Why the Chicken Dijon Is a Great Chicken Dish
When I think about why Chicken Dijon stands out as a fantastic chicken dish, it all comes down to the incredible blend of flavors.
The combination of succulent chicken, zesty mustard, and aromatic herbs creates a symphony on my palate. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of creamy texture and tangy notes, making it irresistible.
Plus, the savory aroma wafting through my kitchen while it cooks is simply mouthwatering. It’s a dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in.
Chicken Dijon never fails to deliver a satisfying and memorable dining experience that I keep coming back to.
Ingredients of Chicken Dijon
When it comes to whipping up a delicious Chicken Dijon, the ingredients you choose make all the difference. Each component brings its own unique flavor to the dish, creating that signature combination we all love.
Think about it: succulent chicken paired with the tangy kick of mustard and the aromatic touch of herbs. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited. So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to gather for this culinary adventure.
Ingredients for Chicken Dijon:
- 1 teaspoon coriander seed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8 chicken drumsticks (about 3 pounds total)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 3 tablespoons crème fraîche or sour cream
- 2 teaspoons fresh tarragon, chopped
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a second. First off, don’t be shy about adjusting the spices to your taste. If you love a little extra kick, toss in more mustard or some red pepper flakes.
And if you can’t find crème fraîche, sour cream works just fine, though crème fraîche gives that extra creamy delight. Fresh tarragon is wonderful, but if you have dried on hand, feel free to use it—just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so you might want to use a bit less.
Remember to have fun with it! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore. So put on some music, maybe pour yourself a little something nice to sip on, and let’s get cooking.
How to Make Chicken Dijon
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of making Chicken Dijon. First off, grab your 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds. Yes, I know, it sounds fancy, but toasting these little beauties will elevate your dish to a whole new level. Toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until they’re fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell like a culinary haven.
Once they’ve cooled down, crush them coarsely with a mortar and pestle. If you don’t have those, no worries! A zip-top bag and a rolling pin will work just fine.
Now, onto the chicken. You’ll need 8 chicken drumsticks, which should be about 3 pounds total. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in that same skillet until it shimmers like a starry night.
Add your seasoned chicken and brown them on all sides, which should take about 10 minutes. It’s okay if you get a little splatter; just think of it as your chicken’s way of saying, “I’m getting delicious!”
After they’re golden and glorious, toss in 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, cooking until it softens—about 3 minutes. Then, add in 4 minced garlic cloves, because garlic makes everything better, right? Give that a minute to mingle, then pour in 1 1/2 cups of low sodium chicken broth along with your crushed coriander.
Bring it all to a boil, cover it up, and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Once your chicken is done, transfer it to a platter to keep warm. Now for the pièce de résistance: in a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of whole grain mustard, 3 tablespoons of crème fraîche (or sour cream if that’s what you have on hand), and 2 teaspoons of fresh chopped tarragon.
This creamy, tangy mixture is the magic sauce that brings everything together. Whisk it into the skillet where all those lovely chicken drippings are hanging out and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
Finally, return your chicken to the pan, turning it in that luscious sauce until it’s beautifully coated. And there you have it—Chicken Dijon that’s sure to impress, even if you might’ve burned the toast last week. Enjoy!
Chicken Dijon Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with Chicken Dijon, there are plenty of substitutions and variations that can keep your meal exciting.
For a twist, try using thighs instead of drumsticks for a juicier result. You can swap out whole grain mustard for spicy Dijon or even honey mustard for a sweeter flavor.
If you’re out of creme fraiche, sour cream works just as well. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can replace tarragon if you prefer.
Finally, add some vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to the skillet for an extra nutritional boost! Enjoy experimenting!
What to Serve with Chicken Dijon
To complement the rich flavors of Chicken Dijon, I love serving it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Both options soak up the delicious sauce beautifully.
If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I often pair it with steamed green beans or sautéed asparagus, adding a fresh crunch. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also works well for balancing the dish.
For a heartier touch, some crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce. These sides enhance the meal, making it a comforting and satisfying experience every time.
Additional Tips & Notes
While preparing Chicken Dijon, I’ve found that a few extra tips can elevate the dish even further.
First, to enhance the flavor, try marinating the chicken in the mustard and tarragon mixture for a couple of hours before cooking. It adds depth!
Also, don’t skip toasting the coriander seeds; it really boosts their aroma.
If you want a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Finally, serve it with a fresh green salad or crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your elevated Chicken Dijon experience!