I’ll never forget the first time I tried to make a fancy dinner for a date night. I was so nervous, and everything seemed to take forever! I wanted something impressive but also manageable, and that’s when I stumbled upon a recipe for Creamy Dijon Chicken – Quick & Easy! It was a total game-changer. I promise you, this is one recipe that you’ll come back to again and again – and today, I’m going to share all my tips and tricks so you can make the most amazing Creamy Dijon Chicken – Quick & Easy! imaginable!
Creamy Dijon Chicken: A Weeknight Winner!
Let’s face it: weeknights can be hectic. Between work, kids, errands, and everything else life throws your way, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe with you. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s absolutely bursting with flavor. This isn’t just another boring chicken dinner; this is a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s comfort food elevated with a touch of sophistication, and the best part is, it’s on your table in under 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s Fast: Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights.
- It’s Easy: The ingredient list is simple, and the steps are straightforward. Even beginner cooks can nail this recipe.
- It’s Delicious: The combination of creamy sauce, tangy Dijon mustard, and savory chicken is simply irresistible.
- It’s Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- Chicken Breasts: About 1.5 pounds, boneless, skinless. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Dijon Mustard: The star of the show! Use a good quality Dijon for the best flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so incredibly creamy.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced is always best!
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried, it complements the Dijon beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness. Chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the most delectable Creamy Dijon Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point; you just want to get a nice sear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Make the Sauce: Whisk in the Dijon mustard and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds tons of flavor!
- Add the Cream and Thyme: Stir in the heavy cream and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, until it thickens slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Return the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice over the chicken for extra brightness. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Success Tips for Perfect Creamy Dijon Chicken
Here are a few golden rules to ensure your Creamy Dijon Chicken is a total success:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the heat immediately.
- Use Good Quality Dijon Mustard: The Dijon mustard is a key ingredient, so don’t skimp on quality. A good quality Dijon will have a sharper, more complex flavor.
- Don’t Boil the Cream: Boiling the heavy cream can cause it to separate and curdle. Keep the heat low and simmer the sauce gently.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of Dijon mustard, thyme, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
- Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Variations & Additions
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some fun and delicious variations you can try:
- Mushroom Creamy Dijon Chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
- Spinach Creamy Dijon Chicken: Stir in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Creamy Dijon Chicken: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
- Spicy Creamy Dijon Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Wine Infusion: Deglaze the pan with a splash of dry white wine after sautéing the garlic for a more complex flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Dijon Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Toss the pasta with the creamy sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all excellent choices.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are all delicious and healthy options.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
This Creamy Dijon Chicken is even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick.
- Freezing: While you *can* freeze this dish, the creamy sauce may change texture slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Creamy Dijon Chicken, you’re sure to love these other delicious chicken recipes as well! Have you tried BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWLS! yet? They are a flavor explosion. Or maybe you are looking for some comfort food, then check out CHICKEN BACON PASTA! For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, you can’t beat Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites & Pasta. And of course, you should try out the amazing Marry Me Chicken (or its even easier cousin, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken!). Finally, if you are just looking for the perfect baked chicken then Baked Chicken Recipes is the way to go.
Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken
Here’s the full recipe, neatly laid out for you:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon wedges, fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Whisk in Dijon mustard and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and thyme. Simmer until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken to skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F).
- Remove from heat. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken (optional). Garnish with parsley. Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chicken Dish
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Creamy Dijon Chicken that’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. I truly believe this will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. The creamy, tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, and the best part is, it’s so versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and additions to make it your own. So go ahead, give it a try! I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
How long does it take to make the Creamy Dijon Chicken?
The recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
What are some side dish options that pair well with Creamy Dijon Chicken?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, a simple green salad, or crusty bread.
What are some variations I can make to the Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe?
You can try variations like Mushroom Creamy Dijon Chicken by sautéing mushrooms with the garlic, Spinach Creamy Dijon Chicken by stirring in fresh spinach, Sun-Dried Tomato Creamy Dijon Chicken by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or Spicy Creamy Dijon Chicken by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
How should I store and reheat leftover Creamy Dijon Chicken?
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce is too thick.
Creamy Dijon Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Whisk in Dijon mustard and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in heavy cream and thyme. Simmer until the sauce has slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat. If desired, squeeze a little lemon juice over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.