Creamy Dijon Chicken
I make a couple variations of this and all of them work just perfectly. Here, I left the chicken breasts whole and just pan-fried them for a bit longer to ensure theyre cooked through this is the very lazy approach. I also sometimes cube the chicken making it perfect to serve with rice and I sometimes flatten the chicken to make an escalopes of sorts which takes the cooking time right down to 2 minutes per side. Whichever way you choose is completely up to you and how much time you have on your hands. Also, what you serve with your chicken is completely left up to what you feel like and how lazy you are on that particular day. Anything, and I mean ANYTHING works with this. My favourite is Jasmine Rice or a good crusty slice of bread, but you could so easily serve this with baked potato, potato wedges, mash, polenta, pasta, couscous or just on its own. I always serve a side salad with this but only because I really like a zesty, fresh salad when I eat something rich and creamy, the salad cuts through all the cream nicely and makes me feel less guilty of course. This really is the perfect thing to serve over a weekend when you feel like cooking something delicious but couldnt be bothered to stand in the kitchen for more than 30 minutes. Served with a few bottles of wine and good company, you have a match made in heaven.
I make a couple variations of this and all of them work just perfectly. Here, I left the chicken breasts whole and just pan-fried them for a bit longer to ensure theyre cooked through this is the very lazy approach. I also sometimes cube the chicken making it perfect to serve with rice and I sometimes flatten the chicken to make an escalopes of sorts which takes the cooking time right down to 2 minutes per side. Whichever way you choose is completely up to you and how much time you have on your hands. Also, what you serve with your chicken is completely left up to what you feel like and how lazy you are on that particular day. Anything, and I mean ANYTHING works with this. My favourite is Jasmine Rice or a good crusty slice of bread, but you could so easily serve this with baked potato, potato wedges, mash, polenta, pasta, couscous or just on its own. I always serve a side salad with this but only because I really like a zesty, fresh salad when I eat something rich and creamy, the salad cuts through all the cream nicely and makes me feel less guilty of course. This really is the perfect thing to serve over a weekend when you feel like cooking something delicious but couldnt be bothered to stand in the kitchen for more than 30 minutes. Served with a few bottles of wine and good company, you have a match made in heaven.
- olive oil for frying
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 4 large skinless & de-boned chicken breasts (left whole, cubed or flattened)
- 2 large leeks finely sliced
- 250 ml cream
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- salt & pepper to taste
- starch of your choice to serve
- fresh parsley to serve
- Carbohydrate 9.8389116689212 g
- Cholesterol 104.019857964153 mg
- Fat 20.9620000346635 g
- Fiber 1.08072497468442 g
- Protein 25.6093707803517 g
- Saturated Fat 8.0730136777139 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (234g)
- Sodium 337.638141190396 mg
- Sugar 8.75818669423679 g
- Trans Fat 3.32265001564085 g
- Calories 319 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat 2tbsn oil in a large frying pan and fry the chicken until cooked through and browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Fry the leeks and garlic until fragrant and softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add the cream, mustards and lemon juice and allow to simmer and reduce for 3 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and place the chicken back into the sauce.
- Season to taste and serve with the starch of your choice and a sprinkling of chopped parsley.
Creamy Dijon Chicken: A Weekend Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a monumental task. Weekends, however, are a different story. They're the perfect opportunity to indulge in a little culinary creativity without the pressure of a weekday rush. That's why I adore this Creamy Dijon Chicken recipe – it's elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly quick to prepare, even for someone who's juggling a million things.
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. You can adjust the chicken to suit your time constraints. Whole chicken breasts, pan-fried until golden brown, offer a classic presentation. Feeling pressed for time? Cube the chicken for faster cooking, or flatten it into escalopes for a restaurant-style finesse in mere minutes. The creamy Dijon sauce is the star, though. It's rich and decadent, with a tangy kick from the mustard and lemon that perfectly balances the richness of the cream. The subtle garlic and leek flavors add depth without overpowering the delicate taste of the chicken.
What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. The creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with any starch you prefer. I often serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, the grains absorbing the delicious sauce. A crusty slice of bread is another excellent companion, perfect for sopping up every last drop of that luscious cream. But honestly, the possibilities are endless – baked potatoes, potato wedges, creamy mashed potatoes, polenta, pasta, couscous, or even simply on its own. The choice is entirely yours, depending on your mood and available ingredients.
I always add a fresh, vibrant salad to the side. The contrasting textures and zesty flavors provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the chicken, cutting through the cream and adding a healthy element to the meal. It’s also a simple way to make the meal feel lighter and less indulgent, although I certainly don't skimp on the delicious sauce! This recipe is a perfect demonstration of how a little creativity and smart shortcuts can result in a truly satisfying and restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The best part? It takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish! That leaves you ample time to set the table, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy the company of loved ones. Forget about complicated recipes and stressful cooking sessions; this Creamy Dijon Chicken is your go-to for a delicious weekend treat. It's the epitome of simple elegance, a perfect blend of ease and sophistication. And who wouldn't want a meal that delivers on flavor without demanding hours of work? Give this recipe a try, and I promise you won't be disappointed. It’s the kind of meal that makes weekends truly special.
The aromatic leeks and garlic, sautéed to perfection, provide a fragrant base for the creamy sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The tang of Dijon and wholegrain mustards, expertly balanced by the bright citrus notes of the lemon juice, adds a delightful complexity to the creamy texture. The creamy sauce coats the tender chicken flawlessly, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. The subtle yet impactful seasoning of salt and pepper further enhances the overall taste, creating a harmony of flavors that is both sophisticated and comforting.
Beyond its taste, this recipe embodies simplicity and efficiency. It's designed for the busy individual who desires a delicious and satisfying meal without the lengthy preparation time often associated with elaborate dishes. The quick cooking time allows for a spontaneous meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend brunch. And the easy-to-follow instructions make it accessible to cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
Furthermore, the versatility of the dish caters to diverse culinary preferences. The Creamy Dijon Chicken can be easily adapted to various tastes and dietary needs. Vegetarians can enjoy a similar experience by substituting the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cheese. Those looking for a spicier kick can incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the creamy sauce. Gluten-free individuals can opt for gluten-free starch options, maintaining the integrity of the dish.
In conclusion, the Creamy Dijon Chicken is a versatile, delicious, and convenient recipe that satisfies the needs of both novice and experienced cooks. It's a dish that elegantly balances flavor, simplicity, and adaptability, making it a valuable addition to any home cook's repertoire. Whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home parent, or simply someone who appreciates a quick and tasty meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its ease of preparation, delicious flavor, and adaptable nature make it a perfect choice for any occasion.
