Mustard Chicken: A Recipe That Won’t Make You Cry
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. Honestly, we’ve all had those days when the idea of slaving away over a stove feels like a punishment. But fear not, my culinary comrade. Let me introduce you to the must-have Mustard Chicken recipe that not only pleases your taste buds but also gives you more time to binge-watch your favorite show. Plus, it has that fancy French flair, because who doesn’t love to sound sophisticated while tossing some chicken in a pan? Let’s dive in!
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First off, this dish is as easy as pie – well, easier than pie if we’re being real. It’s idiot-proof; even I didn’t mess it up. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes and still look like a kitchen rockstar. Let’s not forget that it’s packed with flavor thanks to mustard and cream, which makes you feel like you’re dining in a fancy bistro without the waitstaff judging your outfit.
And guess what? The best part about this recipe is that it comes with bacon—yes, you heard that right. Who doesn’t love bacon? It’s crispy, it’s salty, and it just makes everything better. So if you want to impress your friends or spouse without breaking a sweat, this is the route to go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Alright, friends. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you unleash your inner chef:
- Chicken: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best. Chicken thighs? Go for it if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Mustard: Any mustard will do, but Dijon is the fancy choice to elevate your dish.
- Bacon: Because bacon makes everything taste infinitely better.
- Mushrooms: Fresh, because canned mushrooms make me weep a little.
- Cream: Heavy cream if you’re feeling naughty or light cream if you want to pretend you’re being healthy.
- Rice, pasta, or green veggies: What do you want to serve on the side? Keep it simple, my friend!
Seriously, that’s it. A few ingredients and you will have a masterpiece ready to devour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get cooking. Follow my lead and we’ll get this done quicker than you can say “Dinner is served."
Crispy Bacon Time: In a skillet, sauté the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it unless you want to eat burnt offerings.
Mushroom Magic: Toss in the mushrooms and sauté until they are tender. This is the moment to channel your inner gourmet chef, and stir like you mean it!
Chicken Emerging: Now, add in your chicken. Cook until it’s golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through. We’re going for perfection, not salmonella.
Mustard Creaminess: Time to add the mustard and cream to the pan. Mix it well to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for a minute. This is where the magic really happens.
Serving Time: Serve it hot over a bed of rice, pasta, or alongside green veggies. Looks good? You bet it does!
And voila, you’ve officially cooked Mustard Chicken like a pro!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Okay, let’s chat about a few common mistakes so you can avoid them like the plague.
Skipping the Bacon Sizzle: If you think you can skip the bacon part to save time, think again. You need that crispy goodness.
Ignoring the Mustard: I get it; mustard can be divisive. But don’t skimp out on it. It brings such a depth of flavor that you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
Overcooking the Chicken: A common mistake is playing with your phone while the chicken cooks. Focus! Set a timer if you have to.
Thinking You Can Use Old Cream: If your cream has taken a vacation to the back of the fridge for weeks, it’s time to let it go. Fresh cream makes all the difference.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Need to switch things up? No problemo! Here are some alternatives you can try if you’re in a pinch.
Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have chicken, turkey breast or even tofu can work. Just remember, tofu won’t have that chicken charm.
Mustard Variety: Honey mustard for a sweet twist? Yes, please. Or make it spicy with a dollop of hot mustard.
Cream Options: Sour cream can give you a tangy vibe. Greek yogurt can work too, but be gentle with the heat, so it won’t curdle.
Veggie Upgrades: Don’t have mushrooms? Swap in zucchini or spinach if you’re feeling feisty.
Change is good in the kitchen, my friend. Make it work for you!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Alright, let’s tackle some common questions.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Just go for the real stuff if you can.
How long does it take to cook the chicken? Around 6-8 minutes, depending on how thick those chicken breasts are. Keep an eye on them so you don’t end up with rubber.
Is it okay to use frozen chicken? Sure, but let it thaw first! Nobody wants icy chunks in their creamy mustard sauce.
What other sides can I serve with this? Anything goes here. Garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad would be delightful.
Can this be made ahead of time? Absolutely! Just reheat it gently, and it’ll still pack a punch.
What if I don’t like mustard? Who even are you? Just kidding! You can always try a cream sauce with herbs instead.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, just make sure you have a big enough pan. No one is stopping you from being a meal prep master.
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Seriously, this Mustard Chicken is your ticket to not just eating well but also being the dining hero of the night. So put on your favorite playlist, pour yourself a drink, and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Remember, cooking is about having fun and experimenting. So don’t take it too seriously. You’ve got this, my friend. Happy cooking!
Print
Mustard Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and flavorful Mustard Chicken recipe that’s packed with flavor and features crispy bacon, perfect for impressing your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Boneless and skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Dijon mustard
- Bacon
- Fresh mushrooms
- Heavy cream (or light cream)
- Rice, pasta, or green vegetables (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and sauté until tender.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes, ensuring it’s cooked through.
- Add mustard and cream to the pan, mix well, and simmer for a minute.
- Serve hot over rice, pasta, or alongside green veggies.
Notes
Make sure to use fresh cream and don’t skip the bacon for that extra flavor.