Instant Pot Creamy Dijon Chicken

This Instant Pot Creamy Dijon Chicken is a rich and comforting meal that comes together effortlessly. With tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, tangy Dijon mustard sauce, it’s a weeknight favorite that feels elegant enough for company. The pressure cooker locks in all the flavor, making the chicken juicy and the sauce luxuriously smooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this dish comes together in the Instant Pot, without sacrificing any of the flavor. The creamy Dijon sauce is a perfect balance of tangy and savory, and it coats the chicken beautifully. It’s versatile too—I often serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta, and it works every time. It’s also a great recipe when I want something that feels fancy with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Chicken broth
• Dijon mustard
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by setting the Instant Pot to the sauté function. I add olive oil and sear the chicken breasts on both sides until they’re lightly browned. Then I remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. I add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Next, I deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. I stir in the Dijon mustard and return the chicken to the pot.
5. I seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 7–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
6. Once the timer goes off, I let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before doing a quick release.
7. I remove the chicken and stir in the heavy cream. If I want a thicker sauce, I mix a little cornstarch with water and add it to the pot, letting it simmer on sauté mode for a few minutes until thickened.
8. Finally, I return the chicken to the sauce and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 30 minutes total. That includes roughly 10 minutes of prep time, 10 minutes of pressure cooking, and a few minutes for pressure release and sauce thickening.

Variations

When I’m in the mood for a different flavor profile, I sometimes use whole grain mustard instead of Dijon for more texture. If I’m out of heavy cream, I swap in sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier taste. I’ve also added mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies, and it works great. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds just the right heat.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring often. I avoid microwaving if I can, since the sauce can separate, but if I must, I reheat in short intervals and stir frequently. This dish also freezes well—just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I use a meat thermometer to check—once the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C), it’s good to go.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I’ve made it with boneless, skinless thighs, and they turn out just as juicy and flavorful. I just adjust the cooking time slightly—about 10 minutes under pressure.

What sides go best with creamy Dijon chicken?

I like serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A simple green salad or steamed veggies also pair well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, I use a plant-based cream substitute like coconut cream or a cashew-based cream. It slightly changes the flavor but still tastes delicious.

How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

If I want to skip cornstarch, I let the sauce simmer on sauté mode a bit longer after adding the cream, which naturally reduces and thickens it. I’ve also used a bit of flour mixed with water as an alternative.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Creamy Dijon Chicken has become one of my go-to meals when I want something satisfying and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The tangy, rich sauce paired with tender chicken makes it a dish I come back to again and again. Whether I’m cooking for myself or for guests, it never fails to impress.

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