🍗 Chicken Thighs with Creamy Mustard Sauce
🍽️ Servings: 4
🕒 Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 30–35 mins
🔥 Method: Pan-seared + Stovetop sauce
📝 Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole grain mustard (optional, for texture and extra depth)
🧑🍳 Instructions
- Season & Sear Chicken:
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for about 6–7 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Flip and cook another 5–6 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside. Discard some excess fat if needed, but leave about 1 tbsp in the pan.
- Make the Sauce:
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and optional whole grain mustard.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Return Chicken & Finish Cooking:
- Return the chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up.
- Spoon sauce over them and let simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Sauce should thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley (optional).
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
🧂 Notes & Tips
- No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or mix milk with a bit of flour for a lighter version.
- Extra punch: Add a splash of white wine before the broth for a deeper flavor.
- Crispier skin: After simmering, pop the skillet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes to re-crisp the chicken skin.
- Thickening tip: Simmer sauce longer uncovered if you want a thicker consistency.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Approximate values
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
✅ Health Benefits
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and rich in iron and zinc, supports immune and muscle health.
- Mustard (especially Dijon): Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Garlic: Boosts immunity and heart health.
- Cream (in moderation): Adds richness and fat-soluble vitamins like A and D.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless thighs?
A: Yes, but reduce cooking time by about 5–7 minutes and be mindful they stay juicy.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like oat cream. Note: the flavor will change slightly.
Q: How long does it keep?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
Q: What sides pair well with it?
A: Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice pilaf, or egg noodles work beautifully.
Want a version with mushrooms or wine added next?