During my travels through Louisiana, I fell in love with the bold, soulful flavors of Creole cuisine and this Chicken with Creole Mustard Cream Sauce Recipe captures that magic perfectly.

Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans, this dish celebrates the balance of spice, tang, and creaminess that defines Southern comfort food.

The first time I made it at home, I felt transported back to those lively streets filled with jazz, history, and the unmistakable aroma of Creole cooking.

Chicken with Creole Mustard Cream Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

The magic of this dish comes from a handful of well-chosen ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed meal.

3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Using chicken breasts provides a lean protein base that cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the flavors in the sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Used for searing the chicken to get a nice golden-brown crust.
1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness and flavor when searing the chicken and helps soften the onions.
1/2 cup finely diced sweet onion – A sweet onion like Vidalia adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy mustard.
1 cup chicken broth – This forms the base of your sauce. Use low-sodium so you can control the final saltiness.
2 tablespoons creole mustard – The key ingredient. Use a grainy, high-quality Creole mustard for that signature zip and texture.
1 teaspoon honey – A small amount of honey perfectly balances the spice from the mustard and cayenne without making the dish overly sweet.
1/2 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and rich.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adds a gentle warmth and a bit of Southern flair. Adjust to your personal spice preference.
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme – Fresh herbs always elevate a dish. Thyme adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the other flavors.

Note: These ingredient amounts will yield enough for about 4 servings.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Different Protein: This sauce is fantastic with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pork chops, or even shrimp.
Make it Spicier: If you love heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the cream sauce.
Add Some Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms or spinach would be a delicious addition. Stir them in along with the onions to cook them down before making the sauce.
Dairy-Free Option: You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. It will slightly alter the flavor but will still be creamy and delicious.
Mustard Swap: If you can’t find Creole mustard, a good quality whole-grain or spicy brown mustard can work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will be different.

For flavor lovers, this dish reminds me of the richness you’d find in a Jalapeno Popper Skillet Chicken Recipe, where creamy and spicy come together in perfect harmony.

Cooking Time

This impressive meal comes together in no time, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

You won’t need any special tools for this recipe, just a few kitchen essentials.

Large Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet is ideal for searing the chicken and building a flavorful pan sauce.
Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken without piercing it, keeping the juices locked in.
Whisk: Helps to smoothly incorporate the mustard, honey, and cream into the broth.

How to Make Chicken with Creole Mustard Cream Sauce?

Creating this dish is all about building layers of flavor in one pan. From searing the chicken to simmering the creamy sauce, each step contributes to a rich and satisfying final product. The process is simple and results in perfectly cooked chicken coated in an irresistible sauce.

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Simmer and Rest the Chicken

Pour a half cup of the chicken broth into the skillet, then cover it and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the chicken simmer for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until it is cooked through. This step gently steams the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and tender. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add the finely diced sweet onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and let it simmer for about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Those bits are packed with flavor.

Step 4: Finish the Cream Sauce and Serve

Stir in the creole mustard, honey, heavy cream, and cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Return the rested chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let it cook for another minute or two to warm the chicken through. To finish, sprinkle with fresh thyme and serve immediately.

🇺🇸 Discovering the Flavors of Louisiana, USA

This Chicken with Creole Mustard Cream Sauce is a culinary gem straight from Louisiana’s Creole region, particularly famous in New Orleans the heart of Southern flavor.

Creole cuisine blends French, African, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, resulting in dishes that are rich in warmth and soul.

The use of Creole mustard highlights Louisiana’s rich food culture, where spice, cream, and depth of flavor come together in perfect harmony. It’s truly a dish that celebrates the heritage and passion of the American South.

Much like a Creamy French Chicken Tarragon (Poulet à L’Estragon) Recipe, it’s a dish that celebrates both comfort and sophistication in every bite.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made this dish countless times, I’ve gathered a few personal pointers to ensure it comes out perfectly every time. It’s one of those recipes that’s as comforting as a White Chicken Chili Slow Cooker Recipe on a chilly night, yet elegant enough to impress guests at any dinner table.

I make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. If needed, I cook it in two batches to ensure each piece gets a really nice, even crust.
Letting the chicken rest is a crucial step I never skip. It allows the juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a tender and moist piece of chicken instead of a dry one.
I always taste the sauce before adding the chicken back in. This is my chance to adjust the seasonings, maybe adding a little more honey for sweetness or cayenne for heat.
For the creamiest sauce, I make sure to use heavy cream. I’ve tried using half-and-half, but the richness and texture of heavy cream really make a difference and it’s less likely to curdle.

How to Serve Chicken with Creole Mustard Cream Sauce?

When I serve this dish, I like to pair it with classic Southern sides that reflect Louisiana’s deep food heritage. Think buttery mashed potatoes, Cajun rice, or collard greens; each one soaks up that luscious mustard cream sauce beautifully.

Add a slice of cornbread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to round out the meal. Every bite feels like a warm invitation to experience the vibrant spirit of New Orleans, where every dish tells a story of culture, spice, and soul.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this dish.

Calories: 307 kcal
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 23g

Make Ahead and Storage

While this dish is best served fresh, leftovers are still a treat. Here is how to properly store and reheat it.

Storing

Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, making it great for lunch the next day.

Freezing

Due to the heavy cream in the sauce, freezing is not recommended. Cream-based sauces have a tendency to separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but use short intervals and stir in between to prevent the sauce from separating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few of the top reasons why this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Packed with Flavor: The combination of zesty Creole mustard, rich cream, and a hint of spice creates a complex and deeply satisfying sauce that is truly unforgettable.
Ready in 30 Minutes: This entire meal comes together in just half an hour, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner.
One-Pan Wonder: The chicken and the sauce are cooked in the same skillet, which not only builds incredible flavor but also means minimal cleanup.
Versatile and Adaptable: It’s easy to swap out the protein or add vegetables, allowing you to customize the dish based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen.