Mary Berrys Dijon Chicken Recipe

Zesty Mary Berry’s Dijon Chicken Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Succulent Dijon chicken promises a delightful culinary adventure that will spark excitement in your kitchen.

Aromas of mustard and herbs dance together, creating a mouthwatering sensation.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel luxurious with this simple yet elegant dish.

Tender chicken breasts absorb rich, tangy flavors that complement every bite.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

Mary Berry’s approach makes gourmet cooking feel wonderfully accessible and fun.

Each forkful brings a burst of sophisticated taste that will have you returning to this recipe again and again.

Mary Berry’s Dijon Chicken for Special Family Dinners

  • Quick Kitchen Triumph: Whip up a gourmet-style chicken dish without requiring advanced culinary skills, perfect for home cooks wanting restaurant-quality meals.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Transform an ordinary chicken breast into a luxurious dinner that impresses family and guests with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine rich ingredients like white wine, cream, and Dijon mustard to create a sophisticated sauce that elevates simple chicken into a memorable dining experience.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: Prepare this entire meal using just one pan, reducing washing time and making weeknight cooking more manageable and stress-free.

Dijon Chicken Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Recipe

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the main protein for this delicious dish.
Fats and Oils:
  • Butter, Olive Oil: Provide rich flavor and help create a golden sear on the chicken.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Shallots, Garlic: Add depth and sweetness to the sauce, creating a complex flavor profile.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
Liquid and Sauce Components:
  • White Wine: Adds acidity and helps create a flavorful reduction sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy and sharp flavor to the creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth texture for the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Chives: Provides a light, oniony flavor and adds a pop of color to the finished dish.

Mary Berry’s Dijon Chicken Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Fats

Heat a blend of butter and olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat, creating a flavorful base for cooking the chicken.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Place them in the hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops.

Step 3: Rest Chicken Temporarily

Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm and ready for the next stage of cooking.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

Add finely chopped shallots to the same pan and sauté for one minute.

Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, releasing their aromatic essence.

Step 5: Soften Shallots

Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and allow shallots to cook gently for 5-10 minutes until they become soft and develop a golden color.

Step 6: Introduce Wine Reduction

Pour white wine into the pan and bring to a rolling boil.

Allow the liquid to simmer and reduce by approximately two-thirds, concentrating the flavors.

Step 7: Create Creamy Sauce

  • Dijon mustard
  • Heavy cream

Stir in Dijon mustard and cream, creating a luxurious sauce.

Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and develops a rich consistency.

Step 8: Finish Cooking Chicken

Carefully return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the creamy sauce.

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and infused with the sauce’s incredible flavors.

Step 9: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the chicken to serving plates, generously coating each piece with the luscious sauce.

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Mary Berry’s Top Tips for Dijon Chicken Success

  • Add an extra tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a sharper, more robust taste that elevates the entire dish.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, guaranteeing juicy, tender meat every time.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to create a delicious lactose-free version that maintains the sauce's creamy texture.
  • Replace white wine with chicken broth or apple cider for a non-alcoholic alternative that still delivers rich, complex flavors.
  • If sauce seems too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and whisk into the sauce to achieve desired thickness quickly.

Dijon Chicken Variations Inspired by Mary Berry’s Kitchen

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter alternative for a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap shallots with cauliflower pieces and use almond flour to thicken sauce instead of traditional methods, perfect for ketogenic diets.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during sauce preparation to create a Mediterranean-inspired chicken dish with enhanced herbal notes.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Include red pepper flakes or paprika to give the sauce a subtle heat, transforming the classic recipe into a more vibrant meal.

Plating Mary Berry’s Dijon Chicken Like a Pro

  • Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Showcase this luxurious chicken dish as a sophisticated main course for an intimate gathering, paired with crisp white wine.
  • Rustic French-Style Plating: Serve directly in the pan for a rustic, homestyle presentation that highlights the rich, creamy Dijon sauce and golden-brown chicken.
  • Hearty Side Companions: Complement the dish with roasted herbed potatoes, steamed green asparagus, or buttery wild rice to soak up the delicious mustard cream sauce.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or parsley on top for a bright, colorful garnish that adds a pop of freshness and elevates the overall flavor profile.

Keeping Dijon Chicken Juicy with Smart Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and sauce stays fresh.
  • Carefully transfer chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain quality.
  • Warm chicken gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally and heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • What makes Dijon mustard special in this recipe?

Dijon mustard adds a tangy, sharp flavor that cuts through the cream and enhances the overall richness of the sauce, giving the dish a classic French culinary touch.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Yes, this recipe is straightforward and requires basic cooking skills. The step-by-step instructions make it easy for home cooks with minimal experience to create a delicious restaurant-quality meal.

  • Can I use a different type of wine?

While white wine is recommended, you can substitute with dry vermouth or chicken broth if you prefer. The key is to choose a wine that’s dry and complements the creamy sauce.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mary Berrys Dijon Chicken Recipe

Mary Berrys Dijon Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 43 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mary Berry’s Dijon chicken brings elegant French countryside charm to your dinner table. Creamy mustard sauce and tender chicken create a sophisticated meal perfect for home cooks craving restaurant-quality comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 chicken breasts (150g each)
  • 300 ml (10 fl oz) white wine
  • 300 ml (10 fl oz) double cream

Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 banana shallot, finely sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh chives, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare a skillet by warming butter and olive oil over medium heat, creating a sizzling surface for cooking.
  2. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then carefully place them in the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown crust for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Transfer the seared chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and ready for later incorporation.
  4. Introduce finely chopped shallots to the same pan, gently sautéing for one minute before adding minced garlic and continuing to cook briefly.
  5. Reduce heat, cover the pan, and allow shallots to slowly caramelize and soften over 5-10 minutes, developing a sweet, golden appearance.
  6. Deglaze the pan by pouring white wine, increasing heat to create a rapid boil and reducing the liquid by approximately two-thirds, concentrating the flavors.
  7. Incorporate Dijon mustard and cream into the pan, stirring thoroughly to create a smooth, velvety sauce that gently simmers and slightly thickens over 3-4 minutes.
  8. Carefully return the chicken to the pan, nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken reaches perfect doneness.
  9. Plate the chicken, generously coating with the luxurious sauce, and sprinkle freshly chopped chives for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear and develop rich flavor layers.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Swap cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dairy-free alternatives that maintain sauce’s creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 33 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 464 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 310 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 44 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star