Are you looking for a recipe that combines tender chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing? Then this Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe is just what you need! Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it's also a gourmet-style dish that your family or guests will adore. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, this dish fits any situation. Keep reading for the full recipe and detailed instructions on how to make this flavorful dish perfectly every time!
What is Creamy Dijon Chicken?
Creamy Dijon Chicken is a savory dish where tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich and tangy Dijon mustard sauce made with cream, garlic, and herbs. The Dijon mustard adds a sharp, tangy flavor that balances the creamy richness of the sauce. This dish is perfect for those who love rich, flavorful meals but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. It's a versatile recipe that can be served with a variety of sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted vegetables.
Ingredients List for Creamy Dijon Chicken
To make this delectable dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts – 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- Dijon Mustard – 3 tablespoons
- Heavy Cream – 1 cup
- Chicken Broth – ½ cup
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Shallots – 2 medium-sized, finely chopped
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Thyme – 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- White Wine (optional) – ¼ cup
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
- Parsley – Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients create a well-balanced meal that’s rich in flavor yet relatively easy to prepare.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Creamy Dijon Chicken is how adaptable it is. If you're missing an ingredient or want to switch things up, here are some substitution ideas:
- Chicken Breasts: You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Just adjust cooking time as thighs take a bit longer.
- Dijon Mustard: If you don't have Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard or even spicy brown mustard can work as substitutes, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream.
- White Wine: If you don’t want to use wine, substitute it with additional chicken broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for some acidity.
- Herbs: Thyme is ideal, but you could also use rosemary, tarragon, or even a bit of sage for a different flavor.
Feel free to get creative with your substitutions to suit your tastes or dietary needs!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Creamy Dijon Chicken is simple. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if substituting) and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard and chicken broth. Then, slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle in the thyme and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the sauce.
- Simmer: Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure the chicken absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Cook Creamy Dijon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking Creamy Dijon Chicken is all about balance. You want the chicken to be perfectly cooked and the sauce to be just the right consistency—rich, but not too thick. Here’s a quick recap of key steps to focus on:
- Sear the Chicken: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sear gives the chicken a beautiful golden-brown color and locks in juices.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: When cooking the garlic and shallots, keep the heat moderate. Burned garlic can give the sauce a bitter taste.
- Simmer, Don’t Boil: Once the cream is added, reduce the heat and let the sauce gently simmer. Boiling cream can cause it to separate, leading to an unappealing texture.
By following these steps, you’ll get a beautifully cooked dish every time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like Creamy Dijon Chicken, there are a few pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Dry, overcooked chicken can ruin the dish. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken (165°F is ideal).
- Too Thin or Too Thick Sauce: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it for a little longer to reduce and thicken. If it's too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of extra chicken broth or cream.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. Dijon mustard has a strong flavor, but you still need enough salt and pepper to balance it.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Creamy Dijon Chicken, presentation matters. Here are a few ideas to elevate the look of your dish:
- Serve on a White Plate: A simple white plate allows the golden-brown chicken and creamy sauce to stand out.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish.
- Add Lemon Slices: Thin slices of lemon not only look beautiful on the plate, but they also add a bright contrast to the rich sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce goes perfectly over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent companions.
- Rice or Quinoa: Both grains help soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a satisfying texture contrast.
- Crusty Bread: For a more rustic touch, serve with crusty French bread to mop up the creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Creamy Dijon Chicken
For a more formal presentation, consider:
- Layering: Serve the chicken on a bed of mashed potatoes or rice and drizzle the sauce over the top.
- Family Style: Serve the chicken and sauce in a large serving dish, garnished with parsley and lemon slices, so everyone can help themselves.
- Individually Plated: For a more restaurant-style presentation, plate each chicken breast individually, garnished with herbs, and serve with a side of sautéed greens.
Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe Tips
Here are some final tips to ensure your Creamy Dijon Chicken turns out perfect every time:
- Use High-Quality Mustard: Since Dijon mustard is the star of the sauce, using a high-quality brand will make a noticeable difference.
- Don’t Skip the Wine: If you can, use the white wine for added depth and flavor in the sauce.
- Prepare in Advance: You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the chicken to warm through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately up to two days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and reheat gently when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Creamy Dijon Chicken?
It’s not recommended to freeze cream-based sauces, as they can separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze the chicken and make the sauce fresh when you plan to serve it.
3. What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use whole-grain mustard or spicy brown mustard. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free mustard and chicken broth.
Conclusion
Creamy Dijon Chicken is the perfect dish for when you want something both comforting and sophisticated. The combination of tender chicken and the rich, tangy mustard cream sauce is truly irresistible. Plus, with easy substitutions and variations, you can make this dish your own. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a winner every time. Try it out today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own home!
PrintCreamy Dijon Chicken
Creamy Dijon Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make recipe featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce. The tangy, flavorful mustard pairs perfectly with the rich cream, making this a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying, simmering
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and heavy cream, and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
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