Chicken breast in Dijon mustard cream sauce
Easy

Chicken with Dijon Mustard Sauce

(756)
30 min4370 cal

By Chef Marco Deluca·Red Seal Certified Chef|June 15, 2025

A French bistro classic popular throughout Québec — tender chicken in a tangy Dijon mustard cream sauce. Simple, elegant, and ready in 30 minutes. The sharpness of the mustard balances perfectly with the richness of the cream.

cheesy-chickenpoulet-moutardefrench-bistroquick-dinner

Ingredients

Servings:
4

Instructions

👨‍🍳Chef's Notes

Mise en Place Saves Time

Even for quick recipes, spend 3 minutes measuring and prepping everything before you turn on the heat. It sounds counterintuitive, but it actually speeds up cooking because you're never scrambling mid-recipe.

Bring to Room Temperature

Take chicken out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks unevenly — the outside overcooks while the centre stays underdone.

About This Recipe

Chicken with Dijon Mustard Sauce is a beloved dish that embodies the essence of French-Canadian cuisine. The sharp tang of Dijon mustard melds beautifully with the creamy texture of the sauce, creating a delightful balance that transforms simple chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a classic bistro staple that resonates with home cooks across Québec, especially when the cold nights call for something warm and comforting.

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and elegance. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic shallots, and a splash of dry white wine creates a luxurious sauce that encapsulates the heart of French cooking. The addition of fresh tarragon or thyme elevates the dish, providing a fragrant herbaceous note that complements the mustard's sharpness. Whether you're serving it over fluffy mashed potatoes or alongside a crisp green salad, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Tips for the Best Chicken with Dijon Mustard Sauce

To ensure your chicken stays juicy and perfectly cooked, aim for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Start by searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with butter and olive oil to lock in moisture before adding the shallots and deglazing with white wine. Keep the sauce simmering gently to thicken without overcooking the chicken. This technique will help you achieve the ideal texture and prevent dryness, allowing the flavors to shine through.

What to Serve With It

For a delightful serving suggestion, plate your Chicken with Dijon Mustard Sauce atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the sauce to pool around the chicken for an indulgent experience. Pair it with steamed asparagus or a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish. A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully, making for an exquisite dining experience at home.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. In the fridge, it will keep well for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. If you wish to freeze the dish, it’s best to do so without the sauce, as cream can separate. Freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition Per Serving

370
Calories
35g
Protein
20g
Fat
8g
Carbs
Fiber0g
Sugar2g
Sodium620mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?+

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the desired doneness.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?+

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of Greek yogurt and chicken broth. However, this will alter the richness of the sauce.

Is there a vegan alternative for this dish?+

You can try using tofu or tempeh in place of chicken and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative. Just be mindful of adjusting the seasonings accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?+

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the chicken. Reheat the sauce and cook the chicken just before serving to ensure freshness.

What type of white wine is best for the sauce?+

A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay works wonderfully in this recipe. Avoid sweet wines, as they can alter the flavor profile of the sauce.

Reviews

4.8 / 5 (756 reviews)
Justin C.
May 24, 2025

Made this twice already this month. So delicious!

Emily T.
Nov 19, 2025

Easy to follow and turned out amazing. A new favourite.

Michelle I.
Sep 25, 2025

Best chicken recipe I have tried in a long time.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep:
10 min
Cook:
20 min
Total:
30 min
Servings:
4
Difficulty:
Easy

Pro Tips

  • 1Add mustard off heat or on low heat — boiling can make it bitter.
  • 2Use both Dijon and whole grain for flavour and texture.
  • 3Fresh tarragon is the classic herb pairing with mustard sauce.

Variations

  • Add mushrooms for poulet aux champignons et moutarde.
  • Use bone-in thighs and braise in the sauce for 40 minutes.
  • Honey-mustard version: add 1 tbsp honey.
  • Gratinée with breadcrumbs and Gruyère under the broiler.

Cheesy Chicken

Chicken with Dijon Mustard Sauce

Craving something incredible? This Chicken with Dijon Mustard Sauce never disappoints.

by ChickenRecipes.ca

Chicken breast in Dijon mustard cream sauce
Chef Marco Deluca

Chef Marco Deluca

Head Chef & Recipe Developer

Marco is a Red Seal certified chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience across Canada. After training at George Brown College in Toronto and working in acclaimed restaurants from Vancouver to Montreal, he founded ChickenRecipes.ca to share his expertise with home cooks. Marco specializes in making restaurant-quality chicken dishes accessible for everyday Canadian kitchens.

Red Seal Certified ChefGeorge Brown College Culinary Arts Graduate15+ years professional kitchen experience

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