Looking for a flavorful dinner option that’s both sophisticated and simple to prepare? This Easy French Mustard Chicken delivers rich, tangy flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken bathed in a creamy mustard sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your home kitchen. This French-inspired dish transforms everyday chicken into something truly special, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Easy French Mustard Chicken Ingredients & Preparation
Meat Prep Essentials
Before cooking your chicken, proper preparation ensures the best results. Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken thighs or breasts. For even cooking, pound thicker pieces to a uniform thickness. For extra juiciness, consider dry-brining your chicken by sprinkling salt on both sides and letting it rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before cooking.
Marinades & Rubs
For this Easy French Mustard Chicken, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for slight sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, though overnight marinating will infuse even more bold flavor.
Pantry Staples
Keep these items on hand for the perfect mustard chicken:
- Olive oil for searing
- Fresh herbs like thyme and tarragon
- Lemon juice for brightness and natural tenderizing
- Chicken broth for creating the sauce
- Heavy cream for richness (can substitute with coconut cream)
Step-by-Step Easy French Mustard Chicken Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep
Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat the surface dry with paper towels (leaving some marinade on is fine) and season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Cooking Method
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken pieces skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- In the same pan, add 1 cup chicken broth and 1/2 cup cream, scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Add 2-3 more tablespoons of mustard, stirring to combine.
- Return chicken to the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
Doneness Check
Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part to confirm doneness without cutting into the meat.
Resting
Allow the cooked chicken to rest in the sauce for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Easy French Mustard Chicken
Avoiding Tough/Dry Meat
- Don’t overcook the chicken – this is the number one reason for dry results
- Keep the sauce simmering gently, not boiling vigorously
- Baste the chicken occasionally with the sauce while it cooks
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the juiciest results (though boneless works too)
Tool Recommendations
A heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron or stainless steel, provides even heat distribution for perfect browning. A reliable meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness, and silicone-tipped tongs help turn the chicken without piercing it.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to refresh the sauce. This dish actually tastes even better the next day!
Flavor Variations for Easy French Mustard Chicken
Herbal Enhancement
Add a tablespoon of fresh chopped tarragon just before serving for an authentic French touch. The slight anise flavor pairs beautifully with mustard.
Health-Conscious Option
For a lighter version, use boneless skinless chicken breasts and substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt mixed with a little chicken broth.
Global Flavors
Try adding a teaspoon of curry powder for an unexpected twist, or incorporate Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and oregano for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for Easy French Mustard Chicken
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with Apple Pie Cupcakes for dessert. Serve the chicken over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Add a side of steamed green beans or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal.
For beverages, try sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a crisp apple cider to complement the tangy mustard sauce.
FAQs About Easy French Mustard Chicken
Can I Use Boneless Chicken?
Yes! While bone-in chicken provides more flavor, boneless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Simply adjust cooking time accordingly – boneless pieces will cook faster, usually in 6-8 minutes per side.
How Do I Fix a Broken Sauce?
If your sauce looks separated, whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of flour mixed with water, or remove the chicken and whisk the sauce vigorously over low heat until it recombines.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully and many say it tastes even better the next day. Prepare it up to 2 days ahead and gently reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This Easy French Mustard Chicken combines simple ingredients to create a luxurious, restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The tangy mustard sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a dish that will become a regular request at your dinner table.
For dessert, consider making White Chocolate Cranberry Tart or Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars to complete your meal.
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