Creamy Dijon Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts, a creamy sauce with the tang of Dijon mustard, and fresh spinach. It’s quick to make, with a total cook time of just 25 minutes, and delivers a comforting, satisfying meal. The creamy Dijon sauce is both savory and slightly tangy, perfectly complementing the chicken. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with various sides like cauliflower rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. This dish is sure to become a favorite for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 thinly sliced chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons butter (divided)

For the Sauce:

½ cup diced yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 ½ cups chopped fresh spinach

Optional Add-ins:

1 tablespoon chicken broth (to help deglaze the pan and add depth)
Fresh herbs for garnish (thyme or parsley)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Season the Chicken:

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
Cook for 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

4. Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce:

Add 1 tablespoon of chicken broth to the skillet (this will help deglaze the pan and add flavor). Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard to the skillet, whisking until well combined. Let the sauce cook for 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

5. Add the Spinach:

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

6. Combine the Chicken with the Sauce:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy Dijon sauce. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

7. Serve:

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or a light salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Tips & Variations

• Extra Flavor: Add 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan to the sauce for an extra cheesy depth.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a little heat.

• Vegetable Add-ins: Stir in some mushrooms or asparagus when cooking the onion for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover creamy Dijon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this recipe with a dairy-free substitute?

Yes, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, and choose a dairy-free butter alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.

3. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check with a meat thermometer for accuracy.

4. Can I add other greens to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other greens like kale, arugula, or Swiss chard to the sauce for a different flavor and texture.

5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently before adding the chicken.

6. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, to make it spicier, add more jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

7. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with water) to thicken it quickly.

8. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker with the sauce ingredients. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, and then add the spinach during the last 30 minutes.

9. Can I freeze the creamy Dijon chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or broth if necessary.

10. What can I serve with creamy Dijon chicken?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Dijon Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for busy nights or special dinners. The rich, creamy sauce with the tangy Dijon mustard and fresh spinach creates a mouthwatering combination that complements the tender chicken. Whether you’re serving it with veggies, rice, or a salad, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation!

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