The Perfect Baked Dijon Chicken Recipe for Family Dinners

Crispy, golden chicken glazed with Dijon mustard creates a mouthwatering dinner sensation that’ll make you dance in the kitchen.

Mustard’s tangy punch transforms ordinary poultry into an extraordinary meal.

Sharp and zesty flavors mingle beautifully with tender meat.

Wild herbs can enhance this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Weeknight cooking becomes a delightful adventure with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.

A dash of creativity turns basic chicken into something spectacular.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for future delicious encounters.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out. Chicken breasts typically cook faster and can become tough if overcooked.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses flour to thicken the sauce. To make it gluten-free, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

• What type of white wine works best?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works well. If you prefer not to use alcohol, chicken stock is an excellent alternative.

• How spicy is the Dijon mustard sauce?

The sauce has a mild, tangy flavor from the Dijon mustard. It’s more zesty than spicy, providing a rich and creamy taste without significant heat.

Baked Dijon Chicken With Just the Right Tang

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Conquer dinner in under an hour with this simple yet elegant chicken dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Time-Saving Technique: Master a one-skillet cooking method that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, allowing you to go from stovetop to oven with minimal kitchen fuss.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine the tangy punch of Dijon mustard, rich cream, and savory chicken thighs to create a sauce that elevates basic protein into a mouthwatering main course.
• Family-Friendly Flexibility: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken thighs with breasts or using dairy-free alternatives, making it perfect for diverse dietary preferences and picky eaters.

Baked Dijon Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Succulent meat that becomes tender and flavorful when baked, choose bone-in and skin-on for best results and rich flavor.

• Dijon Mustard: Provides tangy and sharp flavor to the sauce, look for smooth and high-quality French-style mustard.
• Chicken Stock: Creates rich liquid base for the sauce, preferably low-sodium for better control of salt content.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps thicken the sauce, full-fat version recommended.
• White Wine: Offers depth and acidity to the sauce, can substitute with additional chicken stock if needed.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth sauce texture, unsalted butter gives more control over seasoning.

• Onion: Provides sweet and savory base flavor to the sauce, yellow or white onions work best.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and sharp flavor, fresh cloves recommended.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing overall taste.
• Thyme: Brings herbal and earthy notes, fresh sprigs or dried both work well.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create smooth consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty and nutty finish, freshly grated preferred.

Baked Dijon Chicken Roasting Directions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 180°C (350°F) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Grab your chicken thighs and give them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Brown those beautiful thighs on both sides until they’re golden and crispy, then set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Create a Flavor Foundation

Pour in wine (or chicken stock) to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious brown bits.

Drop in butter and let it melt into a silky pool of deliciousness.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a perfect base.

Step 6: Whisk Together Creamy Sauce

• Chicken stock
• Dijon mustard
• Cream

Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick coating.

Step 7: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Nestle the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up.

Scatter thyme sprigs or dried thyme over the top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).

Step 9: Add Cheesy Finish

Sprinkle grated parmesan over the chicken.

Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly golden blanket.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your masterpiece with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed greens or a crisp leafy salad.

Scatter fresh thyme leaves on top for an extra touch of elegance.

Get ready to wow your taste buds!

Must-Know Tips for Baked Dijon Chicken

• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts or turkey for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness.
• Whisk the sauce slowly and steadily to prevent lumps, using a silicone whisk for smoother results and even blending.
• Toast dried thyme in the pan briefly before adding to release more aromatic oils and intensify the herb's natural flavors.
• Replace cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lactose-free version that maintains rich sauce texture.
• Pat chicken skin dry with paper towels before searing to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior with maximum flavor development.

Baked Dijon Chicken Storage

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, preserving the meal for up to 3 months with minimal flavor loss.
• Preheat to 160°C (325°F), place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of chicken stock, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes to maintain moisture.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, add a tablespoon of stock, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating.

Dijon Chicken Partner Picks

• Savor Rustic White Wine Pairing: Chardonnay complements the creamy Dijon sauce with its buttery texture and subtle oak notes, enhancing the chicken's richness and mustard's tangy profile.
• Elevate Side Dish Selection: Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables perfectly absorb the luxurious sauce, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
• Match Herbal Green Salad: Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the dish's richness, providing a crisp and bright counterpoint to the heavy cream and tender chicken.
• Boost Wine Alternative: Pinot Noir works wonderfully with the herb-infused chicken, offering a light red wine option that doesn't overpower the delicate mustard sauce.

Dijon Chicken Baked With Sauce Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to maintain the flavor profile while keeping the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts and eliminate flour. Use heavy cream with xanthan gum as a thickening agent to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Replace cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for similar savory notes.
• Herb Variation: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary and sage instead of thyme. Fresh herbs can transform the overall taste while maintaining the classic Dijon chicken essence.

Baked Dijon Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Dijon chicken brings French-inspired elegance to weeknight dinners with its tangy mustard glaze and crisp golden exterior. Juicy chicken breasts coated in zesty Dijon create a simple yet sophisticated meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.2 kg (2 lb 10 oz) bone-in, skin-on chicken thigh cutlets

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1.5 teaspoons sea salt flakes
• 0.25 teaspoons cracked black pepper
• 4 thyme sprigs (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 brown onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• 0.5 cup (125 milliliters) dry white wine (or chicken stock)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons plain (all-purpose) flour
• 2 cups (500 milliliters) chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1 cup (250 milliliters) thickened (heavy) cream
• 0.5 cup (50 grams) freshly grated parmesan

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed potato
• Steamed greens or a leafy green salad
• Fresh thyme leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a moderate temperature of 180°C (350°F), preparing for a flavorful chicken dish.
2. Generously season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown on both sides.
3. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate, keeping the delicious pan drippings intact.
4. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they release their aromatic essence.
5. Deglaze the pan with wine or chicken stock, carefully scraping up the caramelized bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Incorporate butter and allow it to melt smoothly into the developing sauce.
7. Dust the mixture with flour, stirring continuously to create a silky base for the sauce.
8. Gradually whisk in chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and cream, creating a rich and velvety sauce that simmers and thickens.
9. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, positioning them skin-side up and adorning with fragrant thyme.
10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast until the chicken reaches perfect doneness, typically 35-40 minutes.
11. Sprinkle grated parmesan over the chicken, returning it to the oven for a final 3-5 minutes to create a golden, melted cheese crust.
12. Plate the succulent chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes and vibrant steamed greens, garnishing with fresh thyme leaves for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that cooks slightly faster.
• Create a gluten-free version by replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder when thickening the sauce.
• Toast dried herbs briefly before adding to enhance their flavor and release more aromatic compounds.
• For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream to maintain sauce richness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg