Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled alongside perfectly roasted potatoes, all draped in a velvety, tangy Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Cream Sauce. This comforting yet elegant dish combines simple ingredients that transform into something truly spectacular when they come together. The rich creaminess of the sauce paired with the subtle kick of Dijon mustard creates a flavor profile that’s both sophisticated and deeply satisfying. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, mastering a dish that’s equally perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Cream Sauce is a culinary gem that will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. First, it’s the perfect balance of convenience and luxury—a one-pan wonder that delivers gourmet results without complicated techniques. The contrast between the crispy-skinned chicken, fork-tender potatoes, and silky sauce creates a textural symphony that keeps every bite interesting.
What makes this dish truly special is how the Dijon mustard infuses the cream sauce with a sophisticated tanginess that elevates the entire meal. The sauce itself is luxuriously smooth yet has enough character to avoid being one-dimensional. It coats each piece of chicken and potato with just the right amount of flavor.
Even better, this recipe works with ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it accessible even on busy weeknights. The harmony between the hearty potatoes, succulent chicken, and the mustard cream sauce is nothing short of magical—comfort food that feels like a special occasion every time you serve it.
Ingredients
For the Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Cream Sauce, you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total)
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (preferably whole grain for extra texture)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
The Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe as they maintain their shape while becoming buttery-soft inside. For the Dijon mustard, a good quality brand will make a noticeable difference in the depth of flavor in your sauce.
Pro Tips
Perfect Chicken Texture: To achieve the ideal texture for your Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Cream Sauce, start by patting the chicken completely dry before seasoning. This ensures a beautiful golden crust when searing. For even cooking, let your chicken come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before it hits the pan. The chicken should sizzle when it touches the hot surface—this initial sear locks in moisture and creates the foundation for perfectly juicy meat.
Sauce Consistency Mastery: The secret to a silky-smooth Dijon cream sauce is patience and temperature control. Always reduce your heat when adding the cream to prevent curdling. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer gently until it reaches your desired consistency, but watch carefully—it can thicken quickly once it starts reducing. For an extra velvety finish, whisk in the cold butter at the very end off the heat.
Potato Perfection: For potatoes that are crispy outside and fluffy inside, don’t overcrowd your roasting pan. Space them out so each piece has room for the hot air to circulate. Tossing them in a small amount of the Dijon sauce before the final roast will create a flavorful caramelized exterior that complements the creamy interior texture.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy skin. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and half of the garlic powder. In a large bowl, toss the potato chunks with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the remaining garlic powder, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is shimmering, place the chicken breasts skin-side down in the hot pan. Don’t move them for about 5-6 minutes until the skin is deeply golden and crispy. This patience creates that restaurant-quality sear that locks in moisture. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Roast the Potatoes
In the same skillet, add the seasoned potatoes, arranging them in a single layer. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes begin to turn golden and slightly crisp around the edges.
Step 4: Create the Dijon Cream Sauce
While the potatoes roast, prepare your sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Remove the skillet with potatoes from the oven. Nestle the seared chicken breasts on top of the potatoes, skin-side up. Pour about two-thirds of the Dijon cream sauce evenly over the chicken and potatoes, reserving the rest for serving. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are completely tender.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining sauce, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve your Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Cream Sauce directly from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or plate individually for a more elegant approach.
Variations
Herb-Forward Version: Elevate your Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Cream Sauce by creating an herb-infused variation. Add a fragrant blend of fresh tarragon, chives, and dill to the cream sauce during the final minute of simmering. The bright herbaceous notes complement the tangy Dijon perfectly while adding beautiful specks of green throughout the sauce. This variation works wonderfully for spring gatherings or when you want a lighter, fresher take on the dish.
Smoky Bacon Addition: For a more indulgent version, render 4-6 slices of chopped bacon until crispy before searing the chicken. Set the bacon aside, then cook the chicken in the bacon fat instead of olive oil. Fold the crispy bacon pieces into the cream sauce just before serving. The smoky, salty notes from the bacon create a delicious counterpoint to the tangy Dijon, while adding another layer of texture to the dish.
Dairy-Free Alternative: For those avoiding dairy, create a luxurious Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Sauce by substituting full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan. The coconut milk provides similar richness without compromising the velvety texture, while the nutritional yeast adds the umami quality that Parmesan normally contributes. This version maintains all the comfort of the original with a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Storage and Serving
This Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Cream Sauce stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revitalize the sauce, as it tends to thicken when chilled. For best results, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 15 minutes rather than using a microwave, which can toughen the chicken.
For an elegant dinner party presentation, serve this dish on a large platter with the chicken arranged over the potatoes and the sauce drizzled artfully on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and lemon zest for a pop of color.
Pair this comforting meal with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cream sauce. For a wine pairing, choose a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the Dijon cream. For a complete meal, serve warm crusty bread on the side—it’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that irresistible sauce.
FAQs
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Cream Sauce recipe. They’re naturally more flavorful and forgiving if slightly overcooked. Adjust cooking time to about 5 minutes less in the oven since thighs typically cook faster than breasts.
My sauce split/curdled. How can I fix it?
If your sauce separates, remove it from heat immediately. Whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of cold heavy cream. If that doesn’t work, transfer a few tablespoons to a separate bowl, whisk in a teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth, then gradually whisk this mixture back into your sauce over low heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but with some modifications. Prepare the chicken and potatoes up to the point of adding the sauce. Refrigerate separately from the sauce (which you can also make ahead). When ready to serve, bring everything to room temperature, combine, and finish baking until heated through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?
Half-and-half or whole milk can work, though the sauce will be thinner. To maintain thickness, whisk 1 tablespoon of flour with the half-and-half before adding it to the pan.
Are russet potatoes suitable for this recipe?
While you can use russet potatoes, they tend to break down more during cooking. If using russets, cut them slightly larger and handle them more gently when stirring to maintain their shape in the finished dish.
Conclusion
This Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Cream Sauce is comfort food at its finest — a perfect symphony of tender chicken, golden potatoes, and a velvety sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasion dining, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques to create something truly impressive. Whether you’re cooking for family on a weeknight or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers that rare combination of simplicity and sophistication that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Chicken And Potatoes With Dijon Cream Sauce
Description
This creamy Dijon chicken and potatoes is what dinner dreams are made of. One skillet, minimal prep, maximum flavor. Your weeknight just got a serious upgrade.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total)
- 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (preferably whole grain)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and half the garlic powder.
- Toss potato chunks with 2 tablespoons olive oil, remaining garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5-6 minutes until golden, flip, cook 2 more minutes, then set aside.
- Add potatoes to the same skillet in a single layer. Roast in oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, bring to simmer, and reduce by half (about 5 minutes).
- Lower heat, add heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and Parmesan. Season to taste.
- Remove skillet from oven, place chicken on top of potatoes, and pour two-thirds of the sauce over everything. Return to oven for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.