French Mustard Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to wow your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a meal that feels both elegant and comforting, this French Mustard Chicken recipe is an absolute game changer. The rich, tangy mustard sauce perfectly balances the crispy, golden chicken thighs topped with a delightful hint of bacon and shallots, creating layers of flavor that sing in every bite. This dish manages to be both sophisticated and approachable, making it a versatile favorite for weeknights or special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this French Mustard Chicken recipe plays a key role in building the depth and texture that make the dish so satisfying. From the dryness of the white wine to the creamy touch of heavy cream, each element works together beautifully.

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: The skin crisps up wonderfully, locking in juicy flavor.
• Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and highlighting the chicken’s natural flavor.
• ½ cup Dijon mustard: This is the heart of the sauce, giving it that distinctive tangy kick.
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (divided): Helps in browning the chicken and sautéing aromatics perfectly.
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon (diced): Adds smoky saltiness that complements the mustard wonderfully.
• 2 large shallots (minced): Provide a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce without overpowering.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Earthy herbaceous notes that brighten the dish.
• 1 cup dry white wine: Used for deglazing and creating a flavorful base in the sauce.
• 2 teaspoons flour: Helps to thicken the sauce to that luscious consistency.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the cooking liquid.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Rounds out the sauce with silky richness.
• 2 tablespoons grainy mustard: Adds texture and a punch of mustard flavor contrasting Dijon’s smoothness.
• ¼ cup chopped parsley: A fresh herbal finish to brighten the final dish.
• Thyme sprigs for garnishing: Adds a lovely aromatic touch and visual appeal when serving.

How to Make French Mustard Chicken

Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken thighs in a bowl and seasoning them generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Then, add the Dijon mustard and rub it over the chicken, coating every piece thoroughly to ensure the mustard flavor infuses deeply while the chicken cooks.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat one teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until golden and crispy, which should take about five minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain it on a paper towel-lined plate—reserve both the bacon and the rendered fat, draining excess but leaving a bit for flavor.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken Thighs

Using the bacon fat in the pan, add the chicken thighs skin side down and brown them for about 4-5 minutes per side until beautifully golden. This step locks in juices and creates that irresistible crispy skin. Remove the chicken and set it aside with the bacon.

Step 4: Sauté Shallots, Garlic, and Thyme

Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and sauté the minced shallots until softened and translucent, roughly three minutes. Stir in the garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant, then add the fresh thyme leaves and mix everything together.

Step 5: Deglaze with White Wine

Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits clinging to the pan’s bottom with a wooden spoon. Let the wine simmer away until nearly all of it has evaporated, about three to four minutes, concentrating the flavor base.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce and Simmer the Chicken

Sprinkle in the flour and stir it into the pan, making sure it’s well mixed with the wine and shallot mixture. Slowly add the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Return the chicken thighs (skin side up), bacon, and any accumulated juices back into the pan. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream and grainy mustard, which will add a luscious creaminess and texture to the sauce. Increase the heat to medium and let the sauce bubble until it thickens to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finally, stir in the chopped parsley to introduce a fresh herbal note and garnish with thyme sprigs. This is your cue to plate up and enjoy the incredible layers of flavor you’ve built.

How to Serve French Mustard Chicken

Garnishes

Simple fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of chopped parsley bring not only a pop of vibrant green color but also a fragrant herbal aroma that complements the creamy mustard sauce perfectly. This touch elevates the dish’s presentation and adds an extra layer of freshness.

Side Dishes

French Mustard Chicken shines when paired with buttery mashed potatoes or a creamy polenta to soak up every bit of that glorious sauce. For a lighter contrast, roasted seasonal vegetables or a crisp green salad balance the richness and add texture and variety to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning dinner presentation, arrange the thighs neatly atop a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or herbed rice, then drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with crispy bacon. Serving it family-style in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table invites comfort and warmth, perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Mustard Chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your meal even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped foil for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to keep the chicken moist and prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can refresh the sauce’s texture if it thickens too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but since they’re leaner, be careful not to overcook them to keep the chicken juicy. The skin-on thighs tend to give a more tender, flavorful result.

What if I don’t have dry white wine?

If you don’t have white wine on hand, substitute with extra chicken broth and add a splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. This keeps the sauce balanced and flavorful.

Is Dijon mustard the same as yellow mustard?

Not quite. Dijon mustard is creamier and tangier, essential for this recipe’s signature flavor, while yellow mustard is milder and more vinegary. Using Dijon really makes this chicken special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce without compromising taste.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach at least 165ºF (74ºC) to be safe and perfectly juicy.

Final Thoughts

French Mustard Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining rich flavors with deceptively simple cooking techniques. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to become a beloved staple. Give it a try, and I promise it will charm your taste buds and bring joy to your table every time.

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