Rich, creamy, and loaded with bold flavor, Baked Creamy French Mustard Chicken Thighs are a show-stopping dish that brings rustic French elegance to your dinner table. This recipe features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs bathed in a luscious mustard cream sauce, then oven-baked to perfection. It’s indulgent yet easy, impressive yet homey—perfect for family dinners or intimate gatherings.
Combining Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, herbs, and cream, this dish delivers a mouthwatering balance of tangy, savory, and silky flavors. With a quick sear and a slow bake, the result is golden, tender chicken with a sauce so good, you’ll want to mop up every drop with a crusty baguette.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Bold, balanced flavors – tangy mustard meets creamy decadence
- Juicy, flavorful chicken – bone-in thighs keep it tender
- One-pan convenience – easy cleanup and elegant presentation
- Comforting and sophisticated – ideal for cozy dinners or entertaining
- Great for make-ahead meals – leftovers reheat beautifully
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, to brighten the flavor)
👩🍳 How to Make Baked Creamy French Mustard Chicken Thighs
✅ 1. Prep and Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
✅ 2. Sear the Chicken
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear until golden and crispy (about 5–7 minutes).
- Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
✅ 3. Build the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium. Add garlic and shallots; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon and whole grain mustard.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up the browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, thyme, and parsley. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and add lemon juice if desired.
✅ 4. Bake to Perfection
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin side up.
- Spoon some sauce over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
✅ 5. Serve and Garnish
- Spoon extra sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with classic sides to soak up that creamy mustard sauce:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- Crusty French bread or baguette
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
🧠 Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the sear – it locks in moisture and adds flavor.
- Use a mix of mustards for depth and texture.
- Deglaze properly – those caramelized bits are flavor gold.
- Try fresh tarragon instead of thyme for a more traditional French twist.
🍷 Wine Pairing
- Pair with a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Light red wines like Pinot Noir also complement the mustard sauce.
🧊 Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
✨ Rustic French Elegance at Home
Baked Creamy French Mustard Chicken Thighs embody the charm of French country cooking—simple ingredients, refined flavors, and comforting warmth. This dish is equally suited for a quiet dinner in or a festive meal with guests.
The creamy mustard sauce elevates humble chicken thighs into a decadent masterpiece, sure to earn a permanent spot in your rotation. Pour yourself a glass of wine, light a candle, and enjoy a bite of French-inspired bliss.