Introduction
Creamy Dijon Chicken is an exquisite dish that balances the rich flavors of chicken with a velvety sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your guests while remaining simple enough for a weeknight meal. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a comforting and satisfying dish full of aromatic herbs and creamy goodness.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
½ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 cup frozen sweet peas (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
– Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
– In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and melt the butter.
– Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
– Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Sauté the Aromatics:
– In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan:
– Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
– Allow the broth to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Prepare the Sauce:
– Stir in the Dijon mustard and honey until well combined.
– Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
– Add the fresh thyme and rosemary, and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add Optional Ingredients:
– If using, add the frozen sweet peas to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
– Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
– Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is warmed through and infused with the sauce flavors.
Garnish and Serve:
– Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
– Serve the creamy Dijon chicken over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or your preferred side dish.
Notes
Ingredient Adjustments:
– Feel free to adjust the amount of mustard and honey to suit your taste preferences.
Substitutions:
– You can use fresh peas instead of frozen if available.
– For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Storage:
– Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
– This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Seasoning the Chicken
Properly seasoning the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances its flavor. Season both sides evenly to ensure a balanced taste.
Pan-Sealing Chicken
Pan-sealing involves cooking the chicken in hot oil and butter until golden brown on both sides. This technique locks in moisture and creates a desirable crust.
Sautéing Aromatics
Sautéing the onion and garlic in the same skillet allows the flavors to build while using the residual fats from the chicken. Cook until the onion is translucent for the best flavor base.
Deglazing
Deglazing involves adding a liquid (in this case, chicken broth) to the skillet to loosen and dissolve browned bits stuck to the bottom. This creates a rich flavor for the sauce.
Creating a Sauce
Combining Dijon mustard and honey with heavy cream creates a creamy, flavorful sauce. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth texture and allow it to thicken slightly.
Incorporating Peas
Adding frozen sweet peas towards the end of cooking helps maintain their bright color and tender texture. Heat them just until warmed through.
Combining Chicken and Sauce
Nestling the chicken back into the sauce allows it to absorb flavors while ensuring it stays warm. Simmering briefly at the end helps meld all elements together.
Garnishing
Sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish adds a burst of color and a hint of freshness, enhancing presentation and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it is fully cooked.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative, but the sauce may not be as rich or thick.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of butter, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, during the sautéing step to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.
What side dishes pair well with creamy Dijon chicken?
This dish pairs well with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
This creamy Dijon chicken dish serves as a delightful and comforting meal, featuring the perfect balance of flavors from fresh herbs, mustard, and honey. The combination of tender chicken breasts and a rich sauce makes it a versatile choice for various sides, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken with Lemon and Capers
Enhance the chicken dish by adding fresh lemon juice and capers for a zesty twist to the creamy sauce.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce for a richer flavor and top with toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.
Spinach and Artichoke Chicken
Stir in chopped spinach and artichoke hearts into the sauce to create a creamy and indulgent experience that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
Chicken Marsala
Replace the chicken broth with Marsala wine and add mushrooms to the recipe for a savory, classic Italian flavor.
Honey Garlic Chicken
Increase the amount of honey and add soy sauce to create a sweet and savory dish that pairs nicely with steamed jasmine rice.
Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk
Infuse the sauce with curry powder and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a fragrant, exotic dish that transports your taste buds.
Vegetable-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Stuff the chicken breasts with a mixture of cream cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes before cooking for an added flavor burst.
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Add broccoli florets and shredded cheese to the sauce and bake for a delightful casserole that the whole family will enjoy.
