Do Share Recipe

Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe | Juicy, Tender & Flavorful

I made this Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something comforting but still a little fancy. The smell alone had me excited before the sauce even finished simmering. I love how the tangy Dijon melts into the cream and coats every bite of chicken.

It felt like a restaurant-style meal without the stress or extra cost. After one pan and one taste, I knew this recipe was a keeper. For dessert afterward, you can also enjoy a sweet treat like Lemon Bars or a light, fruity option such as Strawberry Lemonade Cake.

Ingredients

Chicken breast – 1 lb (about 2 large breasts), sliced into cutlets: Lean chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy when sliced evenly; pat it dry for better browning.
Salt – ½ teaspoon: Seasons the chicken throughout and enhances the final sauce flavor.
Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon: Adds mild heat and depth; freshly ground works best.
All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons: Creates a light coating for golden color and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon: Ideal for searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruity base.
Butter – 1 tablespoon: Adds richness and balances the tangy Dijon mustard.
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced: Fresh garlic provides stronger aroma and flavor than pre-minced or powdered.
Chicken broth – ½ cup: Deglazes the pan and builds a savory sauce base without heaviness.
Heavy cream – ½ cup: Gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture; full-fat cream prevents curdling.
Dijon mustard – 2 tablespoons: Provides signature tang and depth; classic Dijon works best.
Dried thyme – ½ teaspoon: Adds earthy, herbaceous notes that pair beautifully with mustard.
Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped: Brings freshness and color; always add at the end for best flavor.

Note: This ingredient quantity serves approximately 4 people.

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with olive oil and swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk to keep the sauce creamy without dairy.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and slightly reduce the amount for a lighter, less rich sauce.
Extra Flavor Boost: Stir in 1 teaspoon of whole-grain mustard along with Dijon for added texture and deeper mustard flavor.
Vegetable Add-In: Add sliced mushrooms or onions to the pan after searing the chicken for extra savoriness and volume.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Keep the ingredients as listed and serve with cauliflower mash or sautéed greens instead of rice or pasta.
Herb Upgrade: Replace dried thyme with fresh thyme or add a pinch of rosemary for a more aromatic finish.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes – slicing chicken and measuring ingredients
Cooking Time: 20 minutes – searing chicken and simmering the sauce
Total Time: 30 minutes – from start to finish

Equipment You Need

Large skillet: Used to sear the chicken evenly and simmer the creamy Dijon sauce
Sharp knife: Helps slice chicken breasts into even cutlets for quick cooking
Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for prepping ingredients
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient portions and balanced flavor
Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring the sauce and scraping flavorful bits from the pan

How to Make Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe?

This recipe comes together quickly once everything is prepped. Follow these simple steps for perfect results.

Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly coat them in flour, shaking off excess. This helps achieve a golden crust and improves sauce texture.

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.

Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. The garlic should soften and release aroma into the pan.

Deglaze the Pan

Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. These bits add deep flavor to the sauce. Let the liquid simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Mix well until smooth. Allow the sauce to gently simmer until it thickens slightly.

Finish the Dish

Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this dish a few times, I’ve picked up some small tricks that really help.

I always let the chicken rest briefly after searing so it stays juicy when returned to the sauce.
Using room-temperature cream prevents the sauce from separating.
I taste the sauce before adding chicken back and adjust mustard if needed.
Cooking on medium-low at the end keeps the sauce silky, not grainy.

How to Serve Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up the sauce. I love serving it over mashed potatoes or buttered rice for comfort. For a lighter plate, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus work perfectly. Garnish with extra parsley or a crack of black pepper for a clean, elegant look.

Nutritional Information

A quick overview of what one serving provides:

Calories: Approximately 390 per serving, making it a satisfying yet balanced meal
Protein: Around 32g per serving, supporting fullness and muscle health
Carbohydrates: About 6g per serving, mostly from the creamy Dijon sauce
Fat: Roughly 26g per serving, contributing to the rich and comforting texture

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is great for planning ahead and leftovers.

Make Ahead:
You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to one day in advance. Store them separately and combine during reheating for best texture.

Storage:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken slightly as it chills.

Freezing and Reheating:
Freezing is not ideal due to the cream sauce, but it can be done for up to one month. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this creamy Dijon chicken quickly becomes a favorite:

Easy to Make: Simple steps and one pan make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, Balanced Flavor: The creamy sauce and tangy Dijon create a restaurant-style taste at home.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Uses affordable pantry staples without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Versatile Serving Options: Pairs well with rice, potatoes, pasta, or low-carb sides.
Customizable: Easily adapted for lighter, dairy-free, or low-carb diets.

Ben Carraoli