Chicken Diane

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This Chicken Diane recipe is rich, silky, and packed with old-school restaurant flavor. It’s every bit as elegant as a fancy night out, but it’s made with simple pantry staples like butter, shallots, and mushrooms.

My favorite thing about this recipe is the sauce. I use plenty of sliced mushrooms and a splash of cream, which gives it an incredibly comforting texture and savory taste. Serve it for a dinner party, a quiet night in, or even a weeknight treat. I guarantee you’ll reach for a second helping.

This Chicken Diane is easy to make with just one skillet, so you can whip up a batch anytime you have chicken breasts on hand. My family and I have been making it on repeat lately. We love how fast it comes together, and we both love how amazing it makes the kitchen smell as it cooks. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Diane hits that sweet spot between bold flavor and easy cooking.

Creamy sauce: Dijon, cream, and broth melt into a smooth finish.

Fast cooking: Everything comes together in one pan.

Classic taste: Worcestershire and brandy give deep, savory notes.

Juicy chicken: Pan searing keeps the chicken tender.

Restaurant feel: Looks impressive without hard steps.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce:

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ cup brandy
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Step by Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This step helps the chicken brown nicely and keeps the flavor balanced.

2. Sear Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely.

3. Build the Base

Lower the heat slightly and add butter to the same pan. Stir in the shallots and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and stir briefly so it does not burn.

4. Cook the Mushrooms

Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until they soften and release their moisture. Stir often so they pick up the browned bits from the pan.

5. Deglaze with Brandy

Carefully pour in the brandy. Let it simmer while scraping the pan to lift all the flavor. Cook until the liquid reduces slightly and the sharp alcohol smell fades.

6. Create the Sauce

Stir in chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken and look glossy.

7. Add Cream and Lemon

Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add the lemon juice and let the sauce simmer until smooth and lightly thickened.

8. Finish and Serve

Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let everything warm together for a minute before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Add a small splash more cream at the end.
  • Use extra broth with a touch of apple juice.
  • Cremini mushrooms work beautifully here.
  • Simmer a little longer before adding chicken back.
  • Thyme pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Diane loves simple sides. Spoon it over mashed potatoes, buttered rice, or egg noodles to catch the sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus keep the plate balanced and fresh.

When friends come over, I serve it with crusty bread and a simple salad. Everyone ends up wiping the plate clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay very juicy.

Does the alcohol cook off?

Most of it cooks out while simmering, leaving flavor behind.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

What if the sauce is too thin?

Let it simmer a few more minutes until it thickens.

Can I skip mushrooms?

Yes, the sauce still tastes great without them.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Diane feels like a dish that never goes out of style. It brings comfort, richness, and a little elegance all in one pan. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bright lemon finish keep it exciting every time.

Chicken Diane

A classic creamy chicken dish with mushrooms, Dijon, and brandy sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Sauce:

  • 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup shallots finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced
  • ½ cup brandy
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This step helps the chicken brown nicely and keeps the flavor balanced.
  • Sear Until Golden: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely.
  • Build the Base: Lower the heat slightly and add butter to the same pan. Stir in the shallots and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add garlic and stir briefly so it does not burn.
  • Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until they soften and release their moisture. Stir often so they pick up the browned bits from the pan.
  • Deglaze with Brandy: Carefully pour in the brandy. Let it simmer while scraping the pan to lift all the flavor. Cook until the liquid reduces slightly and the sharp alcohol smell fades.
  • Create the Sauce: Stir in chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken and look glossy.
  • Add Cream and Lemon: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Add the lemon juice and let the sauce simmer until smooth and lightly thickened.
  • Finish and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let everything warm together for a minute before serving.
Keyword Chicken Diane, classic chicken dinner, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken recipe, easy skillet chicken

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