If you’re searching for a dish that’s both elegantly French yet remarkably doable on a busy weeknight, look no further than French Mustard Chicken. This cozy skillet meal features tender chicken thighs cloaked in a creamy, tangy mustard sauce that’s bursting with flavor from a blend of two mustards, aromatic herbs, and just the right touch of richness. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want to impress without fuss, and I promise it’ll make you feel like you’ve brought a little corner bistro straight to your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Mustard Chicken lies in how a handful of basic but high-quality ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Each component plays an important role, from building a luscious sauce to layering in subtle flavors and textures.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, boneless, skinless thighs stay tender and soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: This classic French staple gives the dish its signature tang and depth—don’t skimp on quality.
- Whole grain mustard: Adds little pops of flavor and texture for a rustic, bistro-style finish.
- Heavy cream: Brings richness and silkiness to the sauce, balancing out the zippy mustards.
- Chicken broth: Deepens the savory, umami notes and prevents the sauce from being too thick.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve a gorgeous golden-brown sear on the chicken.
- Shallot: Adds mild, sweet onion flavor without overpowering the delicate sauce.
- Garlic: Lends aromatic warmth that’s absolutely essential in French cuisine.
- Fresh thyme: Adds an earthy, subtly floral note that loves mustard and cream.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors into balance.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end brings brightness and a pop of color.
How to Make French Mustard Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until each piece is golden-brown and cooked through. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set aside—don’t worry if some flavorful bits remain in the pan, as they’re pure gold for the sauce!
Step 2: Soften Aromatics
In the same skillet, add your finely chopped shallot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, letting them cook just another 30 seconds, until fragrant—your kitchen will already be smelling like a French countryside!
Step 3: Build the Mustard Sauce
Now it’s time for the stars of French Mustard Chicken: swirl in both Dijon and whole grain mustards, stirring well so they combine with the shallot, garlic, and any browned bits from the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, using your spoon to gently scrape up anything stuck to the bottom (hello, flavor!), and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Creamy Finish
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce comes together in a smooth, creamy consistency. Let it bubble for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken thighs and any juices back into the skillet, nestling them in the luscious mustard sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top, then simmer everything together for another 2–3 minutes. This lets the chicken soak up all those beautiful flavors, making each bite unforgettable.
How to Serve French Mustard Chicken
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh parsley just before serving awakens the whole dish with a breath of freshness and a hint of color that pops against the creamy sauce. If you love a little brightness, a tiny squeeze of lemon is also wonderful, though truly, the parsley alone does the trick for this French Mustard Chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish practically begs for something to soak up every last drop of its sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even hunks of crusty French bread are all fantastic choices. I’ve also had great results spooning it over tender green beans or wilted spinach for a lighter, veggie-forward touch. No one will complain about extra sauce—trust me!
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style comfort, serve French Mustard Chicken right from the skillet at the table—let everyone help themselves and mop up that sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, plate the chicken individually, swirling a generous spoonful of sauce underneath each thigh and topping with a handful of fresh herbs. Want to turn it into a French-inspired sandwich? Slice the chicken and tuck it with sauce into a toasted baguette for a decadent bistro lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover French Mustard Chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, so it’s every bit as delicious (maybe even better!) the next day. Store extra sauce separately if you can, so it reheats gently and evenly.
Freezing
This dish freezes like a dream! Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving a small gap for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When craving strikes, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently for a comforting, no-fuss meal.
Reheating
For best results, reheat French Mustard Chicken gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring the sauce and turning the chicken a few times until warmed through. If the sauce thickens up too much, splash in a bit of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back to velvety perfection. Individual portions can also be microwaved, just watch to avoid boiling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs offer extra juiciness, boneless chicken breasts work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—since breasts are leaner, try not to overcook, so they stay tender and moist in the creamy mustard sauce.
Is French Mustard Chicken spicy?
Not at all. The mustards add depth and tang, but no real heat. If you like a gentle kick, you could stir in a pinch of cayenne or a few grinds of black pepper, but it’s perfectly family-friendly as is.
Can I lighten up the sauce?
You sure can! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, slightly tangier version. The sauce will be a bit less rich, but still absolutely delicious and cling to the chicken beautifully.
What wine pairs well with French Mustard Chicken?
A crisp white like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and tangy mustard notes splendidly. If you prefer red, go for a light, juicy Pinot Noir—you won’t overpower the dish.
Can I make French Mustard Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the full recipe, let it cool, and store it as noted above. The flavors actually meld and intensify overnight, making it a wonderful make-ahead option for dinner parties or meal prepping.
Final Thoughts
There’s really nothing like the way French Mustard Chicken delivers gourmet comfort with hardly any effort. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a spirited family meal, this recipe shines every time. I can’t wait for you to taste it—gather your ingredients, pour yourself a little wine, and let this French classic whisk you away to something truly special!
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French Mustard Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This French Mustard Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs in a creamy, tangy mustard sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Mustard Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Additional:
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden.
- Prepare Sauce: Cook shallot, garlic, and thyme. Add Dijon and whole grain mustards, chicken broth, and cream.
- Simmer: Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
