Chicken in Creamy Mustard Sauce is a rich and flavorful dish where tender chicken breasts or thighs are cooked in a creamy, tangy mustard sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green vegetable. Here’s an easy recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts or chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless, depending on preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth (optional, for deglazing)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard (or Dijon mustard for a smoother flavor)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for a slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a little acidity)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
- If using white wine, pour it into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. If you’re not using wine, you can skip this step and use chicken broth instead to deglaze the pan.
- Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Make the Creamy Mustard Sauce:
- Stir in the heavy cream, whole grain mustard, honey (optional), and thyme. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if desired.
6. Return the Chicken to the Skillet:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes to reheat and soak up the flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is heated through and coated with the creamy sauce, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional) for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the chicken with the creamy mustard sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips:
- Variations: You can add a handful of spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for added texture and flavor. Sauté them with the garlic and onions before making the sauce.
- Spicy version: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy mustard for an extra kick.
- Low-fat option: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, but the sauce might not be as rich and thick.
- Chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work beautifully in this dish and stay juicy even after simmering in the sauce.
This Chicken in Creamy Mustard Sauce is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests. Enjoy!