French Mustard Chicken

Let’s take a quick trip to the French countryside—no passport needed. French Mustard Chicken is rich, tangy, creamy, and comforting in all the right ways. Picture this: tender chicken thighs simmering in a silky mustard cream sauce with hints of garlic, shallots, and herbs. It’s rustic and cozy, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.

This dish is basically like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or buttery noodles, it’s going to be love at first bite. And the best part? It’s shockingly easy to pull off. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love French Mustard Chicken

Elegant Comfort Food: It tastes like you spent hours cooking, but it’s ready in under an hour.

That Sauce Though: The creamy Dijon and whole-grain mustard sauce is tangy, savory, and downright addictive.

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, which means easy cleanup (and more time to enjoy the wine).

Weeknight-Friendly: Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and minimal prep make this totally doable on busy nights.

Customizable: Add mushrooms, swap the cream for crème fraîche, or use chicken breasts if that’s your vibe.

Ingredients in French Mustard Chicken

This dish is all about layering classic flavors into something magical:

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless—whatever you prefer. Thighs stay juicy and flavorful.
• Dijon Mustard: The star of the show. Tangy and smooth, it gives the sauce its signature bite.
• Whole Grain Mustard: For texture and a pop of flavor. It adds a nice little zing.
• Heavy Cream: Makes everything rich and silky.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and balances out the richness of the cream.
• Shallots or Onions: Gently sweet and aromatic.
• Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic.
• Thyme: Earthy and herby—fresh or dried both work great.
• Butter & Olive Oil: For that golden sear and added richness.
• Salt & Pepper: Basic, but essential for building flavor.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Season chicken generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat a combo of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Lower the heat and add chopped shallots and garlic. Sauté for a minute or two until fragrant and softened.

3. Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Add chicken broth to the pan and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom (hello, flavor!). Stir in Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard until smooth.

4. Add the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

5. Return the Chicken

Nestle the chicken back into the pan, spoon some sauce over the top, and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is luscious.

6. Taste and Adjust

Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt, pepper, or a tiny splash of lemon juice if you want to brighten it up.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with your favorite sides and maybe a glass of white wine—just saying.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 32g

• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 130mg
  Sodium: 750mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 2g
  Protein: 33g
  Vitamin A: 20%
  Vitamin C: 5%
  Calcium: 8%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve French Mustard Chicken

With Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate pairing. That sauce over mash? Pure heaven.

With Crusty Bread: Don’t let a drop of that sauce go to waste—mop it up with a warm baguette.

Over Egg Noodles or Rice: Something starchy to soak up all the creamy goodness.

With Roasted Veggies: Carrots, green beans, or asparagus are perfect light sides.

Next to a Simple Salad: Add some greens with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Additional Tips

Use Bone-In Thighs for More Flavor: But if you’re short on time, boneless works too.

Let the Sauce Thicken Naturally: Don’t rush it—gentle simmering creates a luxurious texture.

Add Mushrooms or Leeks: They complement the flavors beautifully and add a bit of earthiness.

Make It Boozy: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine for an extra layer of French flair.

Reheat Gently: To avoid splitting the sauce, reheat leftovers over low heat.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

A1: Yes! Just be sure not to overcook them—they’ll cook a bit faster than thighs.

Q2: Is there a dairy-free alternative to cream?

A2: Coconut cream can work, though the flavor will be slightly different. Unsweetened oat cream is another solid option.

Q3: What kind of mustard works best?

A3: Dijon is essential, but whole grain mustard adds texture and complexity. You can adjust the ratio to your taste.

Q4: Can I freeze French Mustard Chicken?

A4: You can freeze the chicken and sauce, but keep in mind that cream sauces can separate when reheated. Stir gently when warming it up.

Q5: What can I use instead of shallots?

A5: Yellow onions or leeks work just fine. Shallots add a slightly milder flavor, but both are delicious.

Q6: How do I make this dish lighter?

A6: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and opt for skinless chicken. You’ll still get a ton of flavor with a lighter feel.

Q7: Is this dish spicy?

A7: Not at all! The mustards bring flavor, not heat. If you like spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick.

Q8: What herbs can I add for more flavor?

A8: Fresh rosemary, tarragon, or even a bay leaf while simmering would be lovely additions.

Q9: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

A9: It’s not ideal—this dish benefits from searing and simmering the chicken in the sauce. But if needed, stir in chopped cooked chicken and warm through gently.

Q10: What wine pairs best with this dish?

A10: A crisp white like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a light Pinot Gris pairs beautifully with the mustard and cream.

Conclusion

French Mustard Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can create something seriously special. It’s cozy, elegant, and bursting with flavor—like a little piece of France right at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself (because you totally deserve it), this dish delivers every single time. Bon appétit!

Print