Name: Creamy French Mustard Chicken: A Weeknight Wonder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Can substitute with chicken thighs.); to taste Salt; to taste Freshly ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons Olive oil (Can substitute with canola or vegetable oil.); 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter; 1 one Onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 cup Chicken broth (Use low-sodium for less salt.); 1 cup Heavy cream (Can substitute with half-and-half.); 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons Whole grain mustard; to taste Fresh thyme leaves; to taste Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

As the warm aroma of mustard and cream fills my kitchen, I’m reminded of the cozy dinners that made my childhood special. French Mustard Chicken is one of those dishes that effortlessly combines comfort and elegance, making it a delightful weeknight meal everyone will adore. This creamy chicken recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, perfect for a busy evening or an intimate gathering with friends. The robust flavor of Dijon and whole grain mustard creates a rich sauce that envelops tender chicken, making you feel like a gourmet chef right in your home. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly, which means you can whip it up with minimal fuss. Have I piqued your curiosity? Let’s dive into how to master this delightful dish!

Why is French Mustard Chicken a Must-Try?

Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it a perfect choice for beginners or anyone looking to whip up a delightful meal without the fuss.

Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of Dijon and whole grain mustard, paired with heavy cream, creates a sauce that’s indulgent and bursting with flavor—ideal for cozy dinners.

Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a weeknight dinner that feels special. Or serve with a crusty baguette to soak up that luxurious sauce!

Quick Preparation: You can have this sumptuous meal ready in just 45 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves a good chicken dish, and this creamy French Mustard Chicken is sure to impress your family and friends, making it a hit at any gathering.

Experience the ease of preparing this elegant dish, and for more inspiration, don’t miss my Honey Pepper Chicken recipe that offers another delicious twist on comfort food!

French Mustard Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein that absorbs mustards beautifully; can substitute with chicken thighs for more tenderness.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken and sauce, creating a perfectly seasoned dish.
• Olive oil – High smoke point oil for searing; ensures a crisp exterior. Can substitute with canola or vegetable oil.

For the Sauce
• Unsalted butter – Adds richness to the sauce and aids in sautéing onions without browning them.
• Onion, finely chopped – Sweet aromatic base for the sauce that adds depth to this French mustard chicken recipe.
• Garlic, minced – Provides a warm, savory kick to elevate the flavor profile.
• Chicken broth – Deglazes the pan and adds savory depth; use low-sodium broth for less salt.
• Heavy cream – Creates a luxurious texture; can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Dijon mustard – Bright acidity that complements the creaminess and elevates the dish.
• Whole grain mustard – Introduces texture and a mellow tang that enhances the sauce.
• Fresh thyme leaves – Adds earthy herbal notes to the sauce, bringing a taste of home.

For Garnishing
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional) – Adds color and fresh flavor for a stunning presentation.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for French Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will enhance their flavor, ensuring your French Mustard Chicken is savory throughout. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare the skillet for cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate, allowing the juices to redistribute.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions
Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Then, add 2 minced garlic cloves and continue to cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan, as they add incredible flavor to your sauce. Let this simmer for approximately 3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly while enriching the sauce.

Step 5: Create the Sauce
Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, along with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of whole grain mustard. This combination will create a rich, creamy sauce for your French Mustard Chicken. Add in a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves, and allow the sauce to gently simmer and thicken for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally for even consistency.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated in the luscious mustard sauce. Let the French Mustard Chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors while finishing cooking through to a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Finally, remove the skillet from heat and, if desired, garnish your French Mustard Chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve it hot alongside creamy mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad, and get ready to impress everyone with this comforting weeknight meal.

Storage Tips for French Mustard Chicken

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezer: You can freeze the French mustard chicken for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures it’s safe and stays juicy during reheating.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid high heat, which can break the sauce’s texture.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy French Mustard Chicken preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and sear the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover and refrigerate them. Additionally, you can prepare the creamy mustard sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the sauce’s rich texture, reheat it gently on low heat before adding the chicken back in. When you’re ready to serve, combine the chicken with the warmed sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes to bring everything together. This way, you’ll enjoy a deliciously comforting dinner with minimal last-minute effort!

