Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken: A Flavorful & Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution

For all the mustard enthusiasts and busy home cooks, this Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken recipe is an absolute game-changer! Crafted to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, this dish comes together in just 15 minutes. Featuring tender chicken bathed in a rich, creamy mustard sauce that’s surprisingly light, it’s the perfect answer to “what’s for dinner?” on the busiest weeknights. Serve it over fluffy rice, wholesome cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or your favorite roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2020 and has been re-published with all new photos and expanded details to enhance your cooking experience.

Having received such an outpouring of love for my Easy Mustard Sauce and 3-Ingredient Honey Mustard recipes, I knew it was time to introduce another mustard-centric dish to your repertoire. This easy creamy mustard chicken recipe is specifically designed for those who appreciate the unique zest and depth that mustard brings to a meal.

The beauty of this sauce lies in its perfect balance. It delivers a distinctly mustard flavor without being overwhelming, allowing it to complement the chicken beautifully. And the best part? Its luscious creaminess is achieved without any heavy cream at all! This culinary magic is thanks to the incredible thickening power of arrowroot flour, which works like a dream to create a smooth, velvety texture.

This exquisite sauce gently simmers with succulent chunks of chicken, creating a delicious main course that’s incredibly fast to prepare, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights. Imagine coming home after a long day and having a gourmet-quality meal on the table in minutes. Pair this creamy chicken with a side of steamed rice, a crisp green salad, or your favorite roasted vegetables, and you have a simple yet elegant dinner that everyone will adore. I genuinely love how effortless it is to create wholesome and delicious food any night of the week with recipes like this.

If you find yourself craving more mustard-infused delights, I have a few other favorites you might enjoy. My Sausage and Veggie Bowls with Easy Mustard Sauce offer a convenient sheet pan meal that’s always a hit. For another fantastic sheet pan option featuring chicken, try the Sweet Mustard Sheet Pan Chicken, which uses juicy chicken thighs. And when grilling season arrives, I highly recommend firing up the barbecue for my flavorful Dijon Turkey Burgers!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

There’s so much to adore about this Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken that it’s quickly becoming a staple in many kitchens. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation:

• Unbelievably Fast: From prep to plate in just 15 minutes, it’s faster than ordering takeout!
• Rich & Creamy Sauce: Experience a beautifully balanced, velvety sauce that’s full of flavor without being heavy.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from chicken breasts and nutrients from fresh spinach, it’s a meal you can feel good about.
• Diet-Friendly: Easily adaptable for various dietary needs, including low-carb, gluten-free, and Whole30 (with careful ingredient selection).
• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh components that are easy to find.
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with a wide array of sides, from grains to roasted vegetables.

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken

Creating this delicious creamy mustard chicken requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing its signature flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: We opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces, for quick cooking and lean protein. If you prefer the richness of dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and cook up just as beautifully.
• Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil is perfect for sautéing the chicken, helping it achieve that desirable golden-brown crust and contributing a subtle richness to the dish. Feel free to use any cooking oil you’re comfortable with.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is stirred in at the end, adding a vibrant green color, a nutritional boost, and a subtle earthy flavor. Spinach is a true superfood, loaded with antioxidants, vitamin K (just one cup provides nearly double your daily requirement!), and iron. If you’re not a fan of spinach, fresh kale or even steamed broccoli florets make fantastic substitutes.
• Coconut Aminos: This fantastic ingredient is a soy-free alternative to soy sauce, offering a similar umami depth but with significantly less sodium and a hint of natural sweetness. It’s crucial for adding a savory complexity to our sauce without overpowering it.
• Dijon Mustard: The star of our sauce! Use your favorite brand of quality Dijon mustard. Its tangy, slightly spicy, and robust flavor is what defines this dish. Ensure it’s compliant if you’re following a Whole30 diet.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A touch of balsamic vinegar introduces a delightful punch of tanginess and a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall depth and brightness of the creamy sauce.
• Simple Seasonings: A blend of salt, chili powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, and dried parsley provides the foundational flavor profile for the chicken and sauce. These spices work in harmony to create a warm, aromatic base that’s incredibly inviting.
• Arrowroot Flour: My preferred thickening agent for sauces and gravies. Arrowroot flour is a less processed alternative to cornstarch or white flour. It’s completely flavorless, gluten-free, and thickens liquids rapidly, giving our sauce its luxurious, silky texture almost instantly.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken

Preparing this incredibly flavorful and quick dish is straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly cooked chicken with a delectable creamy sauce every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred) into uniform 1-inch chunks. This crucial step ensures even cooking and drastically shortens the overall cook time, while also maximizing the surface area for that beautiful golden-brown sear.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet (an 11-inch or 12-inch nonstick skillet works perfectly) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces to the hot pan. Season generously with ½ teaspoon each of salt, chili powder, ground mustard, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Sauté the chicken, turning occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until each piece is beautifully golden-brown and lightly seared on all sides. Don’t be afraid of the heat here; medium-high is key for achieving that desirable browning rather than just steaming the chicken.
3. Whip Up the Mustard Sauce: While the chicken is busy browning to perfection, prepare your creamy mustard sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of coconut aminos, ½ cup of water, 1½ tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar (double-check it’s a teaspoon, not a tablespoon, for optimal tang!), and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Combine and Simmer: Once your chicken has achieved that lovely golden hue, pour the prepared mustard sauce directly into the skillet with the browned chicken. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently scrape up any flavorful browned bits that might be stuck to the bottom of the pan – these bits add immense depth to the sauce! Immediately stir in the 5 ounces of fresh baby spinach. Allow the mixture to simmer for just 2 to 3 minutes, or until the spinach has completely wilted. Be careful not to over-simmer, as we want to preserve the volume of our delicious sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce: To achieve that irresistible creamy consistency, it’s time to introduce our arrowroot slurry. In a small jar or cup, combine 1 tablespoon of arrowroot flour with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Secure the lid (if using a jar) and shake vigorously until a smooth slurry forms with no lumps. Alternatively, whisk it well in a cup. Turn off the heat under the skillet. Pour the arrowroot slurry into the warm sauce and stir continuously until it is thoroughly incorporated. You’ll notice the sauce begins to thicken almost immediately, transforming into a rich, glossy coating for your chicken.
6. Serve and Garnish: And just like that, your Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken is ready! Transfer the chicken and its rich sauce to serving plates. For an extra touch of elegance and fresh flavor, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dash of sesame seeds. (Refer to the serving suggestions below for more delicious pairing ideas!) Enjoy the rich, harmonious flavors of this truly satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can You Use Soy Sauce Instead of Coconut Aminos?

While low-sodium soy sauce often makes a decent substitute for coconut aminos in many recipes, it’s generally not recommended for this particular dish due to the quantity used. We call for ½ cup of coconut aminos, and even low-sodium soy sauce is significantly saltier. Using that much soy sauce would result in an overly salty dish, and the subtle sweetness of the coconut aminos would be lost, altering the intended flavor profile. For the best results and taste, I strongly recommend sticking with coconut aminos.

Can You Omit the Spinach?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe to your preferences. If spinach isn’t your favorite, you can omit it completely without affecting the main flavors of the dish. Alternatively, you can swap it for another quick-cooking vegetable. Fresh kale, for instance, would work wonderfully and add a slightly different texture and nutritional profile. Stirring in pre-steamed broccoli florets or green beans at the same stage would also be a delicious addition!

What is Arrowroot Flour and Why Use It?

Arrowroot flour, also known as arrowroot powder, is a starch extracted from the roots of the arrowroot plant. It’s an excellent, often preferred, alternative to cornstarch or regular white flour for thickening sauces, gravies, and soups. The main advantages of using arrowroot are that it’s significantly less processed, completely flavorless, and creates a wonderfully clear and glossy sauce. It also thickens very quickly.

However, it cannot be used in exactly the same way as other thickeners, so it’s important to follow recipe instructions carefully. For this recipe (and many others I create), I prefer to shake it with an equal part of cool water to form a “slurry” before adding it to the hot liquid. It’s crucial to add the arrowroot slurry at the very end of the cooking process and turn off the heat, as heating it for too long can cause it to lose its thickening power.

How to Make This Recipe Whole30 Compliant

Good news! This Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken recipe is inherently designed to be fully compliant with a Whole30 round. To ensure strict adherence, there are just a couple of things to keep in mind:

• Dijon Mustard: Double-check the ingredient list of your Dijon mustard. Some brands contain added sugars or non-compliant ingredients. I personally love and recommend Annie’s Dijon Mustard for its clean ingredients.
• Coconut Aminos: Ensure your coconut aminos are 100% pure coconut aminos with no added sweeteners or thickeners.
• Serving: The biggest consideration for Whole30 compliance will be what you serve the chicken with. Skip traditional rice and opt for compliant alternatives such as cauliflower rice (steamed or roasted), mashed sweet potatoes, or a generous portion of roasted vegetables. I have plenty more compliant serving suggestions listed below – just pick what best fits your Whole30 plan!

