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Sauteed Chicken in Mustard-Cream Sauce

This classic French combination of ingredients also makes an excellent sauce for fish, such as seared salmon and trout.

Sauteed Chicken in Mustard Cream Sauce

Give your chicken a fancy French treatment with a delicious ta

Everyday Food, May/June 2003
  • Prep Time 20 minutes
  • Total Time 20 minutes
  • Yield Serves 4
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Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, (6 ounces each)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine, or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried tarragon (or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh)

Directions

  1. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; saute until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a plate; keep warm.

  2. Pour wine into hot skillet; cook, stirring, until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Whisk in cream, mustard, and tarragon. Cook, whisking, until thickened, about 2 minutes.

  3. Pour any accumulated chicken juices from plate into sauce. Right before serving, drizzle cream sauce over chicken.

Recipe Reviews

  • pennylaneeee
    6 Feb, 2013

    Very VERY easy and delicious!

  • ashleyann1
    22 Jan, 2013

    What a quick and simple recipe! Cheap ingredients, too. I used chicken broth instead of white wine and the sauce came out fine. Served on a bed of brown rice. Delicious.

  • SKS
    18 Nov, 2012

    This was good, but something about my sauce didn't seem right. It may have been on the burner too long, or maybe it needed more broth or cream. Anyway, it was still a good recipe that I'll try again!

  • SKS
    18 Nov, 2012

    This was good, but something about my sauce didn't seem right. It may have been on the burner too long, or maybe it needed more broth or cream. Anyway, it was still a good recipe that I'll try again!

  • deehunny
    13 Nov, 2012

    I had sauteed garlic, onion, and mushrooms so I decided to deglaze for the first time. I used 2% milk with butter to substitute for heavy cream and I used chicken broth instead of alcohol (because we had no wine or sherry) and it was still sooo good! Thanks for the great recipe!

  • Nosilla123
    13 Sep, 2012

    I didn't have any tarragon, so I decided to try using herbs de provance, and it was delicious! This is becoming a staple in our house.

  • cookeverydayfood
    1 Aug, 2012

    This was the first recipe I cooked during my cook through of the Everyday Food Cookbooks.

    This sauce is delicious and so easy to make. Tarragon is an aquired taste, I never enjoyed it until I had a BLT with a tarragon mayo.

    See my full review here:
    www.cookeverydayfood.com

  • SGD714
    19 Jul, 2012

    This recipe is SO GOOD and it's super easy to make! I double the sauce and pour it over everything on the plate. It's a great recipe if you want to impress someone:)

  • BenjiBEN
    18 Jul, 2012

    Delicious! And so easy...
    The sauce took a lot longer to thicken than the recipe stated (even while being whipped constantly), but it was definitely worth the wait.
    Also, substituted basil for the tarragon.
    Partner now accepts that I can, in fact, cook :)

  • jake90245
    12 Jul, 2012

    We loved this recipe. I substituted fat free cream and it was fine. Great flavor.

  • amymarie83
    27 Jun, 2012

    This recipe is wonderful! Easy and delicious!

    And to the previous reviewer, a recipe does not give you food poisoning, improperly handled food does.

  • The Matsa chef
    20 Jun, 2012

    This recipe was NASTY!!!!we cooked for the appropriate time but they came out burnt so I tried it again and it looked pretty but when I ate it I think I would rather have the burnt one! If you want my opinion DO NOT TRY THIS!!!! Also the next day I had food poisoning!!! I was puking my guts out because I believed in this recipe!!! :*(

  • pattipoopidoo
    12 Jun, 2012

    This was FANTASTIC! I'm loving these Sarah Carey videos, she's great!

  • Genta
    24 May, 2012

    I don't how this recipe has only 4 star, this tastes like a dish from a 5 star restaurant very gourmet. I was nervous about using tarragon because I never tried it and a few reviwers mentioned that some people didn't like it, it was amazing though I will make this when I have guests, my kids loved it....

