Description
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served with a silky and tangy lemon-Dijon mustard sauce. This quick and elegant dish is perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a simple weekend meal, combining tender chicken with a vibrant sauce enhanced by garlic and herbs.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled (whole)
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth (or stock)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mixed dried herbs)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot/potato starch)
- 1 tablespoon water
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Heat the skillet and sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the whole garlic cloves to infuse flavor. Place the chicken breasts carefully into the hot skillet and sear for about 5 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
- Add broth and flavorings: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature about 165°F/74°C) and the sauce reduces slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Push the chicken to one side of the pan and pour the slurry into the sauce portion, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Finish and serve: Return the chicken into the sauce and spoon sauce over the top. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when adding the broth.
- To lighten the sauce, use half broth and half water, and omit the cornstarch for a thinner consistency.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream right before serving.
- Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh thyme and rosemary for a herb-forward variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
