Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden chicken thigh, its crispy exterior giving way to tender, juicy meat, all draped in a luxuriously creamy Dijon mustard sauce that will make your taste buds dance. This French-inspired dish transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal that looks and tastes like it was crafted by a professional chef – but can be easily prepared right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-worthy recipe that's surprisingly easy to make!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice golden brown color when cooking. Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side down (if they have skin). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip the chicken thighs over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on the other side. The chicken should be browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Allow the cream to heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the Dijon mustard to the skillet, whisking it into the cream until fully incorporated. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken thighs are cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the chicken thighs hot, generously spooning the creamy Dijon mustard sauce over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in the juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C for perfect doneness.
- Don't rush the browning process – letting the chicken develop a nice golden crust adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
- For an extra rich sauce, use full-fat heavy cream and high-quality Dijon mustard.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little chicken broth or white wine.
- Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to absorb the creamy sauce.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 130mg
