Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

Are you looking for an easy, restaurant-quality meal that’s full of flavor? Creamy Dijon Chicken is the perfect dish to add to your recipe collection. With tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a luscious Dijon mustard sauce made with cream, garlic, and herbs, this dish is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s an excellent option for a cozy weeknight dinner or even a special occasion when you want to impress guests. Pair it with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables, and you’ll have a delicious, well-rounded meal.

Keep reading for a step-by-step guide, ingredient substitutions, and helpful tips to create the perfect Creamy Dijon Chicken!

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What is Creamy Dijon Chicken?

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a dish made with pan-seared chicken breasts that are then simmered in a rich, creamy Dijon mustard sauce. The sauce combines the tanginess of Dijon mustard with the smoothness of heavy cream and the aromatic flavor of garlic, creating a balanced sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Herbs like thyme and parsley add depth to the dish, while a splash of chicken broth enhances the savory notes. The result is a decadent yet simple meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients List for Creamy Dijon Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Dijon Chicken. This recipe serves about 4 people but can easily be doubled or halved.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)

For the Creamy Dijon Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard (optional, for texture)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added creaminess and flavor)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

Substitutions and Variations

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few substitution ideas:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They’ll be juicier and less likely to dry out.
• Cream Alternatives: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream. If you prefer an ultra-light version, you can also substitute Greek yogurt, though the sauce will be tangier.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard is the star of this recipe, but you can experiment with other mustards like spicy brown or honey mustard for a different flavor profile.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley are great, but you can also use rosemary, tarragon, or sage for a different flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs work just as well—just remember to use less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
• Wine: Adding white wine instead of chicken broth can bring more complexity to the sauce. If you don’t have wine, chicken broth works perfectly fine.

These substitutions allow you to make the recipe your own while keeping the core flavors intact.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making Creamy Dijon Chicken.

How to Cook Creamy Dijon Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (if using) on both sides. Make sure the seasoning is distributed evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, as these add a ton of flavor to the sauce. Let the liquid simmer for about 2-3 minutes until reduced slightly.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), and dried thyme. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine everything into a smooth sauce. Simmer for about 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 6: Add Parmesan (Optional)

For an extra layer of creaminess and flavor, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This step is optional but highly recommended. Allow the cheese to melt into the sauce, stirring to combine.

Step 7: Return the Chicken to the Pan

Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 3-5 minutes, ensuring that it’s fully cooked and heated through. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon (Optional)

Before serving, squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the chicken to brighten the flavors (optional) and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. The lemon adds a lovely contrast to the richness of the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Dijon Chicken:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), but no more.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks very quickly and can become bitter if overcooked. Only sauté it for 30-60 seconds before adding the liquid to prevent burning.
• Curdling the Sauce: To avoid curdling, make sure to reduce the heat to medium or low when adding the cream, and stir constantly. If the pan is too hot, the cream may separate.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Creamy Dijon Chicken is ready, here are some serving ideas to make your dish look and taste even more delicious.

How to Serve Creamy Dijon Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to serve alongside your chicken:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich Dijon sauce.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a lighter grain option.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts make a great side to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread or garlic bread can be used to mop up every last bit of the sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Creamy Dijon Chicken

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the dish for a pop of color and flavor.
• Use Lemon Slices: Garnish the dish with lemon slices for a beautiful presentation and a burst of citrus flavor.
• Serve in a Wide Bowl: Wide, shallow bowls are perfect for serving this dish as they help contain the creamy sauce around the chicken.

Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard is the star ingredient, so make sure it’s fresh and of good quality for the best flavor.
• Pound Chicken for Even Cooking: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or white wine. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, warm the sauce in a skillet and add freshly seared chicken breasts.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well as they can separate when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days of making it.

Conclusion

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a delicious, comforting dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With tender chicken breasts coated in a rich, creamy Dijon mustard sauce, this dish is full of bold flavors and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it to guests, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, and you’ve got a meal that’s simple yet elegant. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory goodness!

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