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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bright, tangy flavors while still being comfort-food cozy, this Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Juicy chicken breasts get a golden sear and swim in a luscious sauce that perfectly balances zesty lemon and sharp Dijon mustard, creating a harmony that’s as delightful as it is simple. Whether you’re aiming for an elegant weeknight dinner or impressing friends with a dish that’s both fancy and fuss-free, this recipe delivers every time with a fresh, vibrant punch that will leave you reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients will set you up for success with this Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe. Each item plays a key role, from bringing richness and tang to the sauce, to giving the chicken its perfect golden crust and bright finish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ pounds): The star of the dish—lean and tender, perfect for searing to golden perfection.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds a smooth, fruity base for cooking and helps crisp the chicken’s exterior.
- Dry white wine or chicken stock (¾ cup): Essential for deglazing the pan, lifting browned bits, and adding depth to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Sprinkles in thickness to transform the sauce into a luscious coating.
- Dijon mustard (¼ cup): The tangy powerhouse that gives the sauce its signature sharp, creamy kick.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Enriches the sauce, making it silky and indulgent.
- Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Injects fresh, lively citrus notes that brighten every bite.
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish): Adds a pretty, zesty touch that’s both functional and decorative.
- Fresh parsley (2 teaspoons, roughly chopped): Brings a pop of color and a touch of herbal freshness.
- Cooked pasta or rice (for serving): The perfect bed to soak up all that incredible sauce.
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste): The finishing seasonings that elevate every flavor component harmoniously.
How to Make Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper—this simple step ensures every bite is well-flavored. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken, searing without moving it for about 5 minutes to build that gorgeous golden crust. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the meat is cooked through and beautifully browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest while you make the sauce.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce Base
Using the same skillet with all those browned bits left behind, whisk together the flour, Dijon mustard, butter, and lemon juice. The flour helps thicken the sauce, while the mustard and lemon juice bring an irresistible tang. Cook this mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until you begin to see it thicken—a sign that magic is happening in your pan.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce
Once your sauce base has thickened, it’s time to deglaze the pan with your choice of dry white wine or chicken stock. Pour it in slowly while scraping up all those wonderful browned bits stuck to the bottom—the key to deep, rich flavor. Return the chicken breasts and any juices back to the skillet. If you love a pretty presentation, tuck in a few lemon slices now. Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is heated through, the sauce thickens slightly more, and those lemon slices soften up just right.
Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give your sauce and chicken a final taste adjustment with salt and pepper. Remember, this layering of seasoning is what makes your Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe truly shine. Serve the luscious chicken over hot cooked pasta or rice, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish that’s as pretty as it is flavorful.
How to Serve Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh parsley sprinkled on top isn’t just for looks—its bright, herbal aroma complements the citrusy, tangy notes in the sauce perfectly. Optional lemon slices add a burst of vibrant color and a little extra zing if you want to double down on the lemony goodness.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple cooked pasta or fluffy white rice, both fantastic for soaking up the rich mustard-lemon sauce. For a balanced meal, try serving it alongside steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad that adds a refreshing crunch to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, plate the chicken atop a nest of linguine tossed in olive oil and fresh herbs. Garnish with a sprig of parsley and a thin lemon twist for an elegant touch. Alternatively, serve it family-style in the skillet it was cooked in to keep the sauce warm and invite everyone to dig in together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. The sauce maintains its flavor wonderfully, so your next meal will be just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe even later, you can freeze it. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware the texture of the chicken might soften slightly after freezing but the flavors will remain delightful.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also use a microwave but cover to retain moisture, heating in short bursts and stirring occasionally for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and moistness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have dry white wine? Can I skip it?
If you don’t have white wine, substituting with chicken stock is perfect—it keeps the sauce flavorful and adds body without alcohol. Just use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
Is Dijon mustard very spicy?
Dijon mustard has a sharp, tangy flavor with mild heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. It perfectly complements the lemon in this recipe by adding depth and brightness without overpowering the palate.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening the sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to get a golden crust on the chicken?
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and searing, and make sure your skillet and olive oil are hot before adding the chicken. Avoid moving the chicken while it sears to develop that beautiful, even golden crust.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe has all the flavors you want when you’re craving something bright, comforting, and impressively delicious with minimal effort. It’s a recipe that feels special but is incredibly approachable—perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners with friends. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to favorites that you’ll happily make again and again.
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Lemon Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Dijon Chicken recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts cooked in a tangy and creamy lemon mustard sauce, perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner. The dish is brightened with fresh lemon juice and garnished with parsley, served over pasta or rice for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 pieces)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup dry white wine or chicken stock
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons roughly chopped fresh parsley
To Serve
- Cooked pasta or rice
Instructions
- Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and let them sear undisturbed on one side for about 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Using the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and whisk together the flour, Dijon mustard, unsalted butter, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until it starts to thicken and becomes smooth.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits for added flavor. Return the chicken to the pan along with any juices collected. Add lemon slices if using. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken further and the lemon slices to soften. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts over cooked pasta or rice and spoon the luscious lemon Dijon sauce over the top. Garnish with roughly chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices for a fresh contrast.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, use chicken stock instead of white wine.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best tangy flavor.
- Cooked pasta or rice should be prepared separately according to package instructions.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to balance the tanginess of mustard and lemon.
