This delightful dish of chicken breasts served with a flavorful mustard cream sauce is an excellent choice for a classy dinner. The cream sauce, enriched with Dijon mustard, capers, and parsley, beautifully complements the succulent chicken breasts, making your meal unforgettable.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common household items, but you might need to check for capers and Dijon mustard. Capers are small, pickled flower buds that add a tangy, briny flavor to dishes. Dijon mustard is a type of mustard from Dijon, a city in eastern France. It's smooth and slightly spicy, giving the cream sauce a unique flavor.
Ingredients for Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce
Chicken breasts: This is the main protein source for this recipe. They are lean, healthy and absorb the flavor of the sauce well.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken.
All purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken, ensuring a nice sear.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the dish and aids in browning the chicken.
Oil: Used for frying the chicken, it helps to prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
White wine: Used in the sauce, it adds acidity and depth of flavor.
Heavy cream: The base of the sauce, it's rich and balances the tanginess of the mustard and capers.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and spicy flavor to the cream sauce.
Capers: These add a punch of briny, salty flavor to the sauce.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.
One reader, Ashby Kirsch says:
The chicken breasts with mustard cream sauce recipe is a game-changer! The creamy sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a burst of flavors in every bite. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and comforting meal. I highly recommend it!
Cooking Techniques to Master for This Recipe
How to prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour until well coated. Shake off the excess flour.
How to brown the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the butter and oil. Brown the chicken for 3 minutes per side, or until golden.
How to finish the chicken in the oven: Transfer the browned chicken to a baking sheet and place it in the preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How to make the sauce: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the wine. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the wine is reduced by about half. Then, add the cream and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
How to finish the sauce: Stir in the mustard, capers, and parsley, reserving some parsley for garnish. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
How to serve the chicken: Place each chicken breast on a plate, drizzle with the prepared sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining parsley.
How To Make Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce
Baked chicken breasts are elevated by a sauce of white wine, heavy cream, and mustard. The dish is served with capers and garnished with fresh parsley.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbschicken breasts,skinless, boneless
- salt and pepper,to taste
- ¼cupall purpose flour
- 1½tbspunsalted butter
- 1½tbspoil
- 1cupwhite wine
- 1cupheavy cream
- 1tspdijon mustard,rounded
- 3tspcapers,rinsed well
- 2tspfresh parsley,chopped
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place a baking sheet near the stove, ready for the chicken.
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Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Pour the flour onto a large plate and dredge the chicken breasts until well coated. Shake off the excess.
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In a large skillet over medium high-heat, heat the butter and oil. When the butter has melted and looks foamy, add the chicken. Brown the chicken for 3 minutes per side, or until golden.
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Transfer the chicken to the baking sheet and place in the oven for 5 minutes (longer if the chicken breasts are thick), or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast registers 165 degrees F.
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If the chicken is done before the sauce, transfer it to a serving platter and tent it loosely with foil to keep warm.
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While the chicken finishes cooking, return the skillet to medium heat and add the wine. Be careful since the oil in the pan will sputter a little when adding the wine. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the wine is reduced by about half.
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Add the cream and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Stir in the mustard, capers and parsley, reserving a little parsley for sprinkling over top. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if desired.
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Place each chicken breast on a plate, drizzle with the sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining parsley.
Nutrition
- Calories: 662.90kcal
- Fat: 47.49g
- Saturated Fat: 21.38g
- Trans Fat: 0.37g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.34g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.85g
- Carbohydrates: 9.97g
- Fiber: 0.59g
- Sugar: 2.28g
- Protein: 37.79g
- Cholesterol: 201.83mg
- Sodium: 724.95mg
- Calcium: 72.09mg
- Potassium: 488.95mg
- Iron: 1.99mg
- Vitamin A: 324.89µg
- Vitamin C: 1.28mg
Expert Advice: A Crucial Technique for Perfecting This Dish
When browning chicken, it's important not to overcrowd the pan. This is because the chicken releases moisture as it cooks. If the pieces are too close together, they will steam instead of browning, which can lead to a lack of flavor development. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure each piece has enough space to properly brown.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken breasts in the flour and seasoning the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pan wonder: Use an oven-safe skillet to brown the chicken on the stovetop and finish cooking it in the oven, minimizing the need for multiple dishes.
Efficient multitasking: While the chicken is in the oven, use that time to prepare the sauce, ensuring that everything comes together seamlessly.
Quality ingredients: Use high-quality wine and fresh herbs to enhance the flavors of the dish.
Quick cleanup: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup after cooking the chicken in the oven.
Consistent thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for more uniform cooking and quicker preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce Recipe
Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts have a similar texture and flavor to chicken breasts, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
All purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all purpose flour: This substitute is ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, and it works well in most recipes as a 1:1 replacement for all-purpose flour.
Unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, providing a subtle coconut flavor and a similar richness to the dish.
White wine - Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth: Broth can add depth of flavor to the dish and can be used as a non-alcoholic alternative to white wine.
Heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, adding a rich and creamy texture to the sauce.
Dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard provides a similar tangy flavor and texture, adding depth to the sauce.
Capers - Substitute with chopped green olives: Chopped green olives can offer a similar briny and tangy flavor to the dish, complementing the sauce and adding a unique twist.
Fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh chives: Fresh chives can provide a mild onion flavor and a pop of color, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Plating Ideas for a Delicious Presentation
Elevate the chicken breasts: Carefully slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on the plate to create an elegant presentation. This will showcase the golden brown exterior and juicy interior of the chicken.
Artfully drizzle the mustard cream sauce: Use a squeeze bottle or a spoon to create a delicate drizzle of the creamy mustard sauce around the chicken. This adds a touch of sophistication to the dish and allows the sauce to complement the chicken without overwhelming it.
Garnish with capers and parsley: Sprinkle a few capers over the chicken for a burst of briny flavor, and add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds layers of flavor to the dish.
Plate with precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring that the dish looks balanced and inviting. A well-composed plate will impress the judges and elevate the overall dining experience.
Consider the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate, allowing the dish to breathe and creating a visually appealing presentation. This will demonstrate a thoughtful and artistic approach to plating.
Use complementary side dishes: Pair the chicken with complementary side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or a vibrant salad, to add color and variety to the plate. The sides should enhance the main dish without overshadowing it.
Focus on texture: Incorporate elements that add texture to the dish, such as a crispy potato galette or a delicate microgreen salad, to create a multi-dimensional dining experience that delights the senses.
Incorporate height: Experiment with the use of edible elements to add height to the plate, such as a carefully placed vegetable tuile or a small tower of seasoned rice. This adds visual interest and a sense of drama to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce
- Chef's knife: A versatile tool used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients with precision.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Skillet: Used for browning the chicken and making the sauce.
- Baking sheet: Used for transferring and finishing the chicken in the oven.
- Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling the chicken while cooking.
- Whisk: Used for stirring and combining ingredients, especially for the cream sauce.
- Meat thermometer: Essential for checking the doneness of the chicken.
- Saucepan: Used for reducing the wine and simmering the cream for the sauce.
- Spatula: Useful for transferring the chicken and sauce to serving plates.
Storing and Freezing Guidelines for Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce
- Let the chicken breasts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or ziplock bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the chicken breasts, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Label the container with the date and contents. Frozen chicken breasts will keep for up to 3 months.
- Store the leftover mustard cream sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of heavy cream or milk to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much.
- It's not recommended to freeze the mustard cream sauce, as the texture may change and become grainy when thawed and reheated. However, if you must freeze it, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it gently in a saucepan, whisking constantly to restore its smooth texture. You may need to add a little extra heavy cream or milk to adjust the consistency.
- When reheating the stored or frozen chicken breasts, let them thaw in the refrigerator (if frozen), then place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as they may become dry.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Chicken in Mustard Cream Sauce
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chicken breasts in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the chicken and prevents it from drying out.
Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the chicken breasts and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through, flipping halfway through.
For the mustard cream sauce, reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning or separating. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to thin it out.
If you have a microwave, you can also reheat the chicken and sauce together in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help keep the chicken moist. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Stir the sauce halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming to ensure it is safe to eat.
Once the chicken and sauce are heated through, plate the chicken breasts and spoon the warm mustard cream sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Interesting Trivia About Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce
Dijon mustard is a key ingredient in this recipe and is known for its distinctive flavor, which adds a unique and delicious taste to the creamy sauce.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this chicken breasts with mustard cream sauce recipe largely depends on the quality of ingredients. While chicken breasts and white wine can be pricier, the dish's overall cost is balanced by pantry staples like flour and butter. The dish's versatility and ability to feed a family of four make it a practical choice. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $25-$30. The overall verdict for this recipe is 8/10, considering its flavor, ease of preparation, and value for money.
Is This Creamy Mustard Chicken Breast Recipe Healthy?
The chicken breasts with mustard cream sauce recipe is a delicious dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to some of its ingredients. The recipe includes heavy cream, butter, and all-purpose flour, which are high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. These ingredients can contribute to weight gain, increased risk of heart disease, and other health issues when consumed in excess.
However, the recipe also includes some healthy elements, such as lean chicken breasts, which are a good source of protein. The white wine and dijon mustard add flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count. Additionally, the capers and parsley provide some beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Substitute the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated milk, to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier oil, such as olive oil
- Increase the amount of capers and parsley to boost the dish's nutrient profile
- Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add more vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the meal
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the flavors of this dish while minimizing its potential negative health impacts. Remember, moderation is key, and it's essential to maintain a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods.
Our Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Chicken Dish
The chicken breasts with mustard cream sauce recipe is a classic and elegant dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful sauce. The use of white wine, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard creates a luxurious and velvety sauce that perfectly complements the savory chicken. The addition of capers adds a delightful briny note, while the fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness. This dish is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and sophisticated presentation. It's a wonderful choice for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
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Why trust this Chicken Breasts with Mustard Cream Sauce Recipe:
This recipe guarantees succulent chicken breasts with a luscious mustard cream sauce. The combination of white wine and heavy cream creates a rich and flavorful sauce, while the addition of dijon mustard and capers adds a delightful tanginess. The use of fresh parsley enhances the dish with a burst of freshness. The meticulous instructions ensure perfectly cooked chicken, and the careful attention to detail in the cooking process promises a delectable outcome.
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