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken is not only a fantastic weeknight dinner but also an excellent candidate for meal prep! Preparing a larger batch allows you to enjoy healthy, flavorful meals throughout the week with minimal effort. Here’s how to store your leftovers effectively:

• Refrigeration: Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored properly, leftovers will remain fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, stirring halfway. Alternatively, gently warm the chicken in a large skillet on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much upon cooling.
• Freezing: While technically possible, the texture of the creamy sauce (due to arrowroot) and spinach can change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit grainy or watery. If you plan to freeze, ensure the chicken is completely cooled, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Delicious Ways to Serve This Skillet Chicken

The rich and savory creamy mustard sauce in this dish is absolutely scrumptious, so you’ll want to serve this chicken over something that can lovingly soak up every last drop! I’ve got a plethora of delicious options for you, ensuring this meal perfectly fits your dietary needs and cravings. My top choices are always steamed cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or traditional fluffy rice.

Low-Carb and Whole30 Serving Ideas:

To keep this meal low-carb, keto-friendly, or Whole30 compliant, consider these fantastic pairings:

• Cauliflower Rice: A classic low-carb swap, it’s light, absorbs the sauce beautifully, and adds extra veggies.
• Roasted Vegetables: A vibrant and nutritious choice! Try serving it over my Spicy Roasted Broccoli, Easy Roasted Broccoli, tender Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or crisp Roasted Green Beans with Almonds.
• Steamed Asparagus: Simple, elegant, and perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): A light and fresh alternative to pasta or rice, great for soaking up the sauce.
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes: While not low-carb, this is a wonderful Whole30 compliant option for a slightly sweeter, heartier base.
• Fresh Green Salad: Serve alongside a simple salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Heartier Serving Options (for those who enjoy carbs):

If you’re looking for something more substantial or simply craving some delicious carbs, these options are superb:

• Traditional Steamed Rice: White or brown rice is a perfect absorbent base for the creamy sauce.
• Quinoa: A protein-rich grain that adds a nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
• Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce.
• Roasted Potatoes: Add this chicken to the top of my Easy Seasoned Roasted Potatoes, crispy Easy Diced Air Fryer Potatoes, or savory Skillet Breakfast Potatoes for a hearty meal.
• Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta shape for a comforting and indulgent dinner.

Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken

By Christina

This quick skillet chicken is perfect for all the mustard lovers out there! Ready in only 15 minutes with a simple creamy mustard sauce! Serve over rice (or cauliflower rice if low carb) for an easy meal.

Prep: 5 mins

Cook: 10 mins

Total: 15 mins

Servings: 4 people

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Chicken + Spinach

• 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
• 1½ pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces, can use chicken thighs if preferred
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach

Mustard Sauce

• ½ cup coconut aminos
• ½ cup water
• 1½ tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

To Thicken

• 1 tablespoon arrowroot flour
• 1 tablespoon cold water

To Finish (Optional)

• Sesame seeds
• Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Heat olive or avocado oil in a large skillet (I use my 12-inch) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Season the chicken with salt, chili powder, ground mustard, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Sauté, flipping the chicken occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken has developed a beautiful golden-brown sear. (If your chicken appears pale, you likely need to increase your heat to a true medium-high setting!)

2. While the chicken is sautéing and browning, prepare the sauce. In a separate bowl, stir together the coconut aminos, ½ cup water, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar (note that it’s 1 teaspoon and NOT 1 tablespoon to ensure the right balance of tang), and salt. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined.

3. Once the chicken pieces are nicely browned, pour the prepared sauce mixture into the skillet. Immediately add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together gently. Allow the mixture to simmer for a brief 2 to 3 minutes, or just until the spinach has fully wilted. Avoid simmering longer than this, as we want to maintain the volume and flavor of our rich sauce.

4. To thicken the sauce to a perfect creamy consistency, combine 1 tablespoon of arrowroot flour and 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small jar or cup. Shake vigorously or whisk thoroughly to create a smooth slurry without any lumps. Turn off the heat under the skillet. Pour the arrowroot mixture into the skillet and stir continuously until it is thoroughly mixed into the sauce. You will observe the sauce thickening almost immediately, creating a luxurious texture.

5. Serve your delicious Creamy Mustard Skillet Chicken immediately over traditional rice or steamed cauliflower rice. (Don’t forget to check the expanded recipe post above for many more fantastic serving suggestions!) For an optional, yet delightful finish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and/or fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.

Nutrition

Calories: 279kcal
,

Carbohydrates: 10g
,

Protein: 38g
,

Fat: 8g
,

Saturated Fat: 1g
,

Cholesterol: 109mg
,

Sodium: 1411mg
,

Potassium: 827mg
,

Fiber: 1g
,

Sugar: 1g
,

Vitamin A: 3474IU
,

Vitamin C: 12mg
,

Calcium: 47mg
,

Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.