Mustard Chicken – This dish brings together the tanginess of mustard, the richness of chicken, and a touch of herbs and creaminess to create a recipe that is as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.
What is Mustard Chicken?
Mustard chicken is a classic dish that highlights the sharp, tangy flavors of mustard combined with tender, juicy chicken. It’s usually prepared using a combination of Dijon mustard and whole-grain mustard, but there are endless variations depending on personal preference.
The mustard creates a robust sauce, often mixed with cream, white wine, garlic, and fresh herbs to create a savory coating for the chicken.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mustard Chicken
Watch the Cooking Time: Chicken can quickly become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly juicy chicken.
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts are a popular choice for their leanness, chicken thighs bring an extra depth of flavor and tenderness to the dish.
Balance the Mustard: For a more subtle mustard flavor, reduce the Dijon and opt for more whole grain mustard, which is milder. If you love the boldness of Dijon, feel free to increase the quantity.
Add Wine for Depth: If you want to elevate the dish, deglaze the pan with white wine before adding the mustard. This adds complexity to the sauce and pairs wonderfully with mustard’s tang.
Don’t Skip the Garlic: Minced garlic adds a lovely depth of flavor to the sauce, so don’t omit it. You can even roast the garlic beforehand for a sweeter, mellower flavor.
Mustard Chicken Variations
One of the best things about mustard chicken is how customizable it is. Here are some variations you can try to switch up the flavors:
- Honey Mustard Chicken: Add a tablespoon or two of honey to the sauce for a sweeter, more balanced flavor that pairs beautifully with mustard’s tang.
- Creamy Mustard Chicken with Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic to add an earthy richness to the creamy mustard sauce.
- Herb Mustard Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like tarragon, rosemary, or thyme into the sauce to bring an aromatic twist to the dish.
- Spicy Mustard Chicken: If you like a bit of heat, mix in a teaspoon of spicy brown mustard or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
How to Serve Mustard Chicken
This pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes, making it easy to incorporate into any meal.
- With Potatoes: Serve over roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or a bed of creamy scalloped potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Over Rice or Quinoa: For a lighter option, serve the chicken and mustard sauce over steamed rice or quinoa, which soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli for a well-balanced plate.
- Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the mustard sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind!
How to Store Mustard Chicken
If you have leftovers, storing mustard chicken is simple, and the dish actually gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Freeze: It can also be frozen. Once the chicken has cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet.
Refrigerate: Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can omit the heavy cream and opt for coconut cream or a dairy-free milk substitute to make the sauce. The mustard flavor will still shine through beautifully.
What’s the best mustard to use?
Dijon mustard is classic for this recipe, offering a sharp, tangy bite. Whole-grain mustard adds texture and a milder flavor. You can also experiment with spicy brown mustard for a more robust kick.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, mustard chicken tastes even better the next day! You can prepare the dish ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and simply reheat when ready to serve.
Mustard chicken
Mustard Chicken - This dish brings together the tanginess of mustard, the richness of chicken, and a touch of herbs and creaminess to create a recipe that is as easy to make as it is impressive to serve.
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 medium)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Herbes de Provence (or Italian seasoning)
- 2 tsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp garlic salt (2 tsp if using 2 lbs of chicken)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Ingredients for the Mustard Cream Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped shallot (about ½ medium shallot)
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 2 tbsp grainy Dijon mustard
- 2 medium bay leaves
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Fresh dill (or thyme/rosemary) for garnish
- 2 tsp corn starch
Instructions
For the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic salt, Herbes de Provence, flour, sugar, and pepper. Set aside.
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create two thin cutlets. Lay them flat and season both sides with the garlic salt mixture.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until sizzling. Add chicken, smooth side down, and cook for 4-6 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another minute. The chicken won’t be fully cooked yet but will finish later. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
For the Mustard Cream Sauce:
- In the same pan, sauté shallots over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Add the white wine, turn up the heat, and scrape any browned bits from the pan. Let it boil until most of the wine evaporates.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bay leaves, simmering for 8 minutes.
- While simmering, mix cream, mustard, and cornstarch until smooth. Optional: Strain the sauce for a silkier texture.
- Stir the cream mixture into the sauce and add any juices from the chicken plate. Simmer for 2 more minutes, then discard the bay leaves.
- Return the chicken to the pan, cover, and turn off the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to finish cooking.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 443Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 174mgSodium: 915mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 49g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
Mustard chicken is a dish that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Its balance of tangy mustard, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked chicken makes it a standout choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With so many variations and serving options, you can customize this recipe to fit your tastes and preferences. Plus, it’s a meal that stores and reheats beautifully, making it as practical as it is delicious.
So the next time you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and sophisticated, give mustard chicken a try—it’s sure to become a household favorite!
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