Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving something that feels both elegant and comforting, this Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together tender chicken breasts lovingly simmered in a luscious sauce made from Dijon mustard, garlic, and a splash of white wine, all finished with a rich creaminess that simply melts in your mouth. This dish is quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to impress guests, making it one of my all-time favorite meals to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each item is carefully chosen to create a dish that’s balanced, vibrant, and irresistibly creamy.
- Chicken breasts: The star of the show, these provide a tender, juicy base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve that perfect golden sear on the chicken.
- Butter: Creates a rich, silky starting point for the sauce and rounds out the flavors.
- Dry white wine: Adds brightness and a slight tang that cuts through the creaminess excellently.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: The ingredient that makes the sauce ultra-creamy and luxurious.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a sharp, tangy kick that defines the signature flavor of this dish.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with its aromatic warmth and depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous notes as a finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This simple step sets the foundation for a flavorful dish and ensures every bite is well-seasoned all the way through.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. You’ll want a golden brown crust that locks in juices while cooking the meat fully. Then, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—don’t rush this step, as that beautiful sear makes all the difference.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned, giving the sauce its wonderful aromatic foundation.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the skillet. This step is like magic, releasing all those caramelized flavors into your sauce for that extra depth.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Dijon Mustard
Now, add the cream and Dijon mustard, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens and becomes velvety smooth. This is where the signature creaminess shines through.
Step 6: Season and Return Chicken to Sauce
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, letting everything simmer together for a few more minutes to fully marry the flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving. The bright green herbs add a beautiful visual contrast and a subtle freshness that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even buttered pasta. Each option is perfect for soaking up that amazing sauce, making your meal feel complete and satisfying every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe atop roasted vegetables or alongside a crisp green salad. You could even slice the chicken and use it in sandwiches or wraps with a dab of sauce—delicious ways to enjoy leftovers or keep things fresh!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain moisture and flavor, be sure to keep the chicken with as much sauce as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to keep the cream sauce from separating.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and sauce slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect silky consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and may even be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
What’s the best type of white wine to use?
Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are excellent choices. They add a clean acidity that balances the richness without overpowering the dish.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for the cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. The sauce may have a slight flavor variation but will remain creamy and delicious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce fully, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat on the stovetop to keep everything luscious and tender.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Simmer the sauce gently over medium to low heat and avoid boiling it vigorously. Adding cream gradually and stirring continuously also helps maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe to brighten up your dinner table with its perfect balance of tangy, rich, and savory flavors. The ease of making this dish combined with its elegant taste makes it a go-to favorite in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it brings a little extra joy and warmth to your meals!
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Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Dijon Chicken is a quick and flavorful stovetop dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, tangy sauce made with Dijon mustard, white wine, and heavy cream. This delicious meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
Sauce
- ½ cup dry white wine
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Heat Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors into the sauce.
- Add Cream and Mustard: Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard; let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Season Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Return Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, coating them well with the creamy Dijon sauce.
- Simmer Together: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few more minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure the coating is thorough.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Dijon chicken hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- The dry white wine can be substituted with chicken broth if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to get a nice sear on the chicken.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to your taste preference.
- Fresh parsley adds visual appeal and a subtle fresh flavor but is optional.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired