Poulet à la Moutarde - A Classic French Chicken Dish

Why Poulet à la Moutarde is a Classic French Dish

Poulet à la Moutarde, or chicken with mustard sauce, is a classic French dish that is loved for its flavorful and comforting qualities. The dish is made with tender chicken breasts that are cooked in a creamy sauce made with Dijon mustard, white wine, and heavy cream. The result is a rich and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of year.

This easy recipe is perfect for those who are new to French cooking or who are looking for a simple yet delicious one-pan meal. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that your whole family will love.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Poulet à la Moutarde for 4 portions:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour and shake off excess.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
4. Add onion and garlic to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in wine and chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let cook until reduced by half.
6. Whisk in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme leaves. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the chicken. Place skillet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional thyme leaves if desired.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken breasts with firm tofu or seitan. Follow the same recipe, but reduce the cooking time in the oven to 10-15 minutes.
• Vegan: Use a vegan butter substitute and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Omit the chicken broth and replace with vegetable broth.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, tarragon, or basil instead of thyme.

Conclusion

Poulet à la Moutarde is an easy and delicious French dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week. This recipe is perfect for those who are new to French cooking or for those who want an easy one-pan meal. The creamy mustard sauce pairs perfectly with tender chicken breasts for a comforting and satisfying meal. Try this recipe out for yourself and discover why it’s a classic French dish.

FAQ

What is Poulet à la Moutarde?

Poulet à la Moutarde is a French dish that consists of chicken cooked in a creamy mustard sauce.

What ingredients do I need to make Poulet à la Moutarde?

To make Poulet à la Moutarde, you will need chicken breasts, mustard, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, onion, butter, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may be slightly longer.

Can I use whole grain mustard instead of Dijon mustard?

Yes, you can use whole grain mustard instead of Dijon mustard. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the dish may be slightly different.

Can I make Poulet à la Moutarde ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Poulet à la Moutarde ahead of time. Simply reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Can I freeze Poulet à la Moutarde?

Yes, you can freeze Poulet à la Moutarde. However, keep in mind that the sauce may separate when reheated.

What should I serve with Poulet à la Moutarde?

Poulet à la Moutarde goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. However, keep in mind that the sauce may be thinner and less creamy.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. However, keep in mind that the flavor of the dish may be slightly different.

How long does it take to make Poulet à la Moutarde?

It takes about 30-40 minutes to make Poulet à la Moutarde, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

Is Poulet à la Moutarde a healthy dish?

Poulet à la Moutarde is not necessarily a healthy dish due to the heavy cream and butter in the sauce. However, you can make a lighter version by using milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reducing the amount of butter used.