Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience with this irresistible Chunky Chicken in Dijon Cheddar Sauce! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts smothered in a luxurious, creamy sauce that combines the tangy kick of Dijon mustard with the rich, melty goodness of cheddar cheese. This restaurant-quality dish is about to become your new weeknight favorite, promising to impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, keeping warm by loosely covering with aluminum foil.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add Dijon mustard, stirring to scrape up any browned chicken bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in heavy cream and whisk continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Gradually sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the Dijon cheddar sauce over each piece to coat thoroughly.
- Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and absorb the flavors.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh cracked pepper if desired, and plate with your choice of side dishes like roasted vegetables or rice.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For an extra smooth sauce, use room temperature heavy cream and grate your own cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded.
- Choose a high-quality Dijon mustard for the most robust flavor profile.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little chicken broth or extra cream.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its most creamy and luxurious consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
