There’s a comforting charm about French cuisine that never fails to warm my heart, and I discovered that magic once again while preparing this French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde). Just picture it: tender chicken thighs bathed in a creamy, tangy mustard sauce, simmering gently on the stove. The rich aroma wafts through the kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy bistro in the heart of Paris.
This dish is not just about tantalizing flavors; it’s an easy, quick affair that brings a touch of elegance to any weeknight dinner or special occasion. With its rustic appeal and impressive presentation, French Mustard Chicken transforms simple ingredients into a stunning meal that feels luxurious but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. So, if you’re seeking to swap out the repetitive fast food for something homemade, let me take you through this delightful recipe that promises comfort and satisfaction with every bite.
Why is French Mustard Chicken a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Finest: With easy-to-follow instructions, prepping this dish takes minimal time, allowing you to enjoy your evening without stress.
Rich Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy mustard sauce and smoky bacon brings an unforgettable taste to your plate.
Comforting Allure: Perfect for cozy nights, this dish wraps you in warmth with every delicious bite.
Versatile Pairings: Serve it with fluffy rice or crusty bread, making it adaptable to your cravings.
Impressive Presentation: Elevate your dinner table with this visually stunning meal that’s sure to wow your guests.
For more inspiration, consider exploring other comfort food recipes that make weeknight dinners feel special!
French Mustard Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken Thighs – Tender and flavorful, the star of your dish; feel free to substitute boneless skinless thighs or breasts if you prefer.
For the Sauce
• Dijon Mustard – The key to that creamy, tangy flavor; using a high-quality mustard will really enhance your French Mustard Chicken.
• Thick-Cut Bacon – Adds a delicious smoky richness to the sauce; if needed, regular bacon or pancetta can stand in beautifully.
• Shallots – Imparts a sweet subtlety to the dish; yellow onions are a good alternative in a pinch.
• Garlic – Elevates the overall taste; two cloves is just the right amount—not too overpowering!
• Thyme – A must-have herb for that authentic French flavor; substitute with fresh rosemary or tarragon if you’re out.
• Dry White Wine – Gives depth and richness to the sauce; if preferred, omit for a non-alcoholic version.
• Chicken Broth – Keeps the sauce moist and flavorful.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious and smooth sauce; you can swap in crème fraîche for an even more indulgent touch.
• Flour – Necessary for thickening the sauce; cornstarch is a great gluten-free alternative if needed.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
For Garnish
• Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
Feel free to gather these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
How to Make French Mustard Chicken
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Prep Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, then slather them with Dijon mustard. Let them marinate briefly to absorb all those delightful flavors.
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Cook Bacon: In a Dutch oven, sauté the diced bacon over medium heat until it’s golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Remove it from the pot, letting any excess fat drain away.
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Brown Chicken: In the same pot, add the seasoned chicken thighs and brown them on both sides, around 4-5 minutes each, until they have a golden hue. Then, set them aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Toss in the chopped shallots to the pot and sauté them until softened. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for about a minute until fragrant—this is where the magic begins!
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Deglaze Pan: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up all those delightful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes, concentrating those excellent flavors.
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Make Sauce: Stir in the flour to thicken the sauce, and then gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil while stirring—this is where the magic happens!
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Braise Chicken: Return the browned chicken and crispy bacon to the pot. Cover and let it simmer, ensuring the chicken cooks through to an internal temperature of 165°F, which takes about 15-20 minutes.
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Finish Sauce: Gently stir in the heavy cream and a touch more grainy mustard, allowing the sauce to beautifully thicken and envelop the chicken.
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Serve: Plate your stunning French Mustard Chicken, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and thyme for that perfect finishing touch.
Optional: Serve with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) delights are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can fully prepare the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate the cooked components in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken gently on the stove over low heat while stirring in the heavy cream and mustard at the end to maintain that rich, creamy texture. This method not only enhances the flavors but also ensures your dish is just as delicious and comforting as if freshly made, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
What to Serve with French Mustard Chicken?
Create a delightful meal around this creamy, tangy dish that satisfies and warms the soul.
- Fluffy Rice: The perfect base to soak up the rich sauce, adding a comforting touch to each bite.
- Light Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens balances the creaminess with crisp texture and vibrant flavors.
- Crusty French Bread: Ideal for mopping up that luscious sauce, transforming every meal into a delightful experience.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to perfection add color and nutrients, complementing the dish beautifully.
- Buttery Mashed Potatoes: Their creamy texture harmonizes with the chicken, creating a meal that feels luxuriously indulgent.
- Simple Lemonade: A refreshing drink option that contrasts the savory elements of the dish with its zesty brightness.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Their crispness and slight bitterness provide a vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
Pair these sides and beverages for a splendid dining experience that’s sure to impress and satisfy!
Expert Tips for French Mustard Chicken
• Perfect Browning: Ensure your chicken is well-browned for maximum flavor development. This creates a delicious foundation for the sauce.
• Season as You Go: Adjust seasoning throughout cooking. A pinch of salt here and there will build depth in your French Mustard Chicken.
• Gentle Reheating: For leftovers, reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cream from separating in the sauce.
• Quality Matters: Invest in high-quality Dijon mustard; it makes all the difference in enhancing the flavors of your French Mustard Chicken.
• Thickening Techniques: If your sauce is too thin, mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it in to thicken without geling.
How to Store and Freeze French Mustard Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; this allows the flavors to continue melding while ensuring freshness.
Freezer: Not recommended for freezing due to the heavy cream; however, you can freeze the chicken and sauce without the cream for 2-3 months and add the cream when reheating.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce and prevent separation.
Pre-Made Storage: You can prepare the chicken components without the cream and mustard; store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days before finishing the dish.
French Mustard Chicken Variations
There’s so much joy in customizing your French Mustard Chicken for a personal touch that perfectly suits your palate!
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary or tarragon to elevate the flavor; they bring a fragrant touch that’s simply delightful.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard with a hint of sriracha for a deliciously spicy sauce variation that’ll surprise your taste buds.
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Mushroom Medley: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for added texture and earthiness, making the dish even more sumptuous and comforting.
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Creamier Delight: Swap heavy cream for crème fraîche for a tangier and slightly thicker sauce that brings a bit of French authenticity to the mix.
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Gluten-Free Swap: Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken your sauce, providing a gluten-free option that doesn’t compromise on texture.
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Zesty Citrus: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the sauce beautifully.
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Pasta Perfection: Serve the chicken over a bed of egg noodles for a heartier option that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Experiment a little and discover your favorite twist on this comforting classic!
French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken thighs for my French Mustard Chicken?
When choosing chicken thighs, look for ones that are plump and have a nice bit of fat for maximum flavor. Bypass any that have dark spots or an off smell.
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What is the best way to store leftovers of French Mustard Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s a great way to let the flavors meld even further, making for delicious second-day meals!
Can I freeze French Mustard Chicken?
Freezing the entire dish is not recommended due to the cream; however, you can freeze the chicken and sauce without the cream in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. To serve, simply reheat on the stove and stir in freshly added cream just before serving.
How do I reheat French Mustard Chicken without separating the cream?
Gently reheat the dish over low heat in a saucepan, stirring often. This slow approach warms the sauce uniformly and helps keep that creamy texture intact without separation.
Is this dish suitable for my gluten-free family members?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version of French Mustard Chicken, simply swap the flour for cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, add it to the sauce, and stir until it thickens.
Can I make French Mustard Chicken in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and all components except the heavy cream and mustard. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, then finish the dish on your serving day for a fresh and delightful meal!
Savory French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) Made Easy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, then slather them with Dijon mustard. Let them marinate briefly to absorb all those delightful flavors.
- In a Dutch oven, sauté the diced bacon over medium heat until it's golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Remove it from the pot, letting any excess fat drain away.
- In the same pot, add the seasoned chicken thighs and brown them on both sides, around 4-5 minutes each, until they have a golden hue. Then, set them aside.
- Toss in the chopped shallots to the pot and sauté them until softened. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up all those delightful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Let it simmer and reduce for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the flour to thicken the sauce, and then gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle boil while stirring.
- Return the browned chicken and crispy bacon to the pot. Cover and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Gently stir in the heavy cream and a touch more grainy mustard, allowing the sauce to beautifully thicken.
- Plate your stunning French Mustard Chicken, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that perfect finishing touch.