  • dgreenland
    15 May, 2012

    absolutely fabulous. easy, fast, cheap and company worthy!

  • april70
    12 Apr, 2012

    This recipe is so very tasty! I use the same mustard sauce with salmon or pork tenderloin medalians and with asparagus. I serve this with Martha's Soft Polenta and a green veggie which is fast, so flavorful, and tangy! If using dry herbs I add them to the liquid while chicken cooks then they're soft in the sauce and flavor it correctly! Enjoy!

  • april70
    12 Apr, 2012

    This recipe is so very tasty! I use the same mustard sauce with salmon or pork tenderloin medalians and with asparagus. I serve this with Martha's Soft Polenta and a green veggie which is fast, so flavorful, and tangy! If using dry herbs I add them to the liquid while chicken cooks then they're soft in the sauce and flavor it correctly! Enjoy!

  • ingamartin
    11 Apr, 2012

    This is my favorite recipe. I like chicken meat ;) tax free cigarettes

  • calming_baker
    3 Mar, 2012

    I really enjoyed this recipe. Unfortunately the rest of the gang did not but it was only because they did not like tarragon at all. I would do this again but use rosemarry or thyme for the herb. However, if you happen to like tarragon then this is a pretty tasty dish.

  • rtg2000
    1 Oct, 2011

    Big hit for our family! I loved the flavor of the browned chicken breasts. We used white wine to deglaze the pan and it was quite tangy as some reviewers had suggested - but very good! My husband said he would have preferred dill instead of taragon in the sauce, so maybe we'll try that next time. Will definitely make again!

  • wutzcookinvic
    29 Sep, 2011

    Very good! We loved it! but, use 1 tbs of light and creamy dijon and use fresh taragon for best results. serve with grilled or saute'd chicken and asparigus or french cut grean beans with crumbled baccon and onion and garlic mashed potatoes or wild mushroom rice.

  • Taitter
    17 Sep, 2011

    This recipe is fantastic! I always use fresh tarragon. I tend to notice a tangy flavor when I use wine vs. the chicken stock. Overall a huge hit with my family and in-laws!! Works really well with green beans as well.

  • noelleartemis1
    14 Sep, 2011

    I grilled two pork chops since that's what I thawed for dinner that day. Paired with roasted garlic and this dish was superb!

  • koumie
    7 Aug, 2011

    Simple, easy and delicious! My husband loved the sauce...it's a keeper!

  • gitinoam
    20 Apr, 2011

    I just made this for dinner and my husband and I didn't like this. I was pleasantly suprised at how mild the sauce was. But still, we didn't like this.

  • creaturecomforts
    20 Mar, 2011

    This is a delicious recipe that I've made for my family multiple times, however it needs to come with a warning label. When the wine is added to the pan after removing the chicken, it pops bubbles of boiling oil in to the air and is extremely dangerous. I've tried reducing the heat and oil but it continues to be a problem. Make with caution.

  • BlumpkinPie
    24 Feb, 2011

    I absolutely LOVE this recipe. Most of the time when I follow a recipe, I make modifications. This one was nearly perfect for me. Since 6 oz is more meat than I would like to eat in a single meal, I fileted the chicken breasts before sauteeing them turning this recipe into 8 servings that are approximately 275 calories each (I double checked ;) ). As for the delicious sauce, I used low sodium chicken broth instead of wine and made 50% more to pour over steamed vegetables

  • Smellen
    18 Feb, 2011

    It's all about the tarragon! This is super yummy and easy to make!

  • Smellen
    18 Feb, 2011

    It's all about the tarragon! This is super yummy and easy to make!

  • AlabamaShadows
    31 Jan, 2011

    I think I used a bit too much mustard as it was really strong. Always up for learning new sauces, though. Thank you!

  • Larrycooks
    23 Nov, 2010

    Just tried this recipe tonight. Turned out great. Love the sauce! I will definitely be doing this one again.

