragrant but not burnt.
- Deglaze and reduce: Pour in chicken broth, add thyme and sage, and let the liquid reduce by half over about 1 minute to concentrate the flavors.
- Finish sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer the sauce while stirring frequently until it thickens slightly, around 1 minute. Then stir in honey and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Place the chicken on plates and spoon the creamy Dijon mustard sauce over the top. Garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Can substitute 2 tablespoon minced shallot for garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute instead of 10 seconds.
- To add more complexity, substitute ½ cup dry white wine and ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth for the chicken broth, simmering 3 to 4 minutes until the alcohol scent dissipates and the liquid reduces by half.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety.
- Use Grey Poupon or a mild Dijon mustard to avoid an overly sharp flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
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