Mustard-Herb Chicken Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmered in a tangy mustard and herb sauce with bright lemon notes, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken (dairy-free, gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, avocado oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken thighs evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tbsp lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over top. Add 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/4 cup thyme leaves, then simmer uncovered for 8 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mustard-Herb Chicken Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mustard-Herb Chicken Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mustard-Herb Chicken Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mustard-Herb Chicken Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Mustard-Herb Chicken Skillet dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free, gluten-free, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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