If you’re craving restaurant-quality chicken without the fuss, this Quick Baked Chicken with Creamy Dijon Sauce is exactly what you need. Tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then baked in a luscious sauce made with Dijon mustard, cream, garlic, and white wine, creating a dish that’s rich, tangy, and deeply satisfying. Everything comes together in about 30-35 minutes in one pan, so cleanup is minimal and you’ll have a gorgeous, flavorful dinner that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
This version strikes the perfect balance between quick weeknight ease and impressive flavor. The creamy Dijon sauce coats every bite of chicken, and you can serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. It’s elegant enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday night when you just want something delicious without a lot of effort.
Complete Ingredient List (Serves 4)
This version is pantry-friendly and easy to scale up for leftovers or a crowd.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½-2 pounds total)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Creamy Dijon Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot or ¼ cup diced onion
- ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer not to use wine)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional, for texture and extra mustard flavor)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta
- Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread for dipping in the sauce
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: About 30-35 minutes
Servings: 4
Season and Sear the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to about 1 inch thick for even cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts in a single layer and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and shallot (or onion) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the wine has reduced by half.
Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish and Serve
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors.
Serve the Quick Baked Chicken with Creamy Dijon Sauce warm, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme. Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the sauce, and add a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Creamy Dijon Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook uniformly and stay juicy. For extra richness, add an extra tablespoon of butter to the sauce at the end. Make a bigger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce. For meal prep, keep the chicken and sauce separate until ready to serve so the chicken stays tender.
Variations and Customizations
Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra earthiness and texture. Use boneless pork chops or turkey cutlets instead of chicken. Stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end for added greens. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for extra brightness. Use different herbs like rosemary or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
This dish is rich in protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the cream and butter. The sauce adds savory flavor and richness. You can lighten it by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, more chicken broth, or a smaller portion size.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
The Quick Baked Chicken with Creamy Dijon Sauce is incredibly photogenic: golden chicken breasts smothered in a glossy, creamy sauce with fresh herbs makes it pop on camera. The one-pan, 30-minute timeline is perfect for short-form video, and the “perfect weeknight” hook resonates with busy home cooks. For Pinterest, focus on overhead shots of the skillet with the sauce pooling around the chicken and a sprinkle of herbs, and keep the background simple so the colors stand out.
Serve this dish with extra sauce spooned over mashed potatoes and a side of roasted vegetables. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this easy, elegant dinner has become such a favorite for quick weeknight meals and meal prep.
