If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly comforting, the Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner rotation. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken pieces with a luscious, tangy mustard sauce that’s brightened by spinach and enriched with a smooth coconut aminos base. Every bite offers the perfect balance of creaminess and a hint of zest, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and ensures your Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe turns out as flavorful as can be. Each item here plays a crucial role, from the rich olive oil that keeps the chicken juicy to the vibrant spinach that adds freshness and color to the final dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil: Provides the perfect base to sear the chicken, adding subtle richness.
- 1½ pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces: Tender chicken pieces that soak up the creamy mustard sauce beautifully; thighs work well too if you prefer extra juiciness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- ½ teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle, smoky warmth without overpowering the dish.
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard: Boosts the mustard flavor with a ground spice kick.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory depth throughout the sauce and chicken.
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley: Introduces a hint of herbaceous brightness to the mix.
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a subtle earthy note while providing nutritious greens.
- ½ cup coconut aminos: A naturally sweet and savory sauce that gives the dish a unique umami richness without soy.
- ½ cup water: Helps create the sauce’s perfect consistency.
- 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard: The star ingredient that brings tangy creaminess and sharpness.
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess and deepen flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch added into the sauce for seasoning harmony.
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour: Used as a natural thickening agent to give the sauce its perfect silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon cold water: Mixed with arrowroot to prevent lumps.
- Sesame seeds: A nutty garnish adding a little crunch and visual appeal.
- Fresh chopped parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating your oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, chili powder, ground mustard, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Sear them in the hot oil until they’re golden brown on the outside and almost cooked through. This step locks in juiciness and sets the foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Wilt the Spinach
Once the chicken is nicely browned, add the fresh baby spinach directly to the skillet. Stir it around for a minute or two until the spinach wilts and becomes tender. This step brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, green component to the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, water, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and the extra pinch of salt. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken and spinach, letting it heat through gently to marry all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the arrowroot flour with cold water until smooth, then stir this slurry into the skillet. Keep stirring as the sauce thickens; this ensures silky texture coats every piece of chicken perfectly without clumps.
Step 5: Final Touches
Once the sauce reaches a luscious creaminess and the chicken is fully cooked through, turn off the heat. Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh chopped parsley on top for a nutty crunch and a burst of color that makes the dish irresistible.
How to Serve Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds and fresh parsley as garnishes not only enhances the dish visually but also layers in delightful textures and a fresh herbal aroma that complements the creamy mustard sauce.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with fluffily steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a crispy crusty bread to scoop up every drop of that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad also make refreshing accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve your Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe over a bed of buttery polenta or buttered noodles to transform it into an elegant centerpiece. Garnish plates with extra parsley and drizzle a little more balsamic vinegar for artistically tangy flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by placing cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag. For best quality, consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the texture and rich flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help restore the creaminess if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the sauce’s smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe, offering even more juiciness and flavor if you prefer them over breasts.
Is there a substitute for coconut aminos?
If you don’t have coconut aminos on hand, low-sodium soy sauce is a good alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! This Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe is naturally dairy-free as it uses Dijon mustard and coconut aminos for the creamy sauce, so no dairy substitutes are needed.
What if I don’t have arrowroot flour?
You can substitute arrowroot flour with cornstarch or tapioca starch in the same quantity. Just be sure to mix it with cold water before adding to prevent lumps.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe has a mild spicy touch from the chili powder, but it’s very subtle and easily adjustable by reducing or omitting the chili powder to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe is one of those meals that feels special yet comes together quickly with simple ingredients. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and comfort all in one skillet. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your home—happy cooking and savor every bite!
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Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal, featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a tangy and creamy mustard sauce complemented by fresh spinach. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (can substitute chicken thighs)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
Sauce and Vegetables
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup coconut aminos
- ½ cup water
- 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Thickener and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, chili powder, ground mustard, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are cooked through and browned on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Liquids: Add fresh baby spinach to the skillet with the cooked chicken. Pour in the coconut aminos and water, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce starts to come together.
- Create the Mustard Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and additional ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the flavors into the sauce. Continue simmering gently on low heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot flour and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat once the sauce is thick and the chicken is fully coated. Serve immediately, topped with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh chopped parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Arrowroot flour is used as a gluten-free thickener but cornstarch can be substituted if preferred.
- The recipe uses coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative to soy sauce, but tamari or regular soy sauce may be used instead.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt and chili powder for heat preference.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
