Tender Chicken Breasts in Creamy Dijon Sauce – A Restaurant-Quality Meal Made Simple

If you’re craving something rich, flavorful, and elegant but still easy enough for a weeknight, Tender Chicken Breasts in Creamy Dijon Sauce is your answer. This dish combines juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts with a silky, tangy Dijon mustard sauce that’s irresistibly good. It’s a meal that feels gourmet — the kind you’d expect from a French bistro — yet it’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

This recipe perfectly balances the warmth of cream, the boldness of Dijon mustard, and the savory depth of chicken broth, resulting in a sauce so good you’ll want to spoon it over everything. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a meal that feels luxurious yet effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time: The pan-searing technique locks in flavor and moisture.
• Simple Ingredients, Sophisticated Flavor: Dijon mustard and cream create a luscious, tangy sauce in minutes.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or date nights.
• Versatile: Pair it with nearly any side dish for an elegant meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Both adults and kids love this creamy, mild yet flavorful dish.

This recipe is the perfect mix of cozy comfort food and restaurant-worthy finesse — creamy, tangy, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small shallot or onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or more to taste)
• ½ tablespoon whole-grain mustard (optional, for texture)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter sauce)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a small drizzle of oil if needed, then add garlic and shallots. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
   Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce:
   Whisk in Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard (if using), and thyme. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes, reducing slightly. Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
   If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk into the sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes until it thickens.
7. Return Chicken to Pan:
   Place the chicken breasts back into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over them and simmer for 3–5 minutes to reheat and allow flavors to meld.
8. Finish and Serve:
   Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite side.

Tender Chicken Breasts in Creamy Dijon Sauce

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a rich, tangy Dijon mustard cream sauce. Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small shallot finely chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tbsp whole-grain mustard optional
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp lemon juice optional
• fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté garlic and shallots for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up brown bits. Whisk in Dijon mustard and thyme.
4. Add cream and stir until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Return chicken to pan and coat with sauce. Simmer 3–5 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Stir in lemon juice and garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, replace half the broth with dry white wine. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for perfect tenderness.
• Use Quality Dijon Mustard: The better the mustard, the more refined the flavor. Brands like Maille or Grey Poupon are ideal.
• Add a Splash of White Wine: For extra depth, replace half the broth with dry white wine.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version that’s still luscious.
• Make It a Full Meal: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach right into the sauce for an easy one-pan dinner.

Flavor Variations

• Honey Dijon Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon honey for a slightly sweet balance to the tangy mustard.
• Garlic Mushroom Dijon Chicken: Sauté mushrooms along with the onions for a heartier sauce.
• Lemon Tarragon Version: Add a teaspoon of chopped fresh tarragon and the zest of half a lemon for a French-inspired twist.
• Spicy Dijon Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Perfect Side Dishes

This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with many sides. Here are some FoodieMoms favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes soak up all that delicious Dijon sauce.
• Steamed Rice or Quinoa: Great for an easy, gluten-free pairing.
• Pasta: Toss the sauce with fettuccine or penne for a French-Italian fusion meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus complement the rich sauce.
• Buttered Egg Noodles: The classic comfort side that never fails.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Fun Fact: The French Connection

Dijon mustard hails from Dijon, a city in France known for its fine wines and gourmet cuisine. Originally made with verjuice (the acidic juice of unripe grapes), Dijon mustard’s distinctive flavor is what gives this dish its elegant flair. The French often pair Dijon-based sauces with chicken, pork, and seafood — and this recipe captures that timeless sophistication in a simple home-cooked version.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of tender chicken and creamy mustard sauce creates the ultimate balance — savory, tangy, and comforting all at once. The seared chicken develops rich caramelized notes that meld beautifully with the velvety Dijon sauce, while the cream smooths out the mustard’s sharpness.

This Tender Chicken Breasts in Creamy Dijon Sauce recipe isn’t just dinner; it’s a culinary experience that makes every night feel a little special.