  • Larrycooks
    23 Nov, 2010

    Just tried this recipe tonight. Turned out great. Love the sauce! I will definitely be doing this one again.

  • Shades_On
    17 Nov, 2010

    Great recipe! Great sauce!
    My wife and 2 daughters are picky eaters. I'm tired of the same old stuff for dinner, thought I'd try something new. When they asked what I was making...all 3 turned up their noses. Man that gets old!
    They all cautiously tried one small bite...AMAZING!!! They all liked it and so did I. This is one dish to add to the favorite list!

  • busybee222
  • KET22
    12 Mar, 2010

    This is very yummy! I think that I'll make more sauce next time!

  • JLA
    15 Jul, 2009

    I drool when thinking about the sauce in this recipe. We love it. Mmmmm! I didn't know I liked tarragon until this recipe.

  • Pierced
    28 May, 2009

    I used chicken broth and it turned out great. I recommend it.

  • geanie716
    25 Oct, 2008

    Great recipe, everyone that tries it loves it! The sauce is also great with salmon!

  • ritametermaid
    19 Aug, 2008

    So I cook a lot for people and they usually expect lots of yummy foods that they get excited about. This recipe is definitely not an exception to the rule. More than often, when I mention the thought of making this chicken, my boyfriend will freak out over the thought of it; especially the extremely tasty sauce that accumulates when making this dish.
    With this dish, I always roast whole fingerling potatoes and saute some asparagus. Then of course drizzle the sauce over everything.. AMAZING!

  • erinfaulk1
    3 Jun, 2008

    I fix this once every two weeks. My husband is a great fan of it. You can also subsitute and use pork tenderloin for this. I just slice the pork and dredge it in flour and cook it up! Very yummy!

  • jh_perez
    17 Apr, 2008

    This is such an easy and tasty meal. Took less than 30 min. I didn't have tarragon so I substituted dried majoram. You can also drizzle the sauce over veggies (I used steamed green beans). Next time I'll try it with tarragon.

  • NicoleFinn7
    14 Apr, 2008

    I've made this twice now, and each time it's been a hit!! It's really easy to make and makes for an elegant presentation. I like using the white wine over chicken stock, but it's great both ways. Full of flavor!!

  • vickiemone
    27 Mar, 2008

    This is one of my favorite dishes...so easy and yet tastes like something you would get in a restaurant. I've made this several times for company and everyone just raves...

  • amylynnlawe
    26 Mar, 2008

    I made this dinner tonight. I loved it. Instead of the heavy cream which I did not have, I used 1/2 cup whole milk and 2 tbsps sour cream. Excellent!!

  • amylynnlawe
    26 Mar, 2008

    I made this dinner tonight. I loved it. Instead of the heavy cream which I did not have, I used 1/2 cup whole milk and 2 tbsps sour cream. Excellent!!

  • rosepetalfarm
    26 Mar, 2008

    I love this dish! It is one of my family's favs! Actually, my 3 1/2 year old and I had it for dinner last night w/ sweet potato fries, and she actually asked for 2nds on the cream sauce! It is one of the few truly 20 min dishes fromstart to finish, and does have real wow factor. Very rich taste, and truly satisfying. Do add a little onion to caramelize, and use sherry instead of white wine, with an icecube of frozen beef or chix stock for richness. I grow tarragon just for this dish!

  • rosepetalfarm
    26 Mar, 2008

    I love this dish! It is one of my family's favs! Actually, my 3 1/2 year old and I had it for dinner last night w/ sweet potato fries, and she actually asked for 2nds on the cream sauce! It is one of the few truly 20 min dishes fromstart to finish, and does have real wow factor. Very rich taste, and truly satisfying. Do add a little onion to caramelize, and use sherry instead of white wine, with an icecube of frozen beef or chix stock for richness. I grow tarragon just for this dish!

  • lorelei_b
    5 Dec, 2007

    This is one of our favorite meals! It is easy, delicious and looks much fancier than it is. I usually serve it with long grain