French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde)

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Hello, busy home cooks and mustard lovers! If you’ve ever craved a fancy French-style dinner without the fuss, French Mustard Chicken—or Poulet à la Moutarde—is your ultimate shortcut to elegance. Picture juicy chicken smothered in a velvety mustard-cream sauce: quick to make, hearty, and perfect for impressing loved ones…or simply treating yourself after a long day.

Why You’ll Adore This French Mustard Chicken

Speedy comfort for those chaotic weeknights when time is short and taste matters.
Easy, honest ingredients—nothing exotic, yet the flavors feel upscale.
Hospitality hero—send-oh-wow vibes with minimal effort.
Flexible—go from thighs to breasts, bone-in to boneless, without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or swap for boneless thighs/breasts)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard + 1 tbsp grainy mustard
3–4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
2 shallots, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme (plus 1–2 bay leaves, optional)
1 cup chicken broth or stock
¼ cup heavy cream (sub crème fraîche if you want a richer, thicker sauce)
1 tsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free twist)
Salt + freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to make French Mustard Chicken

Prep & season
Pat chicken dry, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper. In a bowl, whisk together Dijon and grainy mustard.
Brown the chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of oil. Lay chicken skin-side down until golden and crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Flip and cook 4 minutes more. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Bacon + aromatics
Add diced bacon to the hot pan; cook until fat renders and edges crisp. Stir in shallots and garlic—cook 1–2 min until fragrant. Sprinkle in thyme (and bay leaves, if using).
Deglaze & thicken
Sprinkle flour over aromatics; stir to coat. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Let simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Return & simmer
Nestle chicken back into the pan, skin-side up. Spoon sauce around, then simmer low for 8–10 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Finish with cream
Remove chicken briefly, stir in heavy cream into sauce, heat gently until warmed. Return chicken—or spoon sauce over plated chicken—and finish with parsley.

Cooking Tips

Don’t stress the sauce: If it looks a bit lumpy after adding cream, just whisk a few seconds—it smooths out nicely!
Thicker sauce? Let it simmer a minute or two longer (off the heat) to reduce. Want it thinner? Add a splash more broth or cream.
Gluten-free switch: Cornstarch works like a charm; mix with a bit of cold water before adding to avoid clumps.

A Little Chef Story

My go-to “grown-up comfort” when the kids were small—this dish saved me during dance recitals and surprise kiddo friends after school. One evening, my daughter proclaimed, “Mom, can we please have that special chicken again?” Score one for mustard-loving moms everywhere.

Golden seared chicken thighs in a skillet with creamy sauce and herbs – French Mustard Chicken — French Mustard Chicken simmered to perfection in a creamy Dijon and herb sauce

FAQs About French Mustard Chicken

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Absolutely! Just reduce cooking time by a few minutes—breasts cook faster than thighs.

What about using crème fraîche instead of cream?

Great call! Crème fraîche delivers a richer, slightly tangier sauce—totally French and totally luxe.

How do I store leftovers?

Seal in an airtight container, refrigerate up to 3 days. Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.

What does mustard on chicken do?

Mustard not only adds bold flavor but also acts as a tenderizer, helping the chicken stay juicy while cooking. It creates a tasty crust when seared or baked, locking in all that goodness.

How to use French mustard in cooking?

French mustard—like Dijon or grainy mustard—can be whisked into sauces, used as a marinade base, or spread directly onto meats. It adds a tangy depth and luxurious mouthfeel to everything from roasts to vinaigrettes.

Does mustard help seasoning stick to chicken?

You bet! Mustard works like culinary glue, helping spices and herbs cling to the surface, which means more flavor in every bite.

What makes French mustard?

French mustard, especially Dijon, is known for its smooth texture and sharp, tangy flavor. It’s made from brown or black mustard seeds, vinegar, and sometimes white wine, giving it that signature bite and depth.

A Mustard-Laced Hug in a Skillet

This French Mustard Chicken proves that restaurant-worthy meals don’t require hours or fancy ingredients. Rich, comforting, and effortless—your kitchen will smell like a Parisian bistro, and your loved ones will think you’re a culinary magician. Bon appétit, and let your next cozy night in sparkle with mustardy magic!

And let’s be honest—some nights, we just need something easy that still feels like a treat. Whether you’re wrangling kiddos, juggling meetings, or simply want to pour a glass of wine and cook something satisfying, this dish delivers every time. It’s my kind of self-care, and I hope it becomes yours too. Don’t forget to snap a pic, share your version, and tag me—I love seeing your kitchen wins!

Keep Exploring: More Delicious Chicken Magic

Loved this cozy French Mustard Chicken and looking to expand your flavor horizons? Here are some equally delightful recipes to explore next, each bringing its own flair to your chicken-loving kitchen:

Craving more French flair? Try this rich and comforting French Chicken Casserole for another bistro-style favorite that’s perfect for Sunday dinners.
If creamy and indulgent is your love language, the Chicken Exquisito is a flavor-packed, show-stopping dish you won’t want to miss.
Pasta fans, meet your match: the Chicken Kiev Pasta combines crisp chicken and creamy noodles into one irresistible meal.
Want something zesty and tangy? Add a twist to your grilling with this bold and delicious White Barbecue Chicken recipe.

Each of these dishes complements the style and richness of your new favorite French Mustard Chicken—because in our kitchen, there’s always room for another magical chicken moment.