French Mustard Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings a burst of bold yet comforting flavors to your dinner table, this French Mustard Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. With tender chicken seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a luscious, creamy mustard sauce that combines tangy Dijon and the delightful pop of whole grain mustard, every bite feels like a warm embrace. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for guests but comes together easily enough for a weeknight, making it an essential staple in your culinary rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but work harmoniously to deliver layers of flavor, creaminess, and an irresistible aroma. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken to the fresh thyme, ensuring your French Mustard Chicken Recipe turns out perfectly every time.

• Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for juicy, easy-to-cook pieces that soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Dijon mustard: The heart of the dish, bringing a smooth tangy kick that defines this recipe’s signature taste.
• Whole grain mustard (optional): Adds wonderful texture and a gentle crunch, elevating the sauce with little bursts of flavor.
• Olive oil: Essential for a golden sear on the chicken, locking in moisture and adding subtle richness.
• Unsalted butter: Provides a silky mouthfeel and depth to the sauce, helping the flavors meld beautifully.
• Shallot: Finely chopped for a delicate sweetness that balances the mustard’s sharpness.
• Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the dish with a warm, aromatic punch without overpowering.
• Dry white wine or chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and build a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth, rounding out the sharpness of the mustard.
• Fresh thyme leaves: These herbs add a subtle earthiness that complements the tangy sauce perfectly.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped, for a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a mild herbal note.

How to Make French Mustard Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry, which is key to getting that beautiful golden-brown crust. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken develops a gorgeous golden color. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the skillet. Toss in the finely chopped shallot and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic next, cooking for just about 30 seconds. This brief sauté releases the garlic’s fragrant oils without letting it burn, laying a delicate flavor foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, gently scraping up all those caramelized bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are little pockets of intense flavor that will deepen your sauce. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until reduced slightly, thickening and intensifying the taste.

Step 4: Add Mustards and Cream

Now, stir in the Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard, blending them smoothly into the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the fresh thyme leaves. Whisk everything together until the sauce becomes silky and slightly thickened, creating that luscious coating you want for your chicken.

Step 5: Simmer Chicken in Sauce

Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over every piece. Allow everything to simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, so the chicken finishes cooking and absorbs the flavorful sauce. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Give your dish a fresh finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color and a hint of bright herbaceousness. Serve your French Mustard Chicken Recipe hot alongside your favorite sides, and watch everyone savor every bite.

How to Serve French Mustard Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic choice to brighten this creamy dish, but feel free to add a few sprigs of thyme or even a light drizzle of extra mustard sauce on top for an elegant touch. These simple garnishes enhance both appearance and flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the mustard sauce perfectly. You could also serve it alongside buttery pasta or a crusty baguette for mopping up every last drop. Steamed green beans or a crisp salad add a fresh counterpoint that rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fuss-free dinner party, plate each chicken piece on a spoonful of sauce with a small stack of mashed potatoes or polenta underneath. Garnish with herbs and a crack of fresh pepper for a restaurant-worthy look. Or turn it into a cozy casserole by layering the chicken and sauce in a baking dish topped with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your French Mustard Chicken Recipe cools to room temperature, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for quick, flavorful next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture and flavor. The creamy sauce freezes surprisingly well, maintaining its richness.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or broth while reheating can help rejuvenate the sauce, keeping the chicken moist and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this French Mustard Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Breasts cook slightly faster and are leaner, while thighs offer a richer flavor and juicier texture. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Is it okay to skip the whole grain mustard?

Yes, the whole grain mustard is optional. It adds texture and a mild pop of flavor, but the Dijon mustard alone delivers most of the signature tangy taste. If you don’t have it on hand, your dish will still be delicious.

What can I substitute for white wine in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is a great alternative for deglazing. It adds a savory depth without the acidity of alcohol, keeping the sauce flavorful and moist.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Fortunately, this French Mustard Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure your mustard and broth or wine don’t contain any additives with gluten. Always check labels to be sure.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a few hours ahead, then gently reheat just before serving. This makes it easier to enjoy your guests while offering a dish that tastes freshly made.

Final Thoughts

If you want a meal that’s both comforting and impressive with minimal fuss, this French Mustard Chicken Recipe has your back. It’s a beautiful blend of tangy, creamy, and savory elements that come together in a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes to share with family and friends.

French Mustard Chicken Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This French Mustard Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a creamy, tangy mustard sauce made with Dijon and whole grain mustards, white wine, and fresh thyme. The chicken is pan-seared for a golden crust, then simmered in a rich sauce enriched with shallots, garlic, and heavy cream. It’s a comforting and elegant dish perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a special occasion.

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Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for texture)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Season and sear the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the exterior is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
3. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
4. Add mustards and cream: Stir in the Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard until well combined. Then add the heavy cream and thyme leaves to the skillet. Whisk the sauce continuously until it is smooth and has thickened slightly.
5. Simmer chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the chicken hot with your choice of mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Use chicken breasts for leaner meat or thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
• The white wine can be replaced with an equal amount of chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• To ensure even cooking, pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French