French Mustard Chicken is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a delightfully creamy, tangy sauce that immediately elevates everyday chicken breasts into something special. This beginner-friendly dinner is the perfect way to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. With just 15 minutes of prep time, 25 minutes of cooking, and a brief 5-minute rest, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour. Each tender chicken breast is enveloped in a luxurious mustard-based sauce, enriched by heavy cream and brightened with fresh thyme. The pop of whole grain mustard gives the dish a delightful textural contrast, while the Dijon brings that signature zip we all love in French cuisine.
I still remember the first time I tried this recipe—it was a rainy Tuesday evening, and I wanted something comforting yet a little bit fancy. As the mustard sauce simmered, I couldn’t help but hover over the skillet, inhaling that perfect balance of garlic, onion, and mustard aromas (yes, I admit, I “tasted” the sauce with a spoon more than once!). Once plated, the dish felt worthy of any bistro in Paris, and best of all, it clocked in at just around 450 calories per serving. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy date night at home or just craving a flavorful dinner, this French Mustard Chicken will become your new go-to. So grab your skillet and let’s dive into this creamy, zesty sensation!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN FRENCH MUSTARD CHICKEN
Before we jump into the steps, let’s take a quick look at the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor—from the juicy chicken breasts that soak up the sauce, to the aromatic herbs that finish the dish with a fresh note.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
The lean protein base of this recipe; they cook quickly and evenly, soaking up the rich mustard sauce for a tender, juicy result.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Essential for seasoning, this simple duo enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and brings depth to every bite.
- Olive oil
Used for searing the chicken, it helps develop a beautiful golden crust while preventing sticking.
- Unsalted butter
Adds a velvety mouthfeel to the sauce and pairs perfectly with the mustard’s tang.
- Onion
Finely chopped and sautéed, onions provide a sweet, savory foundation that complements the sharpness of the mustard.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the sauce with warm, aromatic notes—just a minute in the pan is enough to release its flavor without burning.
- Chicken broth
The liquid base that deglazes the skillet, capturing all those flavorful browned bits and building a savory backbone for the sauce.
- Heavy cream
Brings luxuriously creamy texture to the sauce, mellowing the mustard’s acidity for a smooth finish.
- Dijon mustard
Delivers a bright, tangy punch that is characteristic of French mustard sauces.
- Whole grain mustard
Adds delightful pops of texture and a milder, earthier mustard flavor.
- Fresh thyme leaves
Scattered into the sauce, thyme brings fragrant herbal notes that balance the cream and mustard.
- Chopped fresh parsley
A final garnish that adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh, grassy flavor.
HOW TO MAKE FRENCH MUSTARD CHICKEN
Let’s roll up our sleeves and walk through the cooking process. This recipe is all about building flavor in stages, from searing the chicken to simmering a creamy mustard sauce. Follow each step to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegantly French.
1. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This even seasoning ensures every bite is flavorful and enhances the natural taste of the meat.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they’re a beautiful golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
3. In the same skillet, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, using a spatula to deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
5. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and thyme leaves. Mix thoroughly to combine and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to coat evenly in the mustard sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, or until heated through and fully infused with flavor.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired. Plate the chicken with your favorite sides and spoon extra sauce over the top.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR FRENCH MUSTARD CHICKEN
Once your chicken is glazed in that rich, creamy mustard sauce, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments. This dish truly shines alongside simple sides that soak up every last bit of sauce and offer complementary textures.
- Steamed seasonal vegetables
Lightly steamed broccoli, carrots, or asparagus balances the richness of the sauce. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the veggies for extra flavor.
- Silky mashed potatoes
Whip up a batch of buttery mashed potatoes to create a comforting bed under the chicken. The potatoes act like little sponges, absorbing the creamy mustard sauce.
- Crusty French baguette
Slice a fresh baguette and serve it warm. Each piece becomes the ultimate dipping tool for scooping up every drop of sauce.
- Simple green salad
Toss baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette to add a crisp, acidic counterpoint to the creamy chicken.
HOW TO STORE FRENCH MUSTARD CHICKEN
If you manage to have any leftovers (though it’s so good, that might not happen!), proper storage will keep your French Mustard Chicken tasting just as delightful on day two or three.
- Refrigeration in an airtight container
Allow the chicken and sauce to cool to room temperature, then transfer to a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Freezing for longer storage
Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Sauce stored separately
If you want extra flexibility, freeze or refrigerate the mustard sauce by itself. This prevents the chicken from becoming too soggy. Reheat the sauce slowly, then add freshly cooked chicken when ready to serve.
- Reheating tips
To maintain the sauce’s creaminess, reheat over low heat and add a splash of chicken broth or water if it thickens too much.
CONCLUSION
Thank you for joining me on this flavorful journey through French Mustard Chicken! We’ve explored every step, from choosing fresh ingredients to mastering the art of a creamy mustard sauce. Whether you’re a beginner cook looking for an easy dinner or a seasoned home chef wanting to add a French-inspired recipe to your repertoire, this dish delivers on taste, simplicity, and elegance. The combination of tender chicken breasts, tangy Dijon, and whole grain mustard is truly unforgettable, making it perfect for a weeknight family meal or even a special occasion.
Feel free to print this article and save it for future dinners—each time you revisit it, you’ll be just a handful of steps away from a comforting, restaurant-quality meal. You can also find a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you decide to make this recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out! Please leave your comments, questions, or feedback below, and let me know how I can help you perfect this creamy, zesty French classic. Enjoy, and happy cooking!
French Mustard Chicken
Description
This French Mustard Chicken features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy mustard sauce, finished with hints of thyme and a pop of color from fresh parsley. Perfect for a comforting dinner!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
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Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer for about 3 minutes.
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Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and thyme leaves. Mix well to combine and let the sauce simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes.
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Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, turning to coat them in the mustard sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, or until heated through.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if using. Serve the chicken with your choice of sides.
Note
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the mustard sauce.
- If you prefer a lower-fat version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when needed.
- Experiment with different types of mustard to tailor the flavor to your preference.
