1-First Step: Mise en Place: Begin by patting 2 pounds of chicken breasts dry and seasoning them with 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt, 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. If the breasts are thick, pound them to about ½-inch thickness for even cooking. Measure out 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ cup dry white wine, 1 ½ cups chicken broth, ¾ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons grainy Dijon mustard, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Preheat your oven to 375°F if you plan to finish cooking there.

2-Second Step: Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3 4 minutes per side until golden brown. This creates a flavorful base and locks in juices, taking about 6 8 minutes total. For a lighter version, reduce the oil slightly. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely.

3-Third Step: Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped shallot and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1 2 minutes until softened, then deglaze with ½ cup dry white wine, scraping up the browned bits. Let it simmer for 1 2 minutes to reduce. Whisk in 1 ½ cups chicken broth, 2 medium bay leaves, 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, bringing it to a gentle boil.

4-Fourth Step: Add Cream and Mustard: Stir in ¾ cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons grainy Dijon mustard, then mix in 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in a little water to thicken. Simmer for 2 3 minutes until the sauce is glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it into the sauce. For oven finishing, bake at 375°F for 6 8 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. On the stovetop, cover and simmer for the same time.

5-Fifth Step: Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary. Let it rest for a minute before slicing and serving over your choice of sides. This French mustard chicken method offers reliable results for busy nights or entertaining. For additional techniques, explore advanced tips for variations within this article.