The combination of tangy Dijon mustard and creamy sauce brings out the juicy richness of seared chicken breasts in this classic French-inspired recipe. This is a dish that’s both comforting and elevated, making it ideal for a weeknight treat or an impromptu dinner party.
Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, herbed rice, or buttery noodles and let the luscious mustard cream sauce seep into every bite. With a prep and cook time under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect balance of quick convenience and restaurant-level flavor.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
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1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon (optional)
Directions:
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Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add chicken breasts and cook 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
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Remove chicken from pan and set aside to rest.
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Lower heat to medium. Add chicken broth to the pan and scrape up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes.
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Stir in cream, Dijon mustard, and whole grain mustard. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly (3-5 minutes).
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Return chicken to the pan and coat with the sauce. Simmer 1-2 minutes more.
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Garnish with fresh tarragon if desired, and serve hot with veggies, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Elegant Simplicity of Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce
Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce is one of those timeless dishes that embodies elegance and comfort all at once. Rooted in classic French cuisine, this dish takes humble chicken breasts and elevates them with a velvety mustard-spiked cream sauce that’s both luxurious and down-to-earth. It’s a recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with home-cooked ease, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
While mustard might seem like a bold ingredient, when paired with cream and just the right amount of seasoning, it transforms into something truly sophisticated—cutting through the richness while still providing depth and warmth.
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
This dish draws heavy inspiration from French bistro cooking, particularly the iconic pairing of Dijon mustard and cream. French cuisine often celebrates the harmony between acid and fat, and that’s precisely what this recipe achieves. The mustard brings a gentle tang that balances the luscious cream, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
This isn’t a fussy dish with dozens of steps or exotic ingredients. In fact, its brilliance lies in its simplicity. With just a few staples—chicken, mustard, cream, and broth—you can create a comforting meal that feels far more extravagant than its humble origins.
Why This Dish Works
The combination of lean chicken breasts with a rich sauce is a brilliant example of how contrasts in texture and flavor can create culinary harmony. The meat is seared to a golden brown, locking in moisture while developing a savory crust. Once removed, the same pan is deglazed with broth, gathering all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom—known as fond. These bits are essential for building the base of the sauce.
Cream adds richness, while the dual use of Dijon and whole grain mustard introduces both flavor complexity and textural nuance. Optional additions like tarragon or thyme lend a touch of herbaceous elegance, turning this weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience.
What Makes Mustard a Star Ingredient
Mustard is a surprisingly versatile ingredient. In this recipe, it does more than just add a kick. Dijon mustard, with its creamy consistency and sharp, slightly sweet flavor, melds seamlessly into the sauce. Whole grain mustard, on the other hand, contributes a rustic, visually appealing texture and bursts of tang in every bite.
Beyond taste, mustard also acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the sauce and maintain its smooth texture. The combination of the two types of mustard ensures a balance of boldness, texture, and sophistication.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. The mustard cream sauce is so flavorful that it deserves to be paired with something that can absorb and complement it.
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Mashed Potatoes: A classic, creamy base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
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Herbed Rice or Pilaf: Adds a bit of texture and can include fresh herbs for brightness.
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Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: Provides freshness and a touch of crunch to balance the richness.
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Buttered Egg Noodles: Perfect for twirling through the creamy sauce.
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Cauliflower Mash or Zoodles: Excellent low-carb alternatives for those watching their carbs.
A crisp green salad on the side with a light vinaigrette will help cut through the creaminess and round out the meal.
Wine Pairings for the Perfect Dinner
If you’re looking to create a full dining experience, pairing this dish with the right wine can make all the difference.
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White Wine: A lightly oaked Chardonnay works beautifully with cream-based sauces. You can also opt for a dry Riesling or a Viognier to complement the mustard’s sharpness.
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Red Wine: A light-bodied Pinot Noir or Gamay (Beaujolais) offers enough acidity to balance the richness without overpowering the delicate chicken.
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Sparkling Wine: Champagne or a dry Prosecco can add a touch of celebration and brightness to the meal.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Breasts Perfectly
Chicken breasts are notorious for being dry when overcooked, but with a few simple tips, you can ensure they stay juicy and tender:
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Pound Evenly: Flatten the chicken breasts slightly to ensure even cooking.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to get a good sear.
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Use a Meat Thermometer: Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid drying out the meat.
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Let It Rest: Resting the chicken before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
How to Make It Your Own
One of the great things about this recipe is its adaptability. Once you’ve mastered the base, you can tweak it to suit your tastes or the ingredients you have on hand.
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Add Mushrooms: Sauté some cremini or shiitake mushrooms in the same pan before making the sauce for an earthy twist.
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Use Shallots or Garlic: Sauté finely chopped shallots or garlic for an added aromatic base.
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Try Different Mustards: A spicy brown or honey mustard could bring a whole new flavor profile.
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Make It Spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
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Add Vegetables: Toss in baby spinach or peas at the end for added color and nutrition.
Serving Ideas and Presentation
Presentation counts, especially if you’re serving guests. Spoon the sauce over the chicken in a shallow bowl or large plate, garnish with chopped herbs, and pair it with a side that absorbs sauce beautifully. If you’re aiming for a more rustic vibe, a cast iron skillet presentation with toasted baguette slices can be both practical and stylish.
You can also slice the chicken diagonally before serving, fanning out the pieces for a more refined look. Drizzle the sauce carefully and finish with a crack of black pepper or a few sprigs of fresh thyme or tarragon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck—this dish reheats beautifully.
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: The sauce may separate slightly when frozen, but it can still be reheated gently with stirring.
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Reheating: Use low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Avoid microwaving on high, as it can overcook the chicken and cause the sauce to break.
Why This Dish Belongs in Every Home Cook’s Repertoire
Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce exemplifies how a few well-chosen ingredients can deliver maximum flavor and sophistication. It’s easy enough for beginners, yet impressive enough for seasoned cooks who want a go-to recipe that never fails.
It’s also one of those rare recipes that feels luxurious without requiring hours of prep. The balance of rich cream and tangy mustard makes it universally appealing, and its adaptability ensures that it will evolve with your culinary creativity.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests, treat your family, or simply elevate your weekly dinner rotation, this dish is a guaranteed winner.
Conclusion
If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-master chicken dish, look no further. Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce delivers everything you want: speed, flavor, and just enough elegance to feel special.
It’s a dish you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or entertaining guests. Add this to your recipe arsenal, and it might just become your new favorite chicken dinner.