Easy Chicken in Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe | Quick Elegant Dinner
Make chicken in creamy mustard sauce with this easy recipe. Juicy chicken simmered in a rich Dijon cream sauce—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Small bowl (for seasoning)
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Creamy Mustard Sauce
- For the Creamy Mustard Sauce
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot or ¼ onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or parsley
Optional Additions
- Optional Additions
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 handful fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the chopped shallots and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Mustard Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard (if using), and heavy cream. Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth. Stir in fresh thyme or parsley.Step 5: Simmer the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and coated with the creamy mustard sauce.Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley and cracked black pepper over the chicken. Serve immediately with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
1. Use Dijon Mustard for Best Flavor
Dijon mustard creates a smooth, balanced sauce with just the right amount of tang. 2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Remove them from heat as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). 3. Control Sauce Thickness
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes. 4. Add Vegetables for Variety
Mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus can be added to make the dish more filling and colorful. 5. Make It Even Richer
Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking to give the sauce a glossy, restaurant-style finish. 6. Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 7. Reheating Tip
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. 8. Serving Tip
This sauce is excellent over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread, allowing none of the flavorful sauce to go to waste.
Dijon mustard creates a smooth, balanced sauce with just the right amount of tang. 2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Remove them from heat as soon as they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). 3. Control Sauce Thickness
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes. 4. Add Vegetables for Variety
Mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus can be added to make the dish more filling and colorful. 5. Make It Even Richer
Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking to give the sauce a glossy, restaurant-style finish. 6. Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 7. Reheating Tip
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. 8. Serving Tip
This sauce is excellent over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread, allowing none of the flavorful sauce to go to waste.