French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde)

French cuisine has a beautiful way of transforming simple, everyday ingredients into dishes that feel luxurious, comforting, and deeply satisfying. French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) is one of those timeless recipes that proves elegance doesn’t have to be complicated. With crispy golden chicken thighs, smoky bacon, aromatic shallots, white wine, fresh thyme, and a velvety mustard cream sauce, this dish captures everything we love about rustic French country cooking.

If you’re searching for a meal that tastes like it came straight from a countryside bistro but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner, French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) is exactly what you need. It’s rich but balanced, bold but comforting, and impressive without requiring advanced cooking skills.

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) — from ingredients and techniques to helpful tips, variations, serving ideas, storage, and expert tricks to guarantee success every time.

By the end, you’ll not only know how to cook it — you’ll understand why this classic dish has remained beloved in French kitchens for generations.

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What Is French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde)?

At its heart, French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) is a braised chicken dish simmered in a creamy mustard sauce. The word moutarde simply means mustard in French, but in this recipe, mustard becomes the star ingredient.

Traditionally:

• Chicken thighs are seared until golden

• Bacon adds smoky depth

• Shallots and garlic create aromatic sweetness

• White wine deglazes and builds complexity

• Dijon mustard and cream form a silky sauce

The result is tender chicken infused with layers of flavor and a sauce so irresistible you’ll want bread nearby just to soak up every drop.

It’s the kind of dish you’d find in a small French farmhouse or a cozy Parisian bistro — rustic, hearty, and deeply comforting.

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Why You’ll Love French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde)

There are countless reasons why home cooks keep returning to French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) again and again:

1. Surprisingly Easy

Despite its gourmet taste, the process is simple and straightforward. No fancy techniques required.

2. Rich but Balanced

Mustard cuts through the richness of cream and bacon, creating a sauce that’s indulgent yet bright.

3. One-Pot Meal

Everything cooks in a Dutch oven or braiser, meaning fewer dishes and easier cleanup.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

It works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for dinner parties or holidays.

5. Make-Ahead Friendly

Flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

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Ingredients for French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this comforting classic.

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: French

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

• ½ cup Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced

• 2 large shallots, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• 1 cup dry white wine

• 2 teaspoons flour

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons grainy (whole-grain) mustard

• ¼ cup chopped parsley

• Thyme sprigs, for garnish

Equipment

• Dutch oven or large braiser with lid

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Why Each Ingredient Matters

Understanding ingredients helps you cook with confidence.

Chicken Thighs

Bone-in, skin-on thighs stay juicy and flavorful during braising.

Dijon Mustard

Sharp, tangy, and smooth — the signature flavor of French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde).

Bacon

Adds smokiness and savory depth that enriches the sauce.

Shallots

Sweeter and milder than onions, essential for French flavor profiles.

White Wine

Deglazes the pan and brings acidity that balances the cream.

Heavy Cream

Creates the luscious texture the dish is known for.

Whole-Grain Mustard

Adds texture and subtle spice.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for perfect French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) every time.

1. Season the Chicken

Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. Rub Dijon mustard all over each piece until fully coated.

2. Cook the Bacon

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside, leaving the rendered fat.

3. Brown the Chicken

Sear chicken thighs on all sides until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step — browning builds flavor.

Remove and reserve.

4. Build the Flavor Base

Add shallots and sauté until soft. Stir in garlic and thyme.

5. Deglaze

Pour in white wine and scrape up browned bits. Reduce slightly.

6. Simmer

Stir in flour, then broth. Return chicken and bacon to pot. Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes.

7. Finish the Sauce

Stir in cream and grainy mustard. Simmer uncovered until thickened.

8. Serve

Garnish with parsley and thyme. Serve hot.

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Pro Cooking Tips for Perfect French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde)

Pat Chicken Dry

Removes moisture for better browning.

Don’t Skip the Sear

Color equals flavor.

Use Good Mustard

Cheap mustard makes the sauce flat. Use high-quality Dijon.

Deglaze Thoroughly

Those browned bits are pure flavor.

Simmer Gently

Boiling can toughen chicken and split the sauce.

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Best Side Dishes

French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) pairs beautifully with:

• Mashed potatoes

• Buttered egg noodles

• Steamed rice

• Crusty baguette

• Roasted vegetables

• Green beans almondine

• Simple salad

The sauce begs for something starchy to soak it up.

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Variations to Try

Mushroom Mustard Chicken

Add sliced mushrooms with the shallots.

Herb Lover’s Version

Add tarragon or rosemary.

Lightened Version

Substitute half-and-half or crème fraîche.

Wine-Free

Use extra broth plus splash of white wine vinegar.

Boneless Version

Use boneless thighs for quicker cooking.

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Make-Ahead and Storage

Refrigerator

Store up to 4 days airtight.

Reheat

Warm gently on stovetop. Add splash of broth or cream.

Freezing

Not recommended — cream sauces may separate.

Print

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 675 kcal

• Protein: 37 g

• Carbohydrates: 7 g

• Fat: 52 g

• Saturated Fat: 17 g

• Cholesterol: 232 mg

• Sodium: 755 mg

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The History Behind Poulet à la Moutarde

Mustard has deep roots in French culinary history, especially in Burgundy and Dijon. Mustard sauces have long been paired with meats because the acidity cuts richness while enhancing flavor.

French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) evolved from rustic farmhouse cooking where affordable ingredients like chicken, cream, and wine were staples. Over time, the dish made its way into bistros and became a French comfort food classic.

Today, it remains a shining example of French home cooking at its best.

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When to Serve French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde)

This dish is wonderfully versatile:

• Family dinners

• Date nights

• Holiday meals

• Sunday suppers

• Dinner parties

• Cozy winter evenings

It feels special but never fussy.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping seasoning

Using low-quality mustard

Crowding the pan

Boiling instead of simmering

Overcooking chicken

Small details make a big difference.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts?

Yes, but thighs are juicier.

Is it spicy?

No — mustard adds tang, not heat.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut cream or cashew cream.

What wine is best?

Dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

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Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The balance is key:

Fat from cream and bacon
Acidity from mustard and wine
Aromatics from shallots and garlic
Freshness from herbs

Each component complements the others, creating harmony.

That’s the magic of French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde).

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Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a meal that feels both rustic and refined. French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) delivers exactly that — a dish rooted in tradition yet simple enough for modern home cooks.

It’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and impressive without demanding hours in the kitchen. Few recipes strike this balance so perfectly.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, entertaining friends, or just craving something cozy and delicious, French Mustard Chicken (Poulet à la Moutarde) deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.