If you’re on the hunt for a fast weeknight dinner that dazzles with flavor, look no further than this Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts are nestled in a velvety, tangy mustard sauce that’s both rich and comforting, yet bright enough to wake up your taste buds. This is one of those simple, elegant meals that tastes special enough for company but is genuinely easy to whip together on a busy night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe shines by making the most of a handful of everyday ingredients. Each one plays its part, from building depth and warmth to delivering creamy texture and vibrant color that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, these form the hearty centerpiece and soak up all that stunning sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds subtle fruitiness and helps give the chicken a beautiful sear.
- Butter: Brings richness to the skillet and lends the sauce a luscious finish.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers aromatic depth and an irresistible savory backbone.
- Chicken broth: Lifts all the flavors and deglazes those caramelized bits for a savory base.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky, creamy sauce that makes this dish sing.
- Dijon mustard: Offers that sharp, smooth, classic mustard tang to the sauce.
- Whole grain mustard: Adds texture and visual charm, plus tiny bursts of flavor with every bite.
- Fresh thyme leaves (or dried): Infuses the sauce with a subtle herby note that balances out the richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the ingredients into harmony.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Brings brightness and a fresh pop of color to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and scattering them with a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper on both sides. This simple step amps up flavor from the get-go, helping the seasoning stick and giving you a tastier crust.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat both the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the chicken in a single layer. Sear the pieces for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they’re gorgeously golden and just cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and keep them warm; they’ll get a final bath in the sauce later.
Step 3: Build Flavor in the Pan
In the same skillet, turn the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Give it a minute to become fragrant—don’t rush or you’ll risk burning those little bits! Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all the golden, flavorful bits stuck to the bottom with your spatula. This is pure flavor magic and makes a world of difference in your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Mustard Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and thyme. Let everything simmer together for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly and the two mustards will blend into a gorgeous, creamy concoction with a pop of herbs in every spoonful.
Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish
Gently nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, turning them so each is well coated with that dreamy mustard sauce. Spoon a little extra sauce over the top and simmer everything for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm the chicken through and bring all the flavors together. Right before serving, shower the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, inviting touch.
How to Serve Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley is a must for the Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe—it not only brings a fresh, verdant color contrast but also adds a light, grassy note that balances all the creamy goodness. If you want something extra, try a light sprinkle of lemon zest or even a few thyme leaves to accentuate the herby notes.
Side Dishes
This dish practically begs to be paired with sides that soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or some toasty, crusty bread are all perfect companions. For a lighter option, serve it with a heap of garlicky green beans or a crisp salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy plate at home, slice the chicken breasts on a diagonal and fan the pieces over a bed of mashed potatoes or parsnip puree, then spoon the sauce over the top. Alternatively, serve the chicken straight from the skillet for a cozy, shared family-style dinner that invites everyone to dunk their bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe cool to room temperature, then place any leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days and still taste delicious for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that creamy sauces may change texture slightly when thawed. For best results, store the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid boiling; gentle heat keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce smooth. The microwave works in a pinch, but use short bursts and stir often for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful and work beautifully in the Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they may need a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes! You can swap in half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream alternative if you prefer a lighter version. Just know the sauce will be a bit less rich but still taste delicious.
What if I don’t have whole grain mustard?
No worries—just use a little more Dijon mustard in its place. The whole grain version offers a unique texture, but you won’t lose any of that lovely tang if you substitute it out.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
You sure can. Prepare the sauce in advance, store it in the fridge, and gently reheat it before adding the chicken at the end. This is great for dinner parties when you want to minimize last-minute prep.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
The key is not to overcook the chicken breasts. Keep an eye on them as they sear and simmer; once they’re golden and cooked through, remove them from heat. The creamy sauce also helps keep everything moist and flavorful!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe and see just how simple, satisfying, and crave-worthy it is. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight treat or a showstopper for guests, this dish is always a winner. Give it a whirl—your dinner table is in for a serious upgrade.
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Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken, a French-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety mustard cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley
Chicken:
Sauce:
Garnish:
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, sear chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic, then add chicken broth, cream, mustards, and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over, and simmer until heated through. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half or dairy-free cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
