Introduction
This delicious chicken recipe will take your taste buds on a flavorful journey with its creamy Dijon sauce and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish pairs beautifully with egg noodles or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile option that everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 cup frozen sweet peas (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
– Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels.
– Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken:
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
– Add the chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes per side.
– Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
– In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
– Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and lightly browned.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
– Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
– Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes.
– Whisk in the Dijon mustard and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth.
– Add the fresh thyme and rosemary, stirring to combine.
– If using, add the frozen sweet peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
5. Combine and Serve:
– Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
– Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for a few minutes to ensure the chicken is warmed through.
– Serve the chicken with the creamy Dijon sauce over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken cutlets and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 3 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping it warm.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
Prepare the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. Whisk in the Dijon mustard and heavy cream until the sauce is smooth. Add the fresh thyme and rosemary, stirring to combine. If using, add the frozen sweet peas and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for a few minutes to ensure the chicken is warmed through. Serve the chicken with the creamy Dijon sauce over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Chicken Cutlets:
Make sure to evenly halve the chicken breasts to ensure they cook properly and within the same timeframe.
Cooking Time:
Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks to prevent over-browning, adjust the heat as needed.
Flavor Adjustments:
Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the sauce to your personal taste.
Optional Ingredients:
The addition of sweet peas is optional; they add a pop of color and sweetness.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs well with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Cook techniques
Preparing Chicken Cutlets
Pat the chicken dry to ensure a good sear and season both sides with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
Cooking Chicken
Sear chicken cutlets in a skillet over medium heat with olive oil and butter for a golden crust, cooking about 3 minutes per side until cooked through.
Sautéing Aromatics
Use the same skillet to sauté onions until they are softened and caramelized, then add minced garlic for flavor, cooking briefly to avoid burning.
Creating the Sauce
Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, allowing it to simmer and dissolve browned bits. Whisk in Dijon mustard and heavy cream for a rich, smooth sauce.
Incorporating Herbs
Add fresh thyme and rosemary to the sauce, which will infuse flavor and aroma, enhancing the overall dish.
Cooking Sweet Peas
If desired, stir in frozen sweet peas during the final stages of sauce preparation, ensuring they are heated through without overcooking.
Combining Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the sauce, allowing it to simmer together briefly to meld flavors before serving.
FAQ
Can I use chicken with skin on for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken with skin on, but you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, sour cream, or Greek yogurt as alternatives, but the sauce texture and richness may vary.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
How can I thicken the sauce if it is too thin?
You can simmer the sauce longer to reduce it or mix a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) and stir it in to thicken.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat gently before serving to maintain quality.
Conclusion
This creamy Dijon chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors that elevate the simple chicken breast to a gourmet dish. The fragrant herbs, rich sauce, and the potential addition of sweet peas create a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests alike.
Chicken with Mushroom Sauce
Replace the Dijon mustard with mushrooms sautéed in the pan, and use a splash of white wine in the sauce for a rich, earthy flavor.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Incorporate fresh lemon juice and zest along with garlic in the sauté process, creating a bright and zesty version of the dish.
Herb Roasted Vegetables
Serve the chicken with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers, seasoned with thyme and rosemary.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Stuff the chicken cutlets with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs before cooking for a flavorful twist.
Honey Mustard Glaze
Mix honey with Dijon mustard to create a sweet glaze, applying it to the chicken before pan-searing for a caramelized crust.
Pasta Primavera
Toss cooked pasta with sautéed seasonal vegetables and the creamy sauce for a hearty vegetarian option, leaving out the chicken.
Cauliflower Rice Bowl
Serve the creamy chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative that still satisfies.
Thai Coconut Curry Chicken
Substitute chicken broth with coconut milk and add curry paste to create a Thai-inspired version packed with exotic flavors.
