Name: Irresistibly Creamy Dijon Chicken for Quick Weeknight Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces chicken breasts (or chicken thighs for extra moisture); 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado/grapeseed oil); 2 cloves garlic (fresh minced); 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or dried in a pinch); 1 teaspoon dried sage (use dried herbs in a pinch); 1 cup heavy cream (full-fat coconut milk as dairy-free option); 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adjust for desired spice level); 1 tablespoon honey (maple syrup for vegan alternative); to taste salt; to taste black pepper

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There’s nothing quite like the smell of a warm, creamy sauce simmering on the stovetop to make you feel at home. Just this week, after a long day filled with meetings and to-do lists, I craved something comforting yet sophisticated for dinner. That’s when I whipped up this Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken, a dish that’s as delightful to the senses as it is effortless to prepare. With tender chicken breasts nestled in a velvety sauce full of tangy mustard and a hint of sweetness from honey, every bite feels like a warm hug.

In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s impressively elegant, perfect for a cozy night in or casual gatherings with friends. Whether you pair it with crispy roasted asparagus or serve it over buttered noodles, this recipe is sure to become a new weeknight favorite that keeps the fast-food blues at bay. Let’s dive into this deliciously creamy chicken adventure!

Why is Creamy Dijon Chicken a must-try?

Quick and Effortless: In just 25 minutes, you can have a comforting meal ready to enjoy, perfect for busy weeknights.

Rich, Velvety Sauce: The blend of Dijon mustard and honey creates a luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with tender chicken.

Versatile Flavor Profile: This recipe pairs well with various sides, like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus, to suit your cravings.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish impresses everyone at the table.

Easily Customizable: Switch up the herbs or side dishes to make it your own! For a tasty side, try serving it with Garlic Chicken White for a quick twist.

Creamy Dijon Chicken Ingredients

• Prepare to create a delightful dish!

For the Chicken

Chicken Breasts – The main star of this dish, offering tender and juicy bites; consider using chicken thighs for extra moistness.
Olive Oil – Perfect for cooking the chicken to golden perfection; can also use avocado or grapeseed oil if preferred.

For the Sauce

Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic depth; opt for pre-minced garlic if you’re in a hurry.
Chicken Broth – Provides a flavorful base for the sauce; vegetable broth works beautifully for a lighter option.
Fresh Thyme & Dried Sage – Essential herbs that enhance the sauce’s flavor; use dried herbs in a pinch but reduce the amount.
Heavy Cream – Creates that luxurious, velvety texture; full-fat coconut milk is a great dairy-free substitute.
Dijon Mustard – Adds that signature tang; adjust the amount for your desired spice level.
Honey – Balances the mustard’s sharpness; feel free to replace with maple syrup for a vegan alternative.
Salt & Black Pepper – Key for seasoning to enhance all the flavors in your creamy Dijon chicken.

With these ingredients at hand, you’re just a few steps away from a delightful dinner that the whole family will love!

How to Make Creamy Dijon Chicken

Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures even cooking, then season with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken and tent it with foil to keep warm.
Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and add a splash more olive oil to the skillet if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for about 10 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it. Then, pour in the chicken broth, adding fresh thyme and dried sage, and let it simmer until reduced by half.
Finish Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, allowing the mixture to simmer until thickened to your desired consistency. Add honey for that touch of sweetness, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the rich sauce. Alternatively, plate the chicken and generously pour the sauce over the top for a beautiful presentation.

Optional: Serve with crusty bread or over buttered noodles to soak up that delicious sauce.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Creamy Dijon Chicken

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping the creamy Dijon chicken in its sauce helps maintain moisture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place the cooled creamy chicken in a covered container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the sauce’s creaminess.
Safe Serving: Always ensure chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving again, keeping safety in mind along with deliciousness!

