Are you ready to try a dish thatโs equal parts simple and stunning? French Mustard Chicken is here to make your weeknights a little more flavorful and your gatherings just a tad more special. Imagine the tangy kick of mustard, the richness of cream, and tender chicken all blending together in one pan for an unforgettable meal. Trust me, this oneโs a game-changer, and youโll be so glad you gave it a try.
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Why Youโll Love French Mustard Chicken
This recipe isnโt just about the ingredientsโitโs about creating moments. Whether youโre cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Hereโs why itโs a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Itโs perfect for when youโre trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If youโre someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. Itโs designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Itโs always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Hereโs what youโll need to make this flavorful dish:
Chicken Breasts: The tender star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will soak up all the flavors and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
French Mustard: Adds that perfect tang and depth, giving the sauce a rich, savory taste.
Heavy Cream: For a luscious, smooth texture thatโll make the sauce feel like velvet on your tongue.
Garlic: Because, well, garlic makes everything better! It adds an aromatic richness to the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Helps create a flavorful base for the sauce while keeping everything juicy.
Thyme: Fresh or dried, thyme adds an earthy herbal note to round out the dish perfectly.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your pan over medium heat. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken get that perfect golden-brown sear.
Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little thyme. Add them to your preheated pan and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Make the Mustard Sauce: In the same pan, add garlic and sautรฉ for a minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the French mustard and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency.
Finish the Dish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the pan, coating them with the mustard cream sauce. Let them simmer together for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the chicken and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with a little fresh thyme or parsley, and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness that is French Mustard Chicken!
How to Serve French Mustard Chicken
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dishโs rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dishโs flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Presentation matters too! Serving the dish in a beautifully arranged platter can elevate the dining experience. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for that extra pop.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If youโre catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to [time duration]. Reheat gently to preserve the dishโs texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken breasts with another cut of chicken?
A1: Yes! You can use chicken thighs if you prefer. Theyโll add a slightly different texture, but theyโll still be delicious.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately and reheat when ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauceโs creamy texture.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Q5: Whatโs the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF for about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure your pan is large enough, or you can cook it in batches.
Q7: Can I use a different mustard for this recipe?
A7: Yes! Feel free to experiment with Dijon or whole grain mustard for a different flavor profile.
Q8: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A8: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick!
Q9: Can I make this dish with a dairy-free substitute?
A9: Yes, you can use coconut cream or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
Q10: What should I serve this with?
A10: Itโs perfect with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple side salad.
Conclusion
French Mustard Chicken is everything you could want in a dishโeasy, flavorful, and sure to impress. Whether youโre looking for something quick on a weeknight or something a bit more special for guests, this recipe delivers. I canโt wait for you to try itโyouโre going to love it!
PrintFrench Mustard Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: FRENCH
Description
French Mustard Chicken, or Poulet ร la Moutarde, is a timeless French comfort dish featuring crispy chicken thighs in a rich, creamy mustard sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining, this easy one-pan meal is bursting with flavor from Dijon, white wine, and herbs. A must-try for fans of homemade recipes, fine dining recipes, and easy dinner recipes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
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8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
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1/2 cup Dijon mustard
For Cooking:
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1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
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4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
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2 large shallots, minced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
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1 cup dry white wine
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2 teaspoons flour
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1 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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2 tablespoons grainy mustard
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1/4 cup chopped parsley
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Thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
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Season and Marinate:
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Season chicken with salt and pepper. Rub with Dijon mustard until well coated. Set aside.
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Cook the Bacon:
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In a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium-high. Add diced bacon and cook until golden, about 5 minutes. Remove and reserve. Drain excess fat, leaving ~2 tbsp.
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Brown the Chicken:
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Sear chicken thighs, skin-side down first, until browned on both sides (about 4โ5 min per side). Remove and set aside with the bacon.
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Sautรฉ Aromatics:
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Add remaining olive oil, then shallots. Cook 3 minutes until soft. Add garlic and thyme; sautรฉ 1 more minute.
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Deglaze & Simmer:
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Pour in white wine, deglaze pan scraping brown bits. Simmer until reduced, about 3โ4 minutes. Stir in flour, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
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Add Chicken & Simmer:
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Return chicken (skin-side up) and bacon to pan with juices. Cover and simmer on medium-low for 15โ20 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked (165ยฐF).
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Finish the Sauce:
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Stir in heavy cream and grainy mustard. Raise heat to medium and simmer until sauce thickens.
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Serve:
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Adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in parsley. Garnish with thyme sprigs and serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or rice.
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Notes
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You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth if preferred.
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Boneless, skinless thighs work too but reduce cooking time slightly.
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Best enjoyed with French baguette or over mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg