If you’re craving a dish that feels both effortlessly elegant and comforting, this French Mustard Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender chicken thighs or breasts bathed in a luxuriously creamy mustard sauce, brightened by the subtle zing of Dijon and the gentle pop of whole grain mustard. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich, savory, and aromatic flavors that simply melt in your mouth, turning any weeknight dinner into a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your go-to meals when you want something satisfying but surprisingly simple to whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this French Mustard Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the golden sear on the chicken to the creamy, herb-kissed sauce, you only need a handful of essentials to create a spectacular dish.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat or breasts for a leaner option, both will soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds a wonderful richness and helps get that perfect golden crust on your chicken.
- Shallot: Milder and sweeter than onions, it provides a delicate aromatic base to the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a deep savory note that enhances every bite.
- Chicken broth: Creates the savory liquid foundation for your sauce, lifting all the flavors.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce a luscious, velvety texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a smooth, tangy sharpness that is signature to this classic French-inspired dish.
- Whole grain mustard: Introduces texture and bursts of mustard flavor that contrast beautifully with the cream.
- Fresh thyme leaves: Their subtle earthiness complements the creamy mustard and elevates the savory profile.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every flavor component.
- Optional parsley: Bright green and fresh, parsley is perfect for a final pop of color and light herbal note.
How to Make French Mustard Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs or breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Sear the chicken without moving it for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden brown and has developed a rich crust. This step locks in juices and adds fantastic flavor depth. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest briefly.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium and toss the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté these for 1 to 2 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful fragrance. This brief sautéing draws out their natural sweetness without burning, setting a delicious savory base for your sauce.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up every browned bit stuck to the bottom – this is pure flavor gold. Let the broth simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate that savory goodness. This step adds complexity and depth to your sauce.
Step 4: Whisk in Mustards and Cream
Now, whisk in both the Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard along with the fresh thyme leaves. Stir thoroughly, then add the heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer; the sauce will thicken and develop its signature creamy, tangy character. The combination of mustards creates a layered flavor that’s both sharp and smooth, perfectly balanced by the thyme’s earthiness.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top to keep it moist and flavorful. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, tender, and infused with the sauce. This finishing simmer ensures every bite is juicy and packed with flavor.
How to Serve French Mustard Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green color but also gives a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the rich sauce. It’s a simple touch that makes the dish look inviting and adds a lovely contrast in flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the luscious mustard sauce beautifully, while steamed rice provides a neutral background that lets the chicken shine. A good crusty baguette makes for irresistible dipping in the sauce, adding a satisfying crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic yet elegant presentation, serve the chicken thighs whole atop a bed of herbed rice or mashed potatoes, drizzled generously with sauce and garnished with thyme sprigs. Another lovely idea is to plate sliced chicken breasts fanned out on the plate with sauce spooned artistically over and around them, plus a vibrant side salad for color and freshness. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover French Mustard Chicken Recipe tastes wonderful the next day, but be sure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, preserving the flavors and creaminess of the sauce beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, although it’s best frozen without the cream mixed in to maintain texture. Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to prep for reheating without compromising quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from splitting. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth and velvety.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this French Mustard Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine and provide a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them, as breasts can dry out more quickly than thighs. Adjust the simmering time accordingly to keep them tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with a coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and creamy. Just ensure your mustard and broth are also dairy-free.
What type of mustard is best for this French Mustard Chicken Recipe?
The combination of smooth Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard creates ideal texture and flavor contrast. Dijon offers that classic sharpness, while whole grain adds a pleasant pop and mild tang. Both are essential to achieve the authentic taste.
Can I prepare parts of the dish ahead of time to save time?
You can chop the shallot and garlic ahead and keep them refrigerated. You might also get your chicken seasoned in advance. However, the sauce is best prepared fresh to maintain its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
What wine pairs well with French Mustard Chicken Recipe?
A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy mustard sauce and herbs beautifully. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir with its subtle berry notes meshes well without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This French Mustard Chicken Recipe truly captures the magic of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve guests. So go on, give it a try and treat yourself to a creamy, tangy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. You’ll love how effortlessly delicious and comforting it is.
Print
French Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
French Mustard Chicken is a rich and flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a creamy mustard sauce infused with garlic, shallots, and fresh thyme. This classic French-inspired recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, served alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken thighs or breasts with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Shallots and Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped shallot and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- Create Mustard Cream Sauce: Whisk in the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and thyme leaves. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Chicken thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner alternative.
- Make sure to not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Fresh thyme brings a more vibrant flavor, but dried thyme works well as a substitute.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
