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This Mustard Chicken is a quick and flavorful low carb dinner for one that feels a little fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. In just 20 minutes, tender chicken simmers in a rich, tangy mustard sauce with a hint of tarragon. Serve it over pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. It’s a delicious, restaurant-quality meal made just for you.

a pink bowl filled with chicken and a mustard sauce next to a light blue napkin.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
  • Rich & Creamy: Dijon mustard and tarragon create a flavorful, velvety sauce.
  • One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
  • Perfectly Portioned: Made for one, but doubles easily if you’re cooking for two.
  • Versatile: Serve over pasta, rice, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb option.

Mustard Chicken is one of my favorite easy meals – it’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

Tender chicken simmers in a Dijon mustard sauce with a touch of tarragon and heavy cream, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

This single serving recipe gives you all the classic flavors without leftovers, and it comes together quickly for a simple, satisfying meal.

Looking for more single serving chicken recipes? Try my flavorful small sheet pan Greek chicken, chicken marsala for one, Tuscan chicken for one, or classic chicken Parmesan for one.

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Ingredients

ingredients needed to make mustard chicken on a wooden cutting board.

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch Mustard Chicken recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Variations

Mustard Chicken is easy to customize. Try these variations:

  • Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms alongside the chicken.
  • Herb-Infused: Stir in fresh parsley or chives.
  • Cheesy Variation: Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

How To Make Mustard Chicken

These photos and instructions help you visualize how to make chicken with mustard sauce. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
  2. Season the chicken evenly with salt and pepper.
cubes of chicken topped with salt and pepper on a cutting board.
  1. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly.
chicken cooking in a black skillet.
  1. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover to keep warm, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  2. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Stir in the mustard and dried tarragon. Cook the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
mustard tarragon sauce simmering in a saucepan.
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
chicken with mustard tarragon sauce simmering in a saucepan.
  1. Serve the chicken as-is or over rice or buttered noodles for a heartier meal.
mustard chicken in a blue bowl on a silver tray.

Expert Tips

  • Meal Prep: Stock your freezer with individually wrapped chicken breasts or thighs for easy, ready-to-cook portions. Buy in bulk when on sale, divide into single portions, and freeze. For best quality, use within nine months, as recommended by the USDA.
  • Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through.
  • Versatile Sauce: The mustard-tarragon sauce isn’t just for chicken, try it spooned over fish or shrimp for a flavorful alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a chicken thigh instead of a chicken breast?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger skillet to ensure even cooking.

How should I reheat leftover Mustard Chicken?

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.

Can I make a dairy-free mustard sauce?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, but note that the sauce may be less rich.

RELATED: Easy Dinner Ideas For One

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this single serve mustard chicken recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!


Cooking For One Made Easy
Because you’re worth it

Creamy Mustard Chicken For One

5 from 37 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
This easy Creamy Mustard Chicken recipe comes together in just 20 minutes. Juicy chicken is paired with a rich, flavorful mustard and tarragon sauce for a quick and elegant meal.
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Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breast -cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
  • Optional: cooked rice or pasta

Instructions 

  • Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
  • Season the chicken evenly with salt and pepper.
  • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover to keep warm, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Stir in the mustard and dried tarragon. Cook the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Serve the chicken as-is or over cooked rice or buttered noodles for a heartier meal.

Notes

    • Meal Prep: Stock your freezer with individually wrapped chicken breasts or thighs for easy, ready-to-cook portions. Buy in bulk when on sale, divide into single portions, and freeze. For best quality, use within nine months, as recommended by the USDA.
    • Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover mustard chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through.
    • Versatile Sauce: The mustard-tarragon sauce isn’t just for chicken, try it spooned over fish or shrimp for a flavorful alternative.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 668kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 55g, Saturated Fat: 35g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 165mg, Sodium: 759mg, Potassium: 128mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 2103IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 85mg, Iron: 1mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Iโ€™m Joanie, chef, author of The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook, and creator of One Dish Kitchen. With 10+ years of experience developing single serving and small batch recipes, Iโ€™m passionate about making cooking for one simple and enjoyable. So glad youโ€™re here!

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5 from 37 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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49 Comments

  1. Lupita says:

    absolutely obsessed with this recipe! this was one of the first dishes I made when I moved out and lived on my own, so it holds a special place in my heart. I do add a bit more dijon mustard just so the sauce is a bit tangier, but a great recipe all around

    1. Joanie Zisk says:

      I love hearing that this recipe has such special meaning for you!