Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Total Carbohydrate 4g2%
- Protein 42g84%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
When I think about the perfect dinner, creamy Dijon chicken comes to mind. Picture this: succulent chicken breasts bathed in a velvety Dijon cream sauce. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe in my rotation. As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’ve spent years perfecting this dish.
Join me as we explore what makes creamy Dijon chicken irresistible, the ingredients you’ll need, and all the tips I’ve gathered to make it the star of your dinner table.
Creamy Dijon chicken is a dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a silky sauce made from heavy cream and Dijon mustard. The sauce has a delightful tang from the mustard and a richness that makes it truly comforting. This dish is perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you're craving something hearty but not overly complicated to prepare.
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This recipe won’t just fill you up; it’ll also delight your taste buds. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy and tangy. If you love classic flavors with a twist, this dish checks all the boxes:
Quick Prep: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
Elevated Comfort Food: The creaminess transforms the humble chicken into something special.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies – it adapts beautifully to your favorite sides.
To create this delicious masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Making creamy Dijon chicken is straightforward. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Start with the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve that beautiful golden crust. Season both sides generously with sea salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—careful not to burn it! Next, deglaze the skillet with white wine, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. This adds flavor to your sauce. Let the wine simmer for 1-2 minutes, reducing slightly.
Now, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine everything thoroughly. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, letting it thicken slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer together for another minute or two. This is where the chicken absorbs more flavors from that luscious sauce.
To finish, sprinkle the chopped parsley over your dish for a fresh touch. Plate the chicken with a generous helping of sauce drizzled on top.
Here are some handy tips I’ve gathered along the way to elevate your creamy Dijon chicken even further:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, garlic, and lemon significantly enhance the flavor.
Pick Quality Wine: A good wine elevates your sauce. Don’t use cooking wine; pick something you’d enjoy drinking.
Don’t Skip the Zest: Lemon zest adds a punch of flavor that balances the richness.
Let It Rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
Adjust for Spice: If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
The creamy Dijon chicken packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings):
This dish is rich in protein and offers a moderate fat content, thanks to the cream. Always consider pairing it with healthier sides like steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
Absolutely! This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just ensure you let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. If you’re making it ahead, prepare the sauce separately and combine before serving.
Now that you have this savory chicken dish, you might wonder what goes well with it. Here are a few side options:
Steamed Green Beans: The crunch and freshness balance the creamy sauce perfectly.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice complements the flavors beautifully.
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations to customize your creamy Dijon chicken:
Herbed Dijon Chicken: Add a tablespoon of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for a fragrant twist.
Mushroom Dijon Chicken: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic before adding the wine for an earthy flavor enhancement.
Spinach and Dijon Chicken: Stir in some fresh spinach just before serving; it wilts beautifully and adds a pop of color and nutrition.
Mustard & Honey Glazed Chicken: Mix in a tablespoon or two of honey with the Dijon for a sweet-tangy glaze.
Citrusy Dijon Chicken: Add orange juice and zest along with the lemon for a more vibrant, citrusy flavor profile.
Creamy Dijon chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. Throughout this exploration, I’ve shared the heart of what makes this dish so special, from the rich, flavorful sauce to the tender chicken. Whether you’re whipping it up on a hectic weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this recipe offers just the right touch of sophistication and simplicity.
As you set the table and plate the chicken, don’t forget to savor the moment and enjoy the flavors. With each bite, you’ll experience why creamy Dijon chicken is destined to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. So, grab those ingredients and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s sure to delight!
Creamy Dijon chicken is a dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a silky sauce made from heavy cream and Dijon mustard. The sauce has a delightful tang from the mustard and a richness that makes it truly comforting. This dish is perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you're craving something hearty but not overly complicated to prepare.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Here are some handy tips I’ve gathered along the way to elevate your creamy Dijon chicken even further:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, garlic, and lemon significantly enhance the flavor.
Pick Quality Wine: A good wine elevates your sauce. Don’t use cooking wine; pick something you’d enjoy drinking.
Don’t Skip the Zest: Lemon zest adds a punch of flavor that balances the richness.
Let It Rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
Adjust for Spice: If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Martha Adams is a registered dietitian and the creator of Cheap Delicious Meals, a blog focused on making healthy, tasty, and affordable meals accessible to all. With over a decade of experience, Martha combines her expertise in nutrition with a passion for budget-friendly cooking. Her goal is to inspire people to eat well without overspending.