Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Dijon Mustard Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served with a rich roasted garlic and Dijon mustard sauce, perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes blends olive oil, whole garlic cloves, Dijon mustard into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 2 French cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 6 whole garlic cloves with 1 tbsp olive oil and wrap in foil. Roast for 20 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Sear chicken breasts for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 1/2 cup chicken broth and scrape browned bits from skillet. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves out of skins into skillet.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1/4 cup heavy cream, whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Add 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over chicken, and simmer for 2 minutes. Serve warm with sauce spooned over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Dijon Mustard Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Dijon Mustard Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Dijon Mustard Sauce?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Dijon Mustard Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Dijon Mustard Sauce?

French chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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