Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the charming bistros of Paris, where every bite is a symphony of rich, creamy flavors and perfectly cooked chicken. This French-inspired Chicken in Creamy Mustard Sauce is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. With its golden-brown chicken, velvety mustard sauce, and elegant presentation, this recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality dinner that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is wide enough to accommodate all chicken breasts without overcrowding.
- Place chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and slightly soft.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in Dijon mustard, mixing thoroughly with the onions and garlic.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them evenly with the creamy mustard sauce. Warm for 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, ideally with steamed vegetables or rice.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from chicken breasts, which helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: Ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness without drying out.
- Choose Quality Dijon Mustard: A good mustard makes all the difference in the sauce's flavor profile.
- Low and Slow for the Sauce: Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a bright, fresh note to the rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