French Mustard Chicken Variations

Feel free to tinker with this recipe to suit your preferences, enhancing the comforting flavors of French Mustard Chicken!

Chicken Thighs: Swap boneless, skinless chicken breasts with thighs for a richer, more succulent twist that’s packed with moisture and flavor.
Think about the delightfully tender texture as you savor each bite—perfect for comfort food lovers!
Greek Yogurt Substitute: For a lighter sauce, mix Greek yogurt with chicken broth to create a creamy base without the heaviness of heavy cream.
This swap delivers tanginess that works perfectly with the mustard, keeping the dish indulgently vibrant and fresh.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs by replacing thyme with rosemary or oregano to create unique flavor profiles that will surprise your taste buds.
Herbs can elevate the dish, bringing in hints of earthiness and freshness to the rich sauce.
Vegetarian Twist: Use portobello mushrooms instead of chicken to create a satisfying vegetarian version while still maintaining the creamy, flavorful sauce.
The mushrooms absorb the sauces beautifully, offering a hearty alternative for non-meat eaters!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a subtle heat that complements the tangy mustard.
This little boost will awaken your palate and keep dinner interesting with a delightful zing!
Nutty Flavor: Stir in a tablespoon of toasted almond slices or crushed walnuts at the end for added crunch and a nutty undertone that brings complexity to the dish.
The texture and flavor contrast can elevate your dinner party presentation from good to unforgettable.
Mustard Variety: Swap out the Dijon and whole grain mustards for other varieties, such as honey mustard or spicy brown mustard, to alter the flavor dynamics completely.
Each mustard brings its unique blade of taste, making every meal a new adventure!

If you’re looking for more delectable ideas, check out my Crockpot Chicken Wild for an effortless dinner option that does not compromise on flavor!

What to Serve with Creamy French Mustard Chicken

Elevate your meal with delightful sides that enhance the rich flavors of this creamy chicken dish.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their velvety texture pairs beautifully with the mustard sauce, making every bite even more indulgent.
Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans offer a refreshing contrast to the creaminess, adding a pop of color and nutrition.
Garlic Bread: A crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that lush sauce, turning your meal into a flavor-packed experience.
Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a bright, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.
Roasted Carrots: Sweet, caramelized roasted carrots add a touch of earthiness, balancing the mustard’s intensity while bringing a burst of color to your plate.
Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complements the tangy and creamy flavors, elevating your dining experience.

Expert Tips for French Mustard Chicken

Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure the chicken isn’t overcrowded in the skillet while searing; this prevents steaming and allows for a beautiful golden crust.
Scrape for Flavor: Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan when deglazing—these bits enhance the depth of the sauce.
Mix Mustards Well: Stir the Dijon and whole grain mustard thoroughly into the cream sauce to avoid clumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture in your French mustard chicken.
Watch the Heat: Keep the heat low when reheating leftovers; heating too quickly can lead to a split sauce. Stir frequently for the best results.
Adjust Cooking Time: If using chicken thighs instead of breasts, remember that they might require a longer cooking time to reach a safe internal temperature.

Creamy French Mustard Chicken Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best chicken for my French Mustard Chicken?
Absolutely! For the best results, look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are plump and free of dark spots. If you prefer more tenderness, chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. Just make sure they don’t have any unpleasant odors; fresh chicken should have a mild, clean scent.

What’s the best way to store leftover French Mustard Chicken?
Very good question! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools completely before sealing it to avoid condensation, which can affect texture.

Can I freeze the French Mustard Chicken? How?
Absolutely! You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. To do this, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain that creamy goodness.

What should I do if the sauce separates when reheating?
Ah, the classic sauce dilemma! Should this happen, gently reheat the chicken over low heat on the stovetop. Stir frequently while adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help bring it back together. This will help restore the silky texture of your sauce without losing any flavor.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Certainly! If making this dish for someone with dietary restrictions, be sure to check for mustard allergies, as both Dijon and whole grain mustard can cause reactions. Additionally, while this recipe is not gluten-free, there are gluten-free mustard options available. And for those watching their calories, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter touch while still enjoying the creamy flavor.