French Mustard Chicken aka Poulet à la Moutarde Recipe

This creamy French Mustard Chicken recipe is literally the MOST comforting bistro meal you will ever whip up. No need for fancy culinary skills, let everything simmer in the sauce and in no time, dinner is served!

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Savory, creamy, classic, and cozy–there is NOTHING like Poulet à la Moutarde. Crisp chicken skin paired with Dijon, thyme, and white wine, it’s the real deal.

And a simple, home-cooked version of this French classic? Well, that is just heaven.

Big fan of calm kitchen vibes over here and since this dish brings that satisfying feeling without the stress, I thought everyone could use an easy mustard chicken recipe right about now.

Quiet evenings were made for foods that comfort the soul–and that is THIS.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe shines because every bite feels rich yet balanced.

Bold flavor: Dijon and grainy mustard bring warmth without overpowering.

Comfort texture: Creamy sauce wraps around juicy chicken perfectly.

One pan cooking: Everything comes together smoothly in one skillet.

Classic feel: French flavors stay timeless and familiar.

Dinner ready feel: It works for weeknights and relaxed gatherings alike.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 8 bone in skin on chicken thighs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons flour
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 4 slices thick cut bacon diced
• 2 large shallots minced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons grainy mustard
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Thyme sprigs for garnish

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Season and Prep the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken thighs dry so the skin browns nicely. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle flour lightly over each piece and rub it in evenly. This step helps the sauce thicken later.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken skin side down and let it cook until golden and crisp. Turn and cook the other side briefly. Remove the chicken and set it aside while keeping the skillet warm.

3. Cook Bacon and Aromatics

Add diced bacon to the same skillet and cook until lightly crisp. Stir in shallots and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Add fresh thyme and stir gently so the herbs release their aroma.

4. Build the Sauce

Pour white wine into the skillet and scrape up the browned bits. Let it simmer until slightly reduced. Add chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in Dijon mustard and grainy mustard until smooth.

5. Finish with Cream and Chicken

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream while stirring. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet and nestle them into the sauce. Cover and let everything simmer until the chicken cooks through and the sauce thickens.

6. Garnish and Rest

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and add thyme sprigs on top. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce settles nicely.

Serving Suggestions

French Mustard Chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce perfectly. Steamed green beans add freshness and balance. Crusty bread works well for scooping every bit of sauce. When I serve this dish, I like to keep it rustic and place the skillet right on the table.

Tips and Variations

• Use a wide pan so the sauce reduces evenly.
• Let the chicken brown fully for deeper flavor.
• Stir the sauce gently to keep it smooth.
• Add mushrooms for extra depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes though bone in pieces add more flavor to the sauce.

Does the mustard taste strong?

The cream softens the mustard so the flavor stays balanced.

Can leftovers store well?

Yes store in the fridge and reheat gently on low heat.

What thickens the sauce?

Flour on the chicken plus gentle simmering help create the texture.

Final Thoughts

French Mustard Chicken aka Poulet à la Moutarde feels cozy, classic, and deeply comforting. The creamy mustard sauce brings warmth while the chicken stays tender and juicy. I love how this dish turns simple ingredients into something that feels thoughtful and special. Once you make it, it quickly earns a spot in regular dinner rotation.