Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce

Name: Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Home Quick Meals Collection

I absolutely love making Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce for dinner. It's one of those recipes that never fails to impress. The creaminess of the sauce combined with the tangy Dijon mustard elevates juicy chicken breasts into an elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a quick and easy recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a fantastic weeknight meal. Whether I’m cooking for my family or entertaining friends, this dish always leaves everyone asking for seconds!

Created by

Nola Patterson

Last updated on 2026-01-07T14:57:34.650Z

When I first made this dish, I was blown away by how simple yet flavorful it turned out! The key is to sear the chicken breasts until they’re golden brown before introducing the creamy sauce. This process locks in flavor and ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender. I remember thinking how a few ingredients could create such a delightful combination. I love serving this with a side of steamed vegetables and a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.

Another tip I discovered is to let the sauce simmer for just a couple of minutes after adding the cream. This makes it velvety and rich without curdling. Each time I prepare this dish, I find new ways to enjoy it, whether it's drizzling extra sauce over a salad or mixing in some sautéed mushrooms. It's truly a versatile recipe that keeps giving!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy Dijon sauce adds a rich flavor twist
Quick cooking time perfect for busy weeknights
Impressive presentation for special occasions

      

Perfectly Seared Chicken

Searing the chicken breasts to golden perfection is a critical step in this recipe. When you heat the olive oil, ensure it's shimmering hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that desirable crust while locking in moisture. I typically aim for a medium-high heat, as too low will lead to steaming rather than searing. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is not only golden brown but also reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Once seared, don't rush to slice the chicken immediately. Let it rest for a few minutes after removing from the skillet, which allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier and more flavorful bite. This practice is crucial, especially when you're aiming to impress guests or family with perfectly cooked chicken.

Mastering the Creamy Dijon Sauce

The rich flavors of the Creamy Dijon Sauce come from the careful balance of heavy cream and Dijon mustard. The cream adds a luxurious texture that complements the spiciness of the Dijon. As you whisk these ingredients together in the skillet, it's essential to keep the heat low after adding the cream to prevent it from curdling. The goal is a smooth and glossy sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally, until it coats the back of a spoon. Conversely, if the sauce gets too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. This flexibility allows you to achieve your desired consistency without compromising flavor.

Serving and Variations

This dish is versatile when it comes to serving options. Pair it with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a light salad to balance the richness of the sauce. For a gourmet touch, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added flavor and texture. These additions can significantly enhance the dish, making it feel more indulgent yet simple to prepare.

If you're looking to stretch this recipe for larger gatherings, simply increase the amounts of chicken and sauce proportionally. You can also prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before adding in the seared chicken. This makes it an ideal candidate for meal prep, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully when stored in the fridge and reheated.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Make sure to wash and prepare all ingredients before you start cooking.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal:

Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Then reduce the heat to medium-low, pour in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, whisking to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combine and Serve

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating them well with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional minute to warm the chicken through. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For an added flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken for a couple of hours in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for lighter options, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This will reduce the calorie count but still yield a creamy sauce, although the texture may be a tad lighter. As for Dijon mustard, feel free to experiment with whole grain mustard for added texture or honey mustard if you prefer a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Should you be gluten-sensitive, double-check the Dijon brand for gluten-free status, as not all mustards are created equal. You can also substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option — just adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may require a few extra minutes to reach the same internal temperature.

Make-Ahead Tips

This dish can easily be made ahead of time, especially useful for busy weeknights. Simply prepare the chicken and the sauce separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of the creamy sauce to keep it moist. This method helps you save time while still enjoying a fresh meal.

For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a blend of olive oil, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic for a few hours (or even overnight). The longer it marinates, the more pronounced the flavors will develop, resulting in a more robust and tender chicken that pairs perfectly with the sauce.

Reheating and Storage

When storing leftovers, keep the chicken and sauce separate to maintain the best texture. The sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to three days and reheats beautifully over low heat on the stovetop. If frozen, however, note that the sauce’s texture may change; to help mitigate this, stir in a bit of cream after thawing to regain some creaminess.

To ensure food safety, always ensure the chicken is reheated to at least 165°F before consuming. If you’ve made a larger batch, consider using the leftovers in sandwiches or salads, allowing for creative repurposing while extending the life of this delicious dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad for a light meal.