Succulent Chicken Breasts in a Luxurious Mustard Cream Sauce

Introduction

Elevate your weeknight dinners with these Succulent Chicken Breasts in a Luxurious Mustard Cream Sauce – a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Imagine perfectly seared chicken breasts smothered in a velvety sauce with the perfect balance of tangy Dijon, sweet shallots, and rich cream. This French-inspired dish transforms basic ingredients into an elegant meal that’s sure to impress, ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Why This Chicken Dish Will Become Your New Favorite

Restaurant-worthy with home kitchen ease
Perfect texture – juicy chicken with silky sauce
Sophisticated flavors – complex yet approachable
Versatile pairing – complements countless sides

The magic happens when the mustard’s acidity cuts through the rich cream, creating a sauce that’s both light and indulgent, while the pan-seared chicken develops a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture.

Ingredients for Culinary Excellence

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Mustard Cream Sauce

• 2 shallots (finely minced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tbsp butter

Chef’s Tip: Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika
2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Sear chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden (165°F internal temp)
4. Transfer to plate and tent with foil

2. Build the Sauce

1. In same skillet, sauté shallots 2 minutes until soft
2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant
3. Deglaze with chicken stock, scraping up browned bits
4. Stir in mustards and thyme
5. Simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly

3. Finish the Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium, whisk in cream
2. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened
3. Remove from heat, swirl in butter
4. Season to taste

4. Serve with Elegance

1. Slice chicken on the diagonal
2. Arrange on warm plates
3. Spoon sauce generously over top
4. Garnish with fresh thyme

Professional Techniques for Perfect Results

Sear chicken properly – don’t move until golden crust forms
Balance mustard types – Dijon for smoothness, whole grain for texture
Add fresh herbs last – preserves their brightness
Swirl in cold butter at end for glossy finish

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairings:

• Buttered egg noodles
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted asparagus

Wine Recommendation:

• Chardonnay (buttery)
• Pinot Noir (light red)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking chicken (becomes dry)
Boiling the sauce (may break)
Using low-fat cream (won’t thicken properly)
Skipping the shallots (provide essential sweetness)

Creative Variations

For Different Tastes:

• Mushroom lovers: Add sautéed cremini mushrooms
• Herbaceous: Substitute tarragon for thyme
• Spicy kick: Include ½ tsp cayenne

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Absolutely! Adjust cooking time to 175°F internal temp.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate 3 days – reheat gently with splash of cream.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use coconut cream and olive oil instead.

Q: What if my sauce is too thin?
A: Simmer longer or add 1 tsp cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

This Succulent Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce proves that elegant dining doesn’t require complicated techniques. With its perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors, it’s guaranteed to become your new go-to recipe for both weeknights and special occasions.

Final Chef’s Secret: For extra richness, baste the chicken with sauce during the last minute of cooking. The combination of juicy poultry and luxurious sauce creates a dish that’s comforting yet sophisticated – perfect for any table!

Succulent Chicken Breasts in a Luxurious Mustard Cream Sauce

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• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 35 mins

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Description

Transform your chicken dinner with this rich and flavorful dish. These Succulent Chicken Breasts in a Luxurious Mustard Cream Sauce are perfect for a special meal, combining tender chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

 

Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

 

Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and fresh thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

 

Add the cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

 

Return the chicken: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the sauce and heat through.

 

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.