French Mustard Chicken

French Mustard Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a tangy mustard sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike, showcasing the rich flavors of French cuisine. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare this impressive meal that will surely impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in about an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of Dijon mustard and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that elevates the chicken.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the decadent sauce.
• Hearty Ingredients: With chicken thighs and turkey bacon, this meal is both satisfying and comforting.
• Impressive Presentation: The creamy sauce and fresh herbs make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To create your French Mustard Chicken, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help you achieve the best results while making the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Slotted spoon
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for browning the chicken and creating the sauce without overcrowding.
• Slotted spoon: Ideal for removing cooked ingredients like turkey bacon without transferring excess grease.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan during deglazing, adding flavor to your sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (divided)

For the Sauce

• 4 slices thick-cut Turkey Bacon (diced)
• 2 large shallots (minced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup dry white apple vinegar
• 2 teaspoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons grainy mustard

Garnish

• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Thyme sprigs for garnishing

How to Make French Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and season them with salt and pepper.
2. Add the Dijon mustard, ensuring each thigh is thoroughly coated. Reserve.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

1. Heat one teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add turkey bacon and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken Thighs

1. If needed, drain most of the fat from the pan, leaving about two tablespoons.
2. Add chicken thighs to the skillet and brown on all sides for about 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and reserve with turkey bacon.

Step 4: Sauté Shallots and Garlic

1. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet.
2. Sauté shallots until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute; add thyme leaves.

Step 5: Deglaze with Vinegar

1. Pour in apple vinegar to deglaze by scraping browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
2. Let it cook down until almost evaporated, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Create Sauce Base

1. Stir in flour until combined; then pour in chicken broth and bring to boil.
2. Return chicken (skin side up) along with turkey bacon back into skillet; lower heat, cover, simmer until cooked through (165ºF), about 15-20 minutes.

Step 7: Finish with Cream

1. Add heavy cream and grainy mustard; stir well to combine.
2. Raise heat to medium; let sauce boil until thickened to desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve

1. Taste sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
2. Stir in chopped parsley before serving, garnished with thyme sprigs.

Enjoy your flavorful French Mustard Chicken!

How to Serve French Mustard Chicken

French Mustard Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Classic French Bread

• Crispy Baguette: Serve slices of crunchy baguette to soak up the delicious mustard sauce.
• Rustic Country Loaf: A hearty loaf adds texture and warmth, perfect for a comforting meal.

Seasonal Vegetables

• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans offer a fresh crunch that complements the creamy chicken.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, or parsnips roasted until golden provide sweetness and depth.

Salad Options

• Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with arugula, spinach, and vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Caesar Salad: Crispy romaine and Parmesan with a tangy dressing create a flavorful contrast.

Rice or Grain Dishes

• Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables offers a nutritious side option.

How to Perfect French Mustard Chicken

To ensure your French Mustard Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; seasoning enhances flavor and brings out the mustard’s zest.
• Brown chicken well: Searing the chicken thighs until golden creates a rich flavor base for your sauce.
• Deglaze properly: Make sure to scrape up all browned bits from the pan while adding vinegar; these bits add depth to your sauce.
• Monitor cooking temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches at least 165ºF for safety and tenderness.
• Adjust consistency: If your sauce is too thin, let it boil longer; if too thick, add more broth or cream gradually.
• Garnish thoughtfully: Finish with fresh parsley and thyme sprigs not only adds color but also freshness.

Best Side Dishes for French Mustard Chicken

Pairing sides with French Mustard Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some top choices:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for an indulgent complement.
2. Sautéed Spinach: Quick-cooked spinach with garlic provides a vibrant and healthy addition to your plate.
3. Lemon Zest Couscous: Light couscous brightened with lemon zest offers a refreshing grain option that pairs well.
4. Creamy Polenta: Smooth polenta serves as an elegant base, soaking up the savory sauce beautifully.
5. Brussels Sprouts Slaw: Shredded Brussels sprouts tossed in a tangy dressing provide crunch and brightness.
6. Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted until slightly crispy add elegance and flavor balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking French Mustard Chicken can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Overcooking the chicken: Ensure you check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. They should reach at least 165ºF for optimal juiciness.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the chicken before braising adds depth of flavor. Take the time to sear each side until golden brown.
• Not deglazing properly: Failing to scrape the browned bits from the pan means missing out on flavor. Use a wooden spoon and apple vinegar to deglaze thoroughly.
• Using low-quality mustard: The Dijon mustard is key in this recipe. Opt for a high-quality brand for the best taste.
• Rushing the sauce thickening: Allowing the sauce to simmer will enhance its richness. Don’t skip this step; patience will yield better results.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance all flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing French Mustard Chicken

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating French Mustard Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in an oven-safe dish with a splash of broth and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Add chicken and sauce to a skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently, adding a little broth if necessary to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making French Mustard Chicken that can help you achieve perfection.

What is French Mustard Chicken?

French Mustard Chicken is a classic dish featuring chicken braised in a rich, creamy mustard sauce. It’s flavorful and easy to prepare.

Can I use other types of mustard?

Yes! You can substitute with whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard for different flavor profiles while still keeping that essential mustard taste.

Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess.

How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer; chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of at least 165ºF to ensure they are safe to eat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

French Mustard Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. It pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or experimenting with different mustards. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!