French mustard chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and creamy mustard sauce. This dish not only brings a touch of French cuisine to your table but also offers an easy way to elevate your weeknight dinners. The blend of Dijon and whole grain mustard lends a perfect balance of flavor and creaminess, making it an instant favorite for anyone who loves savory, comforting meals. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, French mustard chicken is sure to impress.
Why We Love This French Mustard Chicken Recipe
There’s something truly special about French mustard chicken. This dish seamlessly combines simplicity with elegance, making it perfect for any occasion. The ease of preparation allows you to enjoy quality time with your guests while serving a meal that feels gourmet. The creaminess of the sauce, coupled with the sharpness of the mustards, creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Additionally, the use of everyday ingredients means you can whip this up without a trip to a specialty store, making it a practical choice for bustling weeknights or relaxed weekends. Overall, this recipe not only delivers on taste but also on ease and accessibility.
Ingredients about French Mustard Chicken
To prepare French mustard chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
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
Making French mustard chicken is as easy as following a few simple steps. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. This step ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender.
Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Allow it to melt over medium heat, and then add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This process adds depth to your sauce. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Next, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, making sure to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. This adds even more flavor to your sauce. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
Now, it’s time to create the creamy mustard sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, along with 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of whole grain mustard. Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves and mix everything well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes. It should be creamy, luscious, and fragrant.
After the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Turn them to ensure they soak up the delicious mustard sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes, or until it is heated through and well-coated.
As a finishing touch, consider garnishing the dish with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your delightful French mustard chicken with your choice of sides, and enjoy the flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds.
How to Serve French Mustard Chicken
Serving French mustard chicken is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the dish alongside your favorite sides. This chicken pairs excellently with a variety of accompaniments that can complement its creamy and tangy flavor profile. For a classic touch, consider serving it with buttery mashed potatoes. The smooth texture of the potatoes will soak up the rich mustard sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Another fantastic option is to pair this dish with steamed green vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans. The freshness and crunch of the vegetables contrast nicely with the creamy sauce, providing a balanced meal. Alternatively, you might enjoy serving your French mustard chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This gives a nice base to catch any extra sauce while adding wholesome graininess to the dish.
If you’re looking to impress, consider a colorful salad on the side. A light arugula salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette can provide brightness, making the overall meal feel more vibrant. Remember, the aim is to create a plate that not only looks beautiful but also offers a delightful mix of tastes and textures.
Expert Tips: French Mustard Chicken
To achieve the best results when making French mustard chicken, here are some expert tips you can follow:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your mustard sauce hinges on the quality of your Dijon and whole grain mustards. Opt for brands that you enjoy, as they will significantly influence the dish’s final taste.
- Proper Chicken Cooking: Ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent cooking. If needed, use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness. This step helps ensure that they cook evenly without drying out.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer adequately for the flavors to develop. The longer it simmers, the richer it will taste. Patience during this step can elevate your dish to gourmet levels.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste the sauce before serving. If it needs more acidity, you can squeeze a bit of lemon juice. If it requires more seasoning, do not hesitate to adjust the salt and pepper.
- Experiment with Herbs: While thyme adds a wonderful flavor, feel free to experiment with other herbs to see what you like best. Fresh tarragon or rosemary can also complement the mustard beautifully.
How to Store French Mustard Chicken
If you have any leftovers or want to prepare meals in advance, you can easily store French mustard chicken. Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps to keep your dish fresh and prevents any unwanted moisture from affecting the texture.
You can store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave.
Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken after refrigeration. If this happens, add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating to restore its luscious consistency.
Variation of French Mustard Chicken
French mustard chicken offers a versatile base that allows you to get creative with variations. Here are some ideas to change things up:
- Mushroom Addition: For a heartier dish, add sliced mushrooms to the skillet after sautéing the onions. The mushrooms will absorb the flavors of the sauce and add an earthy depth.
- Mustard Variety: Feel free to mix different types of mustards. Adding a hint of spicy brown mustard can give your sauce an extra kick of flavor.
- Vegetable Medley: Include colorful vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini in the skillet with the chicken. They not only add nutrients but also enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
- Cheesy Twist: For cheese lovers, consider stirring in some grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese at the end of cooking. This adds a delicious cheesy flavor that complements the mustard beautifully.
- Herb Variations: Swap out the thyme for other fresh herbs like sage or chives. Each herb can introduce a unique flavor profile that gives a fresh spin to your traditional chicken recipe.
FAQ about French Mustard Chicken
What is French mustard chicken? French mustard chicken is a savory dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce made with Dijon and whole grain mustard. It offers a rich flavor profile that’s both comforting and elegant.
How do I make the sauce for French mustard chicken? To make the sauce, sauté onions and garlic in butter, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and the mustards. Allow the sauce to thicken before adding the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe? While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended, you can use thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as darker meat may take longer to cook.
How can I customize the flavor of French mustard chicken? You can customize the flavor by adding herbs, different types of mustards, or additional vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Experimenting will help create a version you love.
Can French mustard chicken be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare French mustard chicken ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage. When ready to eat, just reheat it gently while adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens.
French Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter For sautéing
- 1 piece 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
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground 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.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Let simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and fresh thyme leaves. Mix well and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finishing Touches
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, turning them to coat with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve with your choice of sides.
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