This Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The chicken is seared until golden and then smothered in a tangy Dijon mustard and lemon butter sauce. Optional honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the bold flavors. It’s a versatile recipe that can be prepared with white wine or chicken broth, depending on your preference.
The origin of Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken traces back to the idea of creating a dish that blends simplicity with gourmet flavors. It was inspired by classic French cuisine, where mustard and wine are often used to enhance the flavor of meats. The use of Dijon mustard—a signature ingredient in French cooking—gives the dish its signature tang and complexity.
One evening, a home cook was pressed for time but wanted to prepare something that felt luxurious and satisfying. With a few chicken breasts, mustard, lemon, and butter on hand, she set out to create a quick, one-pan meal. The idea was simple: sear the chicken until golden brown to lock in moisture, then create a luscious sauce that would bring all the elements together. She knew that the tangy bite of Dijon would pair beautifully with the brightness of fresh lemon juice, while a little white wine would add depth and richness to the sauce.
As the sauce simmered in the pan, the kitchen filled with a fragrant aroma of buttery citrus and herbs. When her family gathered around the table, they were amazed by the depth of flavor in such a quick dish. The slight sweetness from honey balanced the tart lemon and mustard, creating a perfect harmony. It became an instant family favorite, a go-to for both weeknight dinners and gatherings with friends.
Over time, the recipe evolved as different cooks adapted it to their tastes—some adding fresh herbs like parsley, others opting for chicken broth in place of wine. Despite its humble ingredients, this skillet chicken always feels like a special treat, combining the warmth of comfort food with the elegance of a restaurant-quality dish.
Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken is now celebrated for its versatility and the ease with which it can be made, while still delivering complex and bold flavors. It’s a dish that proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients, when combined just right, can create something truly extraordinary.
Ingredients Needed:
- olive oil
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 medium to large pieces)
- 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- white wine or chicken broth
- Dijon mustard
- unsalted butter
- lemon juice
- honey (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
- fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Lemon Dijon Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to a consistent thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Warm up some olive oil in a big pan on medium-high heat. Add the chicken, seasoning with 21 Salute (or poultry seasoning), salt, and pepper. Sear for 5-7 minutes on one side without moving it, allowing a golden crust to form.
- Flip and Cook: Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes or until cooked through.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Make the Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with white wine (or chicken broth), letting it bubble and steam. Add Dijon mustard, butter, and lemon juice, stirring until combined. Taste and add honey if desired.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Garnish with lemon slices and parsley if desired, then serve.
Tip for Searing Chicken:
To achieve a perfect sear, don’t move or disturb the chicken while it’s cooking for the first 5-7 minutes. This allows the chicken to develop a rich golden color and prevents sticking. Make sure the skillet is well-heated before adding the chicken.
Recipe FAQs:
Can I Use Another Type of Mustard?
Yes! While Dijon mustard adds a nice tang and depth of flavor, you can substitute it with whole grain mustard for a more rustic texture or yellow mustard for a milder, less tangy option.
What Type of White Wine Should I Use?
A dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay is the most suitable choice. These wines offer a crisp flavor that complements the tangy mustard and lemon. Avoid using sweet wines, as they may overpower the dish.
Can I Omit the Wine?
Absolutely! You can replace the white wine with chicken broth. While the wine adds a deeper flavor, the broth is a great alternative for a non-alcoholic option, still keeping the dish delicious.
What Seasoning Blend Should I Use?
21 Salute Seasoning (from Trader Joe’s) is great because it’s a salt-free blend of herbs and spices. However, poultry seasoning or even Italian seasoning works well too, adding herby notes that pair nicely with the mustard and lemon.
Cooking Tips:
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly and quickly.
- If you want extra sauce, increase the mustard, butter, and lemon juice by about 50%.
- For a sweeter sauce, add honey slowly and taste until it reaches your preferred sweetness level.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra broth or wine to thin it out.
Storage and Reheating Instructions:
Fridge:
Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
The chicken can be frozen for as long as 4 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and make sure to freeze it with some of the sauce to keep it moist when reheating.
To Reheat:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a little water or broth to thin the sauce as needed. You can also reheat in the microwave, but make sure to cover the dish to keep the chicken moist.
What to Serve with Lemon Dijon Chicken:
This dish complements a range of side dishes nicely:
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (e.g., broccoli, green beans, or asparagus)
- Rice or quinoa can be served to absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a hearty side
- A light side salad with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the flavors
Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ to 1 ¾ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (4 medium to large pieces), pounded to an even thickness
- 1 to 2 teaspoons 21 Salute Seasoning or poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper or adjust according to your preference.
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth
- ¼ to ⅓ cup Dijon mustard adjust for more sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey optional
- Lemon slices optional, for garnish
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm up olive oil in a big pan on medium-high heat. Add the pounded chicken breasts and season evenly with 21 Salute (or poultry seasoning), salt, and pepper. Cook without moving the chicken for about 5 minutes, allowing it to sear. The chicken should develop a medium golden color. For thicker pieces, extend the cooking time to 6-7 minutes.
- Flip the chicken and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes or until fully cooked through. Again, avoid disturbing the chicken while it sears.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate.
- Carefully deglaze the skillet by adding the white wine (or chicken broth). Let the liquid bubble and steam for a few seconds.
- Incorporate Dijon mustard, butter, and lemon juice into the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the sauce combines, which will take about 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat and taste the sauce. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, add honey to taste and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, flipping it in the sauce to coat. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with lemon slices and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Wine vs. Broth: White wine is recommended for its richer flavor, though chicken broth can be substituted if preferred. The alcohol will cook off, leaving just the depth of flavor from the wine.
- Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 4 months.
Nutrition (Per Serving):
- Calories: 324 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g
- Cholesterol: 69mg
- Sodium: 2934mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
Lemon Butter Dijon Skillet Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together the tangy zest of lemon, the rich creaminess of butter, and the bold taste of Dijon mustard. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, this versatile recipe can be customized with your favorite seasonings, wine or broth, and a hint of sweetness from honey. Its simplicity and gourmet flavor make it a family favorite, and paired with your choice of sides, it’s a complete meal that’s sure to impress. Best of all, it stores and reheats well, making leftovers just as delicious!
