Garlic Dijon Chicken is a timeless, flavor-packed dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce made from Dijon mustard, garlic, and cream or broth. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple pantry staples, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant dinners.

The balance of sharp Dijon mustard, aromatic garlic, and silky sauce creates a deeply satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with potatoes, rice, pasta, or vegetables. If you’re looking for a reliable chicken dinner that feels elevated without being complicated, this Garlic Dijon Chicken is the answer.

What Is Garlic Dijon Chicken?

Garlic Dijon Chicken is typically made by pan-searing chicken breasts or thighs and simmering them in a mustard-forward sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and cream or stock. Dijon mustard provides tangy depth, while garlic adds warmth and aroma.

This dish is inspired by classic French cooking, where mustard-based sauces are commonly paired with poultry for their ability to enhance flavor without overpowering the protein.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Dijon Chicken Recipe

One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
Ready in about 30 minutes

Bold, savory flavor with simple ingredients
Easily adaptable for creamy or dairy-free versions
Family-friendly yet elegant

This recipe is ideal for anyone who enjoys comforting meals with refined flavor.

Flavor Profile Breakdown

Garlic Dijon Chicken is all about balance:

Dijon Mustard: Sharp, tangy, and slightly spicy

Garlic: Deep aromatic backbone
Butter & Olive Oil: Richness and mouthfeel
Cream or Broth: Smooth, velvety sauce

Herbs: Earthy freshness to round it out

Together, these ingredients create a sauce that coats the chicken beautifully without masking its natural flavor.

Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Sauce Base

4–5 cloves garlic, minced

⅓ cup Dijon mustard
½ cup chicken broth

Creamy Finish (Optional)

½ cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

Seasoning & Herbs

Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
Fresh parsley for garnish

Choosing the Best Chicken

Chicken breasts: Lean and classic; avoid overcooking
Chicken thighs: Juicier and more forgiving
Boneless cuts: Cook evenly and faster

Both options work well—thighs provide extra richness, while breasts create a lighter dish.

Step-by-Step Garlic Dijon Chicken Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Stir in Dijon mustard and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.

Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)

Lower heat and stir in cream until smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Return Chicken

Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

How to Prevent Dry Chicken

Do not overcook during searing

Simmer gently, not rapidly
Use a thermometer for accuracy
Chicken thighs offer extra moisture

Sauce helps protect the chicken while adding flavor.

Why Dijon Mustard Works So Well

Dijon mustard:

Adds acidity and depth

Emulsifies sauces naturally
Enhances savory flavors
Cuts through richness

It creates complexity without overwhelming the dish.

What to Serve with Garlic Dijon Chicken

Classic Pairings

Mashed potatoes
Buttered rice

Egg noodles

Vegetable Sides

Roasted green beans
Steamed broccoli

Sautéed spinach

Low-Carb Options

Cauliflower mash
Zucchini noodles

Roasted cauliflower

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead

Sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated gently.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat over low heat, adding broth if sauce thickens.

Nutritional Benefits

Garlic Dijon Chicken is:

High in protein

Naturally low in carbohydrates
Suitable for gluten-free diets
Adaptable for lighter or dairy-free eating

Use olive oil and broth for a lighter version.

Recipe Variations

Honey Garlic Dijon Chicken

Add 1–2 tablespoons honey for subtle sweetness.

Creamy Mushroom Dijon Chicken

Sauté mushrooms before adding garlic.

Dairy-Free Dijon Chicken

Use all olive oil and coconut cream or broth.

Baked Garlic Dijon Chicken

Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, basting with sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Burning garlic

Using yellow mustard instead of Dijon
Boiling the sauce aggressively
Skipping seasoning

Each step contributes to the final balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use whole-grain mustard?
Yes, but expect a stronger texture and flavor.

Q2: Is this dish spicy?
No—Dijon adds tang, not heat.

Q3: Can I freeze Garlic Dijon Chicken?
Yes, though cream sauces may separate slightly when reheated.

Q4: Can I make it without cream?
Absolutely—broth-only versions are delicious.

Why This Garlic Dijon Chicken Recipe Works

One-pan efficiency

Balanced mustard-to-garlic ratio
Creamy yet not heavy
Adaptable for many diets

Reliable, repeatable results

Conclusion

Garlic Dijon Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can produce extraordinary results. With tender chicken, bold mustard flavor, and a silky garlic-infused sauce, this dish belongs in every home cook’s rotation. Whether served for a weeknight family dinner or a refined meal for guests, it consistently delivers comfort, elegance, and depth of flavor.

Garlic Dijon Chicken: Juicy Chicken in a Creamy Mustard Garlic Sauce

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each), pounded to ¾” thickness
• Sea salt & black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (check label: no added sugar—e.g., Maille or organic brand)
• 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard (optional, for texture)
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for keto creaminess)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: 1 tsp lemon juice (brightens at the end)

Instructions

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 5–6 min per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal). Transfer to a plate; tent with foil.
Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic; sauté 30 sec until fragrant.

Stir in Dijon and whole-grain mustard; cook 1 min.
Pour in broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2–3 min until slightly reduced.
Stir in cream and thyme; simmer 2 min until sauce thickens slightly.

Return chicken to skillet; spoon sauce over. Warm 1–2 min.
Garnish with parsley and optional lemon juice.