When it comes to flavorful and comforting dishes, French Mustard Chicken stands out as a delightful choice. This recipe marries the succulent taste of chicken with the zesty tang of Dijon mustard, creating a savory sauce that elevates the entire meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish promises to impress your family and friends alike. Follow along as we explore this engaging recipe, ensuring that you have all the information you need to create your own masterpiece.
Why We Love This French Mustard Chicken Recipe
There’s something about French cuisine that captures the imagination, and French Mustard Chicken is no exception. This dish combines simplicity with sophistication, allowing you to channel your inner chef without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, infused with mustard and herbs, complements the juicy chicken, making it an irresistible option. Moreover, the use of readily available ingredients makes it an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels. You’ll find yourself returning to this dish time and time again, as it delights your taste buds while keeping mealtime stress at bay.
Ingredients about French Mustard Chicken
To create your French Mustard Chicken, you will need the following ingredients. Each component adds a unique flavor that combines to make this dish truly special.
List of ingredients with measurements
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make French Mustard Chicken Directions
Creating French Mustard Chicken is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Follow these directions to ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time.
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. This step adds a layer of flavor to the meat that you won’t want to skip.
- Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter. Once it melts, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook it for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- After the garlic has softened, pour in the chicken broth. It’s important to scrape the bottom of the skillet while doing this to incorporate any browned bits left from cooking the chicken. Let the broth simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream along with the Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard. Add the fresh thyme leaves too. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, giving it time to thicken into a luxurious sauce.
- Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring it is well coated in the mustard sauce. Let it heat through for an additional 5 minutes, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.
- If desired, garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley right before serving. This will add a pop of color and freshness to your plate. Serve your French Mustard Chicken alongside sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Serve French Mustard Chicken
Serving French Mustard Chicken is as enjoyable as making it. While the chicken and sauce are the stars of the dish, you can enhance your meal with a few thoughtful choices.
Begin by plating the chicken breasts and spooning the luscious mustard sauce over them. The creamy sauce allows for a delightful combination of flavors that makes every bite memorable. For sides, consider mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables like green beans, carrots, or broccoli can add a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of the chicken not only enhances the presentation but also introduces a hint of herbaceous flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve the dish with crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce. This requires no utensils and makes the dining experience even more delightful.
Expert Tips: French Mustard Chicken
Every chef has a few tricks up their sleeve, and here are some expert tips to elevate your French Mustard Chicken.
- Choosing the Chicken: For the best results, opt for organic, free-range chicken breasts. They tend to be more flavorful and tender compared to conventional options.
- Cooking Temperature: Be sure to use a medium-high heat when cooking your chicken. This will help achieve a nice golden color while ensuring that the inside remains juicy.
- Adjusting the Mustard Flavor: The balance of Dijon and whole grain mustard can be tailored to your taste. If you love a stronger mustard flavor, feel free to increase the amount of Dijon.
- Herb Variations: While fresh thyme is a fantastic herb for this dish, you can also experiment with others like tarragon or rosemary, which will add a different twist to the recipe.
- Making it Ahead: If you’re preparing this dish in advance, consider cooking the chicken and sauce separately and combining them just before serving. This will keep the chicken nice and moist.
How to Store French Mustard Chicken
Storing your French Mustard Chicken properly can help maintain its delicious flavor for future meals. Here’s what you should know:
- Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Storing it in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to extend the shelf life, you can freeze French Mustard Chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It will last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help restore the sauce’s consistency and flavor.
Variation of French Mustard Chicken
While the classic recipe is undoubtedly delicious, there are numerous variations you can try to keep things exciting.
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions to add an earthy flavor and a bit of texture to the dish.
- Lemon Zest: For a refreshing twist, add some lemon zest to the sauce. This will brighten up the dish and provide a lovely contrast to the creamy mustard.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate some red chili flakes into the sauce. This will give the dish a spicy twist that pairs wonderfully with the mustard.
- Vegetarian Option: Consider substituting the chicken with hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks. Cook them in a similar manner, ensuring they absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
- Whole Grain Mustard Variation: Experiment with different types of whole grain mustard, like spicy brown or coarse mustard. Each variation will impart its unique flavor into the dish, allowing for endless possibilities.
FAQ
What is French Mustard Chicken?
French Mustard Chicken is a savory dish made with chicken breasts cooked in a creamy mustard sauce. It combines the tanginess of Dijon mustard with a silky texture, enhancing the flavor of the chicken.
How do you make French Mustard Chicken creamy?
To make your French Mustard Chicken creamy, you will incorporate heavy cream into the sauce. This not only enriches the flavor but also helps create a luscious, velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other chicken cuts like thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time as dark meat may require a bit longer to cook thoroughly.
What are some side dishes to serve with French Mustard Chicken?
Great side dishes that complement French Mustard Chicken include mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad. These will add balance to your meal while allowing the chicken to shine.
How do I store leftovers of French Mustard Chicken?
To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 2-3 months before thawing and reheating.
French Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts For a more flavorful result, use organic, free-range chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Salt To taste.
- 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper To taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For frying.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter To sauté the onions.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth Ensure to scrape the pan for flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves Can substitute with other herbs.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley For garnish, optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes, until translucent.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits.
- Let the broth simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and whole grain mustard, and add fresh thyme leaves.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring it's well coated in the mustard sauce. Let it heat through for an additional 5 minutes.
Serving
- Garnish the dish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added color and flavor.
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
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