Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce

Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce

If you’re craving a dish that’s both indulgently rich and wonderfully comforting, this Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce is absolutely for you. Imagine tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce combining earthy mushrooms and the tangy kick of Dijon mustard—creating a harmony of flavors that’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. This recipe blends simplicity with elegance, making it accessible for cooks of all levels while delivering deep, satisfying tastes that keep everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich and Creamy Texture: The velvety sauce coats every bite for a comforting mouthfeel.
  • Flavorful Depth: Mushrooms and Dijon mustard create a deliciously balanced tang and earthiness.
  • Versatile Meal: Works well with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
  • Impress Without Stress: Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for everyday dining.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce are straightforward but essential to building layers of flavor and texture. Each one has a role, whether it’s tenderizing the meat, adding umami, or giving the sauce its characteristic tang and creaminess.

  • Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, for even cooking and juicy texture.
  • Fresh mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms lend earthy notes and meaty weight.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that brightens the sauce.
  • Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, creamy base for the sauce.
  • Garlic: Provides aromatic warmth and depth.
  • Shallots or onion: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
  • Chicken broth: Balances richness while enhancing overall flavor.
  • Olive oil or butter: For sautéing and enriching taste.
  • Fresh herbs: Thyme or parsley for freshness and a pop of color.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the best in every ingredient.

Variations for Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to tweak it to your liking, dietary needs, or what you have available on hand. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

  • Swap the chicken: Use thighs for juicier meat or turkey breasts for a leaner option.
  • Different mushrooms: Try shiitake, portobello, or oyster mushrooms for varied flavor profiles.
  • Non-dairy alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale near the end for added nutrition and color.
  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce

How to Make Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics

In the same pan, add a little more oil or butter if needed. Toss in sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add finely chopped shallots or onions, and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom. Stir in Dijon mustard until well incorporated. Lower the heat and gently add heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and let everything simmer on low heat for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce

  • Even chicken thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook mushrooms in batches if needed to avoid steaming and ensure browning.
  • Use full-fat cream: For the richest texture, opt for heavy cream rather than lower-fat substitutes.
  • Deglazing matters: Scrape browned bits from the pan to add flavor depth to the sauce.
  • Let it rest: Allow the dish to rest a few minutes off heat to meld flavors before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or thyme sprigs add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top enhances the visual appeal and flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or wide egg noodles that soak up the sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, provide a crisp and vibrant contrast to the creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-style touch, serve the chicken sliced on a platter with mushrooms artfully spooned over, then drizzle the Dijon sauce on top. Alternatively, transform the leftovers into a savory chicken pot pie by layering the chicken and sauce under a golden puff pastry crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen after resting, making leftovers just as delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool completely before freezing and leave some space for expansion.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream can restore the sauce’s original texture if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, perfect if you prefer dark meat. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure doneness.

What type of mushrooms work best?

Cremini or button mushrooms are classic choices, but shiitake, portobello, or even wild mushrooms bring unique flavors and textures to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth and Dijon mustard without additives containing gluten to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Definitely, swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy, dairy-free alternative that works wonderfully with the mushrooms and Dijon.

How do I store leftovers to keep them fresh?

Use airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. Consume within 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple enough for weeknight dinners but rich enough to impress anyone who takes a bite. It’s a surefire way to bring cozy, satisfying flavors to your table. So go ahead, try it yourself, and enjoy every creamy, tangy, mushroom-studded forkful!

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Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce

Creamy Chicken with Mushrooms & Dijon Sauce features tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious, velvety sauce made with earthy mushrooms and tangy Dijon mustard. This quick and easy recipe offers a rich and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, pairing wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American / French-inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 8 oz fresh cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 shallots or 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Liquids

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)

Fats and Oils

  • 12 tbsp olive oil or butter for sautéing

Herbs and Seasonings

  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Mushrooms and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add additional oil or butter if needed. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Add the finely chopped shallots or onions and minced garlic, then sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Stir in the Dijon mustard until fully incorporated. Lower the heat and gradually add the heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth and creamy sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
  4. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently on low heat for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with chopped fresh thyme or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Cook mushrooms in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure browning instead of steaming.
  • Use full-fat heavy cream for the richest texture and flavor.
  • Deglaze the pan properly by scraping up browned bits to add depth to the sauce.
  • Allow the dish to rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to meld flavors.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Creamy chicken, mushrooms, Dijon mustard, quick dinner, gluten free, comfort food, easy recipe

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