Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken: A One-Pan Weeknight Wonder

This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken recipe is an absolute favorite for an easy, yet elegant, weeknight meal. It features tender chicken thighs and crispy bacon simmered in a rich, savory sauce infused with Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. Everything cooks in one pan, which minimizes cleanup and maximizes the incredible flavor that comes from deglazing the pan with white wine.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

For The Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (or regular salt)
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 5 ounces bacon
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (such as olive oil, not listed in original ingredients)

For The Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon minced garlic)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ⅓ cup dry white wine (Pinot Grigio/Gris, Sauv Blanc, Riesling – substitute with low-sodium chicken stock or broth)
• 1½ cups half and half (or thickened cream/heavy cream)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (substitute with salt or stock powder)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (to taste)
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves

How to Make Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken

Follow these simple steps to build the rich flavor base and finish your perfect Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken in one pan.

Cooking the Chicken and Bacon

First, season the chicken thighs generously with seasoning salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it is crispy and cooked through, about 8 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. To the same pan or skillet, add the bacon and fry it until it is crispy. Transfer the bacon to a plate and set it aside. Drain some of the bacon fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.

Building the Creamy Sauce

Heat the butter in the pan and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes transparent. Sauté the minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and rosemary for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant. Next, add the white wine to deglaze the pan. While the wine simmers, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan; continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the wine has reduced by half. Pour in the cream and Dijon mustard, mix through, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and cook gently for a further minute to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Finishing the Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken

Add the Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt completely through the sauce. Season the sauce with bouillon powder and pepper to taste. Add the baby spinach and allow the leaves to wilt into the sauce. Finally, return the chicken to the skillet. Top the dish with the crispy bacon. Sprinkle with extra herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken

• Best Chicken Cut: Use skinless, boneless chicken thighs for the best flavor and results. Thighs stay moister than breasts. However, you can use breasts if you prefer.
• Deglazing is Key: Do not skip the deglazing step with the wine (or stock). Scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan adds immense depth to your finished sauce.
• Cream Options: You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or heavy cream/thickened cream for a richer, more luxurious consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: This chicken pairs beautifully with mashed cauliflower, steamed asparagus, or zucchini noodles to soak up all of that rich, creamy Dijon sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Dijon Mustard Chicken recipe is a stunning example of how simple ingredients can come together to create restaurant-quality flavor. The ease of cooking it all in one pan and the deeply satisfying flavors will make this meal an instant favorite for anyone who tries it.