Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce (Easy Healthy Dinner)

Total Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy

There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly seared chicken breast blanketed in a silky, tangy cream sauce. This Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce is the kind of dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together effortlessly in your own kitchen. Tender, golden chicken meets a velvety mustard cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of brightness — creating a balance of richness and freshness in every bite.

The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen. As the chicken sizzles in the pan, it develops a beautiful golden crust, locking in juices and flavor. Then comes the magic: a creamy Dijon sauce that gently simmers, thickens, and transforms into a smooth, luxurious coating. The tang of Dijon mustard cuts through the richness of the cream, creating depth without heaviness. The result is bold yet balanced, creamy yet light — the perfect harmony for a healthy dinner option.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for a date night or dinner party, yet simple enough for a weeknight family meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or even a crisp green salad. Each serving contains approximately 350–400 calories (depending on portion size and cream choice), making it a satisfying yet mindful meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

If you’re looking for a reliable go-to dinner that’s easy, healthy, and deeply satisfying, this Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce will quickly become a favorite.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Key Ingredients for Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one plays a role in building flavor, texture, and balance.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (4 pieces, about 6 oz each) – The star of the dish. Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for searing to juicy perfection.

Salt (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the richness of the sauce.

Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds subtle warmth and depth.

Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Boosts savory flavor throughout the chicken.

Paprika (1 teaspoon) – Brings gentle smokiness and a touch of color.

Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – Helps achieve a golden sear while keeping the dish heart-healthy.

Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon) – Adds richness and depth to the sauce base.

Fresh Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Provides aromatic intensity and savory backbone.

Shallot (1 small, finely diced) – Adds a delicate sweetness that balances the mustard.

Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons) – The defining flavor; tangy, sharp, and complex.

Whole Grain Mustard (1 tablespoon) – Adds texture and bursts of flavor.

Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (¾ cup) – Forms the base of the sauce and enhances savory depth.

Heavy Cream (¾ cup) – Creates the silky, creamy consistency. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.

Fresh Thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped) – Adds earthy, herbaceous aroma.

Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Brings freshness and color to finish.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon) – Brightens the sauce and cuts through richness.

Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, freshly grated) – Optional, but adds umami and a slightly thicker finish.

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How to Make Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce

1. Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is essential for achieving that beautiful golden crust. If the breasts are thick, slice them horizontally or pound them gently to an even thickness of about ¾ inch for uniform cooking.

Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Press the seasoning into the surface so it adheres well.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), carefully place the chicken breasts into the pan. Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if necessary.

Sear for about 5–6 minutes per side. You’re looking for deep golden edges and a firm, slightly springy texture. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest for 5–10 minutes. Resting helps retain juices.

3. Build the Sauce Base

Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, stir in diced shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown it — burnt garlic can taste bitter.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those caramelized bits are pure flavor. Let the broth simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.

Whisk in Dijon mustard and whole grain mustard. The sauce will begin to thicken and take on a creamy golden hue.

5. Add Cream and Finish

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally.

Add fresh thyme and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If using Parmesan cheese, stir it in now for extra richness and body.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon smoothly without being overly thick.

6. Return Chicken to the Pan

Place the rested chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy Dijon sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for 3–4 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce

When serving Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce, presentation can elevate this simple dish into something truly memorable. For a cozy family-style dinner, arrange the chicken breasts on a large platter and generously spoon the sauce over the top. Let the golden sauce cascade over the edges, and sprinkle fresh parsley for contrast. Surround the chicken with roasted baby potatoes, steamed green beans, or glazed carrots for a colorful and inviting table spread. The creamy sauce naturally drips into the vegetables, tying everything together in one harmonious bite.

For a more refined plate, serve each chicken breast individually over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy jasmine rice. Spoon extra sauce around the base rather than directly on top for a restaurant-style finish. Add a crisp arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. If you’re hosting guests, consider a build-your-own dinner bar — offer quinoa, roasted vegetables, and sautéed spinach as bases, then let everyone top their bowl with sliced chicken and spoonfuls of Dijon cream sauce. For meal-prep enthusiasts, portion everything into airtight containers with grains and vegetables for balanced lunches throughout the week. A final sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving enhances the flavors even more.

Storage + Meal Prep for Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal planning. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together so the meat stays moist. If you’ve prepared rice or vegetables separately, store them in separate containers to maintain texture.

Freezing is possible, though cream sauces can sometimes separate. If you choose to freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creaminess if needed. Avoid high heat, which may cause the sauce to break.

On day two or three, refresh the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Adding a handful of freshly steamed vegetables can also revive the meal and add texture contrast. This recipe is a true meal-prep hero — flavorful, filling, and easy to reheat without losing its charm.

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that delivers both comfort and elegance in one pan. This Chicken Breast with Creamy Dijon Sauce proves that healthy dinners don’t have to be bland or complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you create layers of flavor that taste like they took hours to develop. The golden sear, the silky mustard cream, the bright finish of lemon and herbs — every element works together beautifully.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a nourishing homemade meal, this recipe offers reliability and flavor in equal measure. It’s easy to customize with different herbs, lighter dairy options, or added vegetables, making it adaptable to your tastes and lifestyle. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t forget to share how it turns out. Delicious dinners like this deserve a spot in your regular rotation.