Description
- French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) is a rich and creamy dish made with seared chicken simmered in a tangy Dijon mustard sauce, infused with herbs and finished with cream. It’s rustic, comforting, and bursting with elegant French flavor – perfect for a cozy dinner with a crusty baguette or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional for texture)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 small shallot, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Season and sear the chicken:
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside. -
Sauté aromatics:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add remaining butter, then sauté the chopped shallot for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. -
Deglaze the pan:
Pour in the white wine or broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly. -
Add mustards and cream:
Stir in Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard. Then add the cream and thyme, whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. -
Simmer chicken in sauce:
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). -
Garnish and serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
Notes
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No cream? Substitute with crème fraîche, sour cream, or Greek yogurt (add off-heat to avoid curdling).
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For extra richness: Add a splash of brandy or more butter at the end.
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Make it a full meal: Serve with green beans, roasted carrots, or over rice for a hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh/breast with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 135mg