Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, you’ve found your new favorite: Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce. This recipe blends tender chicken breast with juicy mushrooms, all coated in a luscious, tangy Dijon cream sauce that’s incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for those weeknight dinners when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying, this dish balances savory depth with a smooth, rich sauce that never overwhelms the palate. You’ll love how each bite balances earthy mushrooms, bright dijon mustard, and tender chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Flavorful: The creamy Dijon sauce adds a delicious tang and richness.
- Versatile Ingredients: Simple pantry staples create a gourmet-tasting meal.
- Comforting and Elegant: It feels special but requires minimal effort.
- Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as amazing the next day when reheated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with a handful of essential ingredients that each add their own magic: juicy chicken brings the protein, mushrooms add earthiness and texture, while Dijon mustard and cream create the signature sauce that ties everything together with tang and smoothness. Fresh herbs and aromatics layer in the final depth of flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless for quick cooking and juicy bites.
- Fresh mushrooms: Cremini or white button mushrooms provide the perfect earthy note.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture of the sauce.
- Garlic and shallots: Infuse the dish with savory, aromatic layers.
- Chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds subtle savory depth.
- Butter and olive oil: Essential for sautéing and building flavor.
- Fresh thyme or parsley: For a fresh herbal finish.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the ingredients.
Variations for Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce
This recipe is a fantastic foundation you can easily personalize to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Feel free to experiment with different mushrooms, add extra veggies, or swap the cream for lighter options if you prefer.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly sauce.
- Add more veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or asparagus for extra color and nutrition.
- Use different proteins: Try turkey cutlets or pork chops if you want a twist on the classic.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- Swap cream types: Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce version.
How to Make Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics
In the same pan, add a little more butter if needed and toss in sliced mushrooms, shallots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden and the shallots are translucent, releasing a wonderful aroma.
Step 3: Build the Dijon Cream Sauce
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream, then let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens into a silky sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy mushroom sauce over each piece. Let everything heat through for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken and mushrooms in batches if needed to prevent steaming.
- Use room temperature chicken: Ensures even cooking and juicier meat.
- Choose the right mushrooms: Cremini or baby bella provide extra flavor depth.
- Deglaze thoroughly: Scraping the pan adds intense savory notes to the sauce.
- Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the cream to keep the sauce smooth and silky.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a bright pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that complements the creamy, savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or a simple green vegetable like steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli for a balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the chicken slices atop a bed of creamy polenta or wild rice for a rustic feel. Drizzle extra sauce over for a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more as the chicken absorbs the sauce.
Freezing
Freeze the cooked chicken and mushroom sauce in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat modest portions in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps restore the saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy, although cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, just be sure your Dijon mustard and chicken broth are gluten-free, which most brands offer nowadays.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it a bit longer to reduce, or whisk in a small slurry of cornstarch and water to achieve a creamier consistency.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and warm everything just before serving for a stress-free dinner prep.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce?
A lightly oaked Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir complements the creamy, earthy flavors without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully indulgent yet easy about Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce that makes it a go-to for any day of the week. From the tender chicken to the dreamy sauce bursting with tangy and savory notes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy a cozy, flavorful meal made effortlessly at home.
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PrintCreamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce
Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce is a quick, comforting, and elegant dish combining tender chicken breasts with juicy mushrooms in a luscious, tangy Dijon cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a rich and flavorful blend of savory mushrooms, bright mustard, and smooth cream that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 8 oz cremini or white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Condiments and Fats
- 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics: In the same pan, add additional butter if needed. Add sliced mushrooms, chopped shallots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms turn golden brown and the shallots become translucent, releasing a fragrant aroma, about 5-6 minutes.
- Build the Dijon Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the Dijon mustard and heavy cream. Allow the sauce to gently simmer until it thickens to a silky consistency, approximately 3-5 minutes. Avoid boiling to keep the sauce smooth.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy mushroom sauce over each piece. Heat everything through for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal finish.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken and mushrooms in batches if necessary to prevent steaming.
- Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicier texture.
- Cremini or baby bella mushrooms add extra flavor depth compared to white button mushrooms.
- Deglaze the pan thoroughly to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce gently to maintain smoothness and prevent cream from separating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken, Mushrooms, Dijon Sauce, Quick Dinner, Gluten Free, Easy Weeknight Meal