Expert Tips for Creamy Dijon Chicken

Even Thickness: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to ½ inch for uniform cooking and prevent any pieces from being undercooked.
Watch the Garlic: Sauté the garlic just until fragrant to avoid burning it, which can introduce a bitter taste to your creamy Dijon chicken.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to ensure it balances well with the creamy and tangy flavors.
Leftover Love: Store any leftovers in the sauce for moisture; it will keep the chicken tender and delicious when reheated.
Herb Variations: Feel free to mix and match the herbs in this recipe; rosemary or basil can add a unique twist while still complementing the mustard flavor.

What to Serve with Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken?

Looking to elevate your dining experience with delightful sides and drinks that perfectly complement the rich, comforting flavors of chicken in creamy Dijon mustard sauce?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth and buttery texture of mashed potatoes creates a wonderful contrast to the creamy sauce, absorbing every savory bite.
Crispy Roasted Asparagus: The fresh, earthy flavor of asparagus adds a delightful crunch to the meal. Its slight bitterness beautifully offsets the richness of the chicken dish.
Buttered Egg Noodles: These soft noodles provide the perfect canvas for soaking up the luscious sauce, making each bite a warm, comforting experience.
Garlic Bread: The crunchy exterior and soft interior of garlic bread make it a fabulous option for scooping up sauce-drenched chicken, providing that extra layer of flavor.
Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A light and refreshing salad adds a crisp texture and a zesty contrast that brightens the dish’s hearty profile.
Sparkling White Wine: A chilled white wine with bright acidity will enhance the meal’s flavors, providing a luxurious pairing with the creamy Dijon chicken.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, carrots add an inviting pop of color to the plate, harmonizing with the sweet notes of honey in the sauce.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken meal prep tips will make your busy weeknights a breeze! You can season and pound the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance to save time; just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The sauce can also be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days; simply warm it gently on the stovetop before adding the chicken back to coat. When you’re ready to serve, just cook the marinated chicken in a skillet and pour the reheated sauce over the top for that deliciously creamy finish. With these make ahead steps, you’ll enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort!

Creamy Dijon Chicken Variations

Feel free to explore different twists and substitutions that will make this dish uniquely yours, exciting your taste buds in delightful new ways!

Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless thighs for an even juicier result that’s irresistible.
Herb Swap: Try fresh rosemary or tarragon instead of thyme and sage for a fragrant flavor shift that surprises the palate!
Dairy-Free: Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a luscious, satisfying sauce without the dairy. It’s creamy and full of flavor!
Vegan Option: Replace chicken with hearty portobello mushrooms and use vegetable broth for a comforting vegan dish that embodies the same creamy goodness.
Zesty Kick: Add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra layer of depth and a bit of heat.
Sweet Enhancer: Swap honey for agave syrup or even brown sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness that complements the mustard beautifully.
Citrus Burst: Incorporate a splash of lemon juice or fresh zest into the sauce to brighten the flavors and add a refreshing twist.
Texture Twist: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach before serving for added texture and nutrition, elevating the dish even more!

Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the juiciest results, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, if you prefer extra tenderness, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitution as they tend to retain more moisture during cooking.

How should I store leftovers?
After a delightful meal, you can store the leftover Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures the flavors stay intact and the chicken remains moist. Just remember to keep it in the sauce to maintain the creamy goodness when reheating!

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you absolutely can freeze Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken! Once cooled, place it in a covered container or a freezer-safe bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a little chicken broth if necessary to rejuvenate the sauce.

What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If you find that your sauce has thickened too much after cooking, don’t worry! Just add a splash of chicken broth or even a little water, stirring gently over low heat until you reach your desired consistency. This will help bring back that luxurious, creamy texture without compromising flavor.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Very! To make a dairy-free version, simply substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, which brings a lovely creaminess while complementing the Dijon mustard beautifully. And don’t forget to adjust the honey with maple syrup to keep it vegan-friendly!

Are there any alternatives to Dijon mustard?
Certainly! If you’re looking for a milder flavor, you can use yellow mustard or even a grainy mustard for a bit of texture. Just keep in mind that each type has its unique tang, so feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences!