This Creamy Mustard Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a lusciously tangy mustard sauce, all prepared in just one skillet. The creamy sauce, made with Dijon mustard and coconut cream, perfectly coats each piece, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet healthy. Serve this chicken over sautéed kale, roasted veggies, or even cauliflower rice for a meal that is versatile, satisfying, and fit for anyone following Paleo, Whole30, or Keto diets. It’s a simple recipe packed with bold flavors, making it perfect for weeknights or casual dinner parties.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons ghee
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken stock or broth
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning blend
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
- Season chicken thighs with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add ghee to the skillet, followed by onions. Cook onions for 5-6 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add garlic during the last minute.
- Deglaze the skillet by adding chicken stock. Stir to scrape up browned bits. Simmer for about 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in mustard, coconut cream, lemon juice, and thyme. Mix until smooth and heated through.
- Return chicken to the skillet, coating with sauce. Let cook for another minute. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 281 kcal | Servings: 4
A Flavorful Spin on Classic Comfort Food
Creamy Mustard Chicken is a dish that brings together bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and simplicity in preparation. This recipe is a perfect blend of tangy Dijon mustard, creamy coconut milk, and savory herbs, creating a sauce that elevates tender chicken thighs into a gourmet dish. Its origins are rooted in European mustard-based sauces, but this version takes a healthier, paleo-inspired twist, making it accessible to a wide range of dietary preferences, including Whole30, keto, and gluten-free diets.
The dish celebrates simplicity while delivering restaurant-quality taste, making it a go-to recipe for weeknights or special occasions. By using boneless chicken thighs, the recipe ensures juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. The creamy mustard sauce, thickened naturally with coconut cream, avoids traditional dairy ingredients, making it lighter yet indulgent.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Quick and Easy Preparation
Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-skillet recipe simplifies cooking without compromising on flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. - Versatile Pairing Options
Creamy Mustard Chicken pairs beautifully with various sides, from low-carb cauliflower rice to roasted potatoes or sautéed greens. This flexibility makes it ideal for families with diverse tastes or for those experimenting with different diet plans. - Health-Focused Ingredients
- Coconut Cream: A dairy-free alternative, rich in healthy fats, and provides a silky texture to the sauce without being heavy.
- Chicken Thighs: A nutrient-dense protein source that remains juicy during cooking, ensuring tender bites in every forkful.
- Mustard: Packed with antioxidants, mustard is a flavorful ingredient that adds depth without extra calories.
- Lemon Juice and Herbs: These fresh ingredients brighten the dish, enhancing its flavor profile and nutritional value.
Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is not just delicious; it’s packed with health benefits:
- Low in Carbs: Suitable for keto and low-carb diets, with only 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
- Rich in Protein: Each serving provides a hearty 24g of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Healthy Fats: Coconut cream and olive oil contribute to the dish’s healthy fat content, keeping you full and satisfied.
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, without compromising on taste or texture.
What Makes Creamy Mustard Chicken the Best?
This recipe is a game-changer for home cooks because it combines gourmet flavors with practical cooking methods. The tanginess of the mustard complements the richness of the coconut cream, creating a balanced sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Plus, the use of fresh garlic, onions, and herbs adds depth and complexity that’s hard to beat.
Unlike many creamy chicken recipes, this version is light on calories and free from artificial thickeners. It’s a wholesome, clean-eating dish that feels indulgent but aligns with health-conscious goals.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this dish is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Add Vegetables: Include mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini in the skillet for added nutrition and texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle heat.
- Switch the Protein: Try boneless turkey thighs or firm tofu as a substitute for chicken.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Ensures a good sear, locking in the juices and creating a golden-brown crust.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Don’t skip the step of scraping browned bits from the pan; they add incredible depth to the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Since mustard varies in intensity, taste the sauce before serving and adjust the flavors with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines when paired with sides that soak up the creamy sauce. Some crowd-pleasing options include:
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs the tangy sauce beautifully.
- Roasted Veggies: Think Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes create the ultimate comfort food pairing.
Ideal for Meal Prep
If you’re a fan of batch cooking, this recipe is a winner. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Pair it with fresh sides each day for variety.
Bringing People Together
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or preparing a cozy meal for your family, Creamy Mustard Chicken is a recipe that brings people together. Its approachable ingredients and foolproof technique make it a dish that anyone can master, while the elegant flavors make it memorable.
Conclusion
Creamy Mustard Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of flavor, health, and simplicity. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. Whether you’re following a Paleo, Whole30, or keto lifestyle or simply looking for a satisfying dinner idea, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your rotation.So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to serve up a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. With Creamy Mustard Chicken, every bite is a testament to how healthy eating can be both effortless and flavorful.
