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Here’s a single serving meal that is both elegant and easy. This Creamy Mustard Chicken recipe is your ticket to a delightful dinner for one that is ready in 20 minutes. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a creamy, tangy mustard sauce, seasoned with a hint of tarragon. It’s a dish that feels fancy yet is so simple to make. Perfect for those nights when you crave something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you pair it with pasta, rice, or keep it low carb, this dish is a heartwarming treat.

Seeking additional single serving chicken dishes? Delight in our zesty Sheet Pan Greek Chicken, savory Chicken Marsala, rich Tuscan Chicken, and classic Chicken Parmesan.

RELATED: Easy Dinner Ideas For One

Why You’ll Love This Mustard Chicken Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal.
  • Flavorful: The mustard and tarragon combination offers a rich, tangy taste.
  • Versatile: Great with pasta, rice, or on its own for a low-carb option.
  • Single Serving: Ideal for a satisfying meal without leftovers.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Simple preparation and minimal cleanup.

RELATED: Recipes For Empty Nesters – The Joy Of Cooking For Two

What Is Mustard Chicken?

Mustard Chicken is a classic dish that features chicken pieces simmered in a rich mustard-based sauce. The sauce, typically a blend of mustard, herbs, and cream, creates a luxurious coating for the chicken, resulting in a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting.

Ingredients

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

This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this easy Chicken with Mustard Tarragon Sauce recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

  • Salted Butter: In this recipe, salted butter is used for its rich, creamy texture and added flavor. It enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Chicken: Choose a 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh. This portion size is ideal for a single serving, ensuring a tender and juicy component to your meal. If you’ve got extra chicken, consider using them in Chicken Tetrazzini, Chicken Tortellini Soup, or Coq au Vin.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper elevate the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce, bringing balance to the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: A crucial element in the sauce, heavy cream contributes to its richness and creaminess. It also acts as an effective thickener. Substitute it with heavy whipping cream if desired. Avoid using milk or half-and-half, as they won’t provide the same thickness or richness. We use heavy cream in many of our recipes. If you have some leftover, consider using it in Chicken Alfredo, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, or in desserts like Vanilla Pudding and Boston Cream Pie.
  • Mustard: Dijon mustard is the preferred choice for its sharp and tangy flavor, although stone-ground mustard is a suitable alternative. Avoid using All-American yellow mustard, as it won’t offer the same depth of flavor. Any extra mustard can be used in Crab Cakes and Potato Salad.
  • Dried Tarragon: This herb, when combined with Dijon mustard, creates a flavorful and aromatic sauce. Its addition to the cream base complements the chicken, resulting in a dish with a complex and satisfying taste profile. Consider using tarragon in Chicken Fricassee and in a crustless Coronation Quiche.

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

Recipe Variations

Explore these creative recipe alternatives to personalize your Mustard Chicken:

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.
  • Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté some mushrooms along with the chicken for an earthy twist.
  • Herb Delight: Mix in a combination of fresh herbs like parsley and chives for extra freshness.
  • Cheese Please: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the finished dish for a cheesy touch.
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How To Make Mustard Chicken

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this easy Mustard Chicken recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Start by heating a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in it.
  2. While the butter is melting, season your chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper.
cubes of chicken topped with salt and pepper on a cutting board.
  1. Place the chicken in the skillet and let it cook for 6 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides.
chicken cooking in a black skillet.
  1. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, covering it to retain warmth. Then, lower the heat to medium-low.
  2. Next, pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Use a spatula to gently scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  3. Mix in the mustard and dried tarragon into the cream. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
mustard tarragon sauce simmering in a saucepan.
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat each piece thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
chicken with mustard tarragon sauce simmering in a saucepan.
  1. Serve the chicken as-is or enjoy it over cooked rice or buttered noodles for a more filling meal.
mustard chicken in a blue bowl on a silver tray.

Expert Tips

  • Meal-prep: Consider keeping chicken pieces in the freezer so you can easily pull one out, defrost it, and cook it when ready. Look for chicken breasts (or thighs) and purchase them when they’re on sale. Then, immediately divide, individually wrap and freeze pieces for later use. The USDA recommends freezing chicken breasts no longer than nine months for optimal quality.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.
  • Customize the recipe: The mustard tarragon sauce can be spooned over fish or shrimp instead of chicken.

What To Serve With Mustard Chicken

A great meal becomes extraordinary with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Mustard Chicken meal:

  • Sautéed Green Beans: A healthy, vibrant side that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Buttered Noodles: For those who aren’t watching their carbs, pasta makes a filling addition.
  • Italian Chopped Salad: A light, fresh salad balances the richness of the dish.
  • Roasted Cabbage: Roasted cabbage makes a great side for this dish as its crisp texture and mild, earthy flavor beautifully complement the creamy richness of the Mustard Chicken
  • French Bread: Homemade bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious mustard sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chicken with mustard sauce suitable for a low-carb diet?

Absolutely! This Dijon mustard chicken is an excellent choice for those on a keto diet. For a low-carb alternative to rice or pasta, pair it with a delicious cauliflower mash.

Can I increase the quantity of this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe to make larger portions, making it perfect for when you need more servings.

Can I make this Mustard Chicken recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk.

How do I store leftover chicken with mustard sauce?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.

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:

For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.

For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.

If you’ve tried this simple 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!


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Creamy Mustard Chicken For One

5 from 28 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Easy-to-make classic French inspired Creamy Mustard Chicken recipe that's ready in only 20 minutes. Tender chicken in a creamy sauce flavored with mustard and tarragon.

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 

  • Start by heating a 10-inch skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in it.
  • While the butter is melting, season your chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper.
  • Place the chicken in the skillet and let it cook for 6 minutes, turning it occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides.
  • Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, covering it to retain warmth. Then, lower the heat to medium-low.
    Next, pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Use a spatula to gently scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Mix in the mustard and dried tarragon into the cream. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat each piece thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
  • Serve the chicken as-is or enjoy it over cooked rice or pasta for a more filling meal.

Notes

Expert Tips
  • Meal-prep: Consider keeping chicken pieces in the freezer so you can easily pull one out, defrost it, and cook it when ready. Look for chicken breasts (or thighs) and purchase them when they’re on sale. Then, immediately divide, individually wrap and freeze pieces for later use. The USDA recommends freezing chicken breasts no longer than nine months for optimal quality.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave.
  • Customize the recipe: The mustard tarragon sauce can be spooned over fish or shrimp instead of chicken.

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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I’m Joanie and I’m incredibly happy you’re here! Our aim is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes, education, and a supportive community that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul.

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34 Comments

    1. Heavy cream is a crucial element in the sauce, it contributes to its richness and creaminess. More importantly, heavy cream also acts as an effective thickener. I cannot recommend a similar substitute. I do not recommend using milk or half-and-half, as they won’t provide the same thickness or richness.