Sautéed Chicken Breast with Tangy Mustard and Herb Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served with a bright, tangy mustard and fresh herb sauce that elevates every bite. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, salt, black pepper 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 320 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: 15 min Serves 2 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate, loosely covered.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves; cook and whisk for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, and cook for 1 more minute to rewarm before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Breast with Tangy Mustard and Herb Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Chicken Breast with Tangy Mustard and Herb 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 Sautéed Chicken Breast with Tangy Mustard and Herb 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 Sautéed Chicken Breast with Tangy Mustard and Herb 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 Sautéed Chicken Breast with Tangy Mustard and Herb 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.

Related recipes