French Mustard Chicken

French Mustard Chicken is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of France right to your kitchen. This creamy, tangy chicken dish is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. With its rich mustard sauce and tender chicken thighs, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of Dijon mustard and heavy cream creates a unique sauce that elevates the chicken to new heights.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful plating with fresh herbs will wow your guests and make you feel like a gourmet chef.

Tools and Preparation

To create this mouthwatering French Mustard Chicken, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these on hand will ensure a smooth cooking experience.

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 simmering the sauce, ensuring even cooking.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove cooked ingredients without transferring excess fat or liquid.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for deglazing the pan and scraping up flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

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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

For Thickening

• 2 teaspoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons grainy mustard

For Garnishing

• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• Thyme sprigs for garnishing

How to Make French Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and season them with salt and pepper.
2. Add the Dijon mustard and rub it onto the chicken until thoroughly coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Turkey Bacon

1. Heat one teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced Turkey Bacon and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

1. In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken thighs.
2. Brown them on all sides for about 4-5 minutes each side.
3. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside with the Turkey Bacon.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

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

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan

1. Pour in apple vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up all browned bits with a wooden spoon.
2. Allow it to cook until most of the liquid evaporates, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Create the Sauce Base

1. Stir in flour until well combined.
2. Gradually pour in chicken broth while bringing it to a boil.

Step 7: Simmer Chicken

1. Return browned chicken thighs (skin side up) and any reserved juices back into the skillet along with Turkey Bacon.
2. Lower heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until cooked through (165ºF), about 15-20 minutes.

Step 8: Finish Sauce

1. Add heavy cream and grainy mustard; stir well to combine.
2. Increase heat slightly until sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 9: Serve

1. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
2. Stir in chopped parsley just before serving; garnish with thyme sprigs.

Now you have an exquisite French Mustard Chicken ready for any occasion!

How to Serve French Mustard Chicken

French Mustard Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your presentation and flavor.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers for a colorful side.
• Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds crunch and freshness to the plate.
• Sautéed Green Beans: Toss green beans in olive oil and garlic for a simple yet flavorful addition.

On a Bed of Rice

• Herbed Rice Pilaf: Serve the chicken over a fragrant herbed rice pilaf for an aromatic base.
• Lemon Risotto: Creamy lemon risotto complements the mustard sauce perfectly, adding richness.

With Bread

• Crusty Baguette: Offer slices of crusty baguette to soak up the delicious mustard sauce.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread brings robust flavors that pair well with the creamy dish.

How to Perfect French Mustard Chicken

To ensure your French Mustard Chicken turns out amazing every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs for maximum flavor and moisture during cooking.
• Marinate Ahead: Allow the chicken to marinate in Dijon mustard for at least 30 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavors.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Enhance the dish’s aroma by using fresh thyme instead of dried herbs for more vibrant taste.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, simmer it longer until it thickens to your desired consistency.
• Garnish Generously: Finish with freshly chopped parsley and thyme sprigs for a beautiful presentation and added freshness.

Best Side Dishes for French Mustard Chicken

Pairing side dishes with French Mustard Chicken can elevate your meal. Here’s a list of ideal accompaniments:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that balances the dish’s richness.
2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides freshness and texture.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
4. Creamed Spinach: Rich creamed spinach adds a touch of indulgence while complementing the mustard flavors nicely.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots offers crunch and acidity that cuts through the creaminess.
6. Baked Eggplant Parmesan: Layers of baked eggplant topped with marinara sauce and cheese give a hearty vegetarian option alongside the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking French Mustard Chicken can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold seasoning: Under-seasoning the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to use enough salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.
• Bold cooking time: Not cooking the chicken long enough can leave it undercooked. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165ºF for safe consumption.
• Bold mustard application: Skipping the step of thoroughly coating the chicken in mustard may result in uneven flavor. Take time to rub the mustard evenly into the meat.
• Bold ingredient swaps: Using inappropriate substitutes for key ingredients (like vinegar or broth) can alter the dish’s integrity. Stick to recommended alternatives for best results.
• Bold neglecting sauce thickness: Failing to let the sauce reduce can lead to a watery consistency. Allow it to boil until it thickens appropriately before serving.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing French Mustard Chicken

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating French Mustard Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing French Mustard Chicken.

What is French Mustard Chicken?

French Mustard Chicken is a classic dish where chicken thighs are braised in a rich mustard sauce, creating a creamy and flavorful main course.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast, but keep in mind that they may cook faster and could become dry if overcooked.

How spicy is French Mustard Chicken?

The spice level depends on the type of Dijon mustard used. Opt for milder mustard if you prefer less heat.

What sides pair well with French Mustard Chicken?

Delicious sides include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad that complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like mushrooms or carrots during cooking or adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

French Mustard Chicken is not only delicious but also quite versatile. You can customize it with various herbs and sides based on what you have at home. Don’t hesitate to give this remarkable dish a try; it’s sure to impress!