If you’re craving a rich and flavorful chicken dish that’s easy to make yet impressively gourmet, Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard is a perfect choice, combining tender chicken with the creamy, tangy punch of mustard for a meal that bursts with flavor.
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard is a mouthwatering, hearty dish that highlights the savory flavor of chicken cooked in a luscious mustard sauce. The sauce is typically made with Dijon mustard, cream, and a variety of aromatic herbs and seasonings, resulting in a creamy, tangy glaze that coats the chicken perfectly. This dish is simple to prepare yet packed with depth of flavor, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
The recipe embodies Jamie’s signature approach to cooking – using fresh, quality ingredients and creating straightforward yet flavorful dishes that can be whipped up in no time.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe
Ingredients Needed

To recreate Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Skinless and boneless, ensuring a quick cook time and a tender result.
- Dijon Mustard: The heart of the sauce, providing a tangy and slightly spicy base.
- Double Cream: To add richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For browning the chicken and creating a flavorful base.
- Garlic: Adds an aromatic base to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Chicken Stock: To help create a depth of flavor in the sauce and to provide moisture for cooking.
- Fresh Thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the mustard and chicken beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: To brighten up the dish with a subtle acidity.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, balancing the flavors and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps to create a smooth sauce.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need a few key tools to make this dish:
- Large Frying Pan or Skillet: For cooking the chicken and preparing the sauce.
- Knife: For chopping garlic and herbs.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and ensuring the chicken cooks evenly.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken without piercing it and releasing juices.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard?
Making Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard is straightforward and can be broken down into a few simple steps:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Mustard Sauce: In the same pan, add a small knob of butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the Dijon mustard, then pour in the chicken stock and double cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and stir occasionally, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the chicken breasts to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to absorb some of the mustardy goodness.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in a few sprigs of fresh thyme and a squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the richness of the cream. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Serve the chicken with the creamy mustard sauce poured over the top. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.
Expert Tips
- Use Bone-in Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can easily adapt the recipe. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Add Extra Flavor: Try adding a splash of white wine to the pan after sautéing the garlic to deglaze and deepen the sauce’s flavor before adding the stock and cream.
- Alternative Mustards: If Dijon mustard is too sharp for your taste, you can mix it with a bit of honey or use whole grain mustard for a milder, more textured sauce.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mustard sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat it gently before adding the chicken.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for a bit longer until it reaches your desired consistency.
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard is a beautiful marriage of simplicity and sophistication, delivering bold flavors with minimal effort. It’s the perfect recipe to impress guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this dish will satisfy your craving for something rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that combines tender chicken with a tangy, creamy mustard sauce. While the basic recipe is already fantastic, there are plenty of ways to add your personal touch or adjust the dish to suit different preferences. Here are some easy variations to try:
-
Herb Infusion
- You can elevate the flavor of the mustard sauce by adding fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or tarragon. Simply chop the herbs and stir them into the sauce while it simmers. This will add a fragrant, earthy note that complements the creamy mustard base beautifully.
-
Spicy Mustard
- If you love a little heat, consider adding Dijon mustard with a bit of chili powder, cayenne, or even a chopped fresh chili to your sauce. This will give your dish a spicy kick while still preserving the creamy texture of the sauce.
-
Lemon Zest For Brightness
- For a zesty twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce. The citrusy brightness will balance the richness of the cream and mustard, making the dish feel even fresher and more vibrant. It also pairs well with grilled chicken.
-
Honey Mustard
- To create a sweet and tangy flavor profile, mix a little honey into the mustard sauce. The sweetness of the honey contrasts nicely with the sharpness of the mustard, creating a rounded flavor that works beautifully with chicken.
-
Vegetable Add-ins
- Add a variety of vegetables to your Chicken Mustard to turn it into a more complete meal. Sauté mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus and toss them into the sauce to create a hearty, flavorful dish. You can also experiment with roasted carrots or peas for added texture and color.
-
Cheesy Chicken Mustard
- To make the dish extra indulgent, sprinkle some grated cheese over the chicken during the final minutes of cooking. Gouda, cheddar, or Parmesan work well and melt into the sauce, creating a cheesy, comforting twist.
-
Substitute Protein
- Although Jamie’s recipe calls for chicken, you can substitute with other proteins like turkey breast, pork chops, or even fish like salmon. Adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the protein is cooked through.
These variations will allow you to personalize the dish to your taste, while still keeping the core flavors intact. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or for guests, these tweaks are sure to make your Chicken Mustard even more delightful.
Best Practices To Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers from Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard, you’ll want to store them properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat later. Here are some best practices:
-
Cool Down Properly
- Before storing leftovers, let the chicken and mustard sauce cool down to room temperature. Do not leave the dish out for more than two hours, as bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature.
-
Use Airtight Containers
- Store your leftovers in airtight containers to prevent exposure to air, which can lead to the food drying out or becoming contaminated with odors from other items in the fridge. Glass containers or BPA-free plastic containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal.
-
Refrigeration
- Chicken Mustard leftovers can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to check the food for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or unusual texture, before reheating.
-
Freezing
- If you plan to keep the dish for longer than a few days, freezing is a great option. Portion the leftovers into smaller containers for easy reheating later. The mustard sauce may slightly change in texture when frozen and reheated, but the dish will still taste delicious. To freeze, ensure the container is sealed well to avoid freezer burn, and consume within 2-3 months for the best quality.
-
Reheating
- When reheating leftovers, it’s best to do so gently. Reheat the dish in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce doesn’t split. Alternatively, you can microwave the chicken in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
By following these storage and reheating practices, you can enjoy your Chicken Mustard leftovers just as much as when it was freshly made!
What Goes Well With Chicken Mustard?
Chicken Mustard is a rich and flavorful dish, and pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal to a whole new level. Here are some great options:
-
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with the creamy mustard sauce. The smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes balances the sharpness of the mustard, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.
-
Steamed Vegetables
- To lighten up the dish and add some freshness, pair your Chicken Mustard with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots. The mild flavors of the vegetables will complement the richness of the chicken and mustard sauce.
-
Roasted Vegetables
- For a more robust pairing, serve your Chicken Mustard with roasted root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots. The caramelization from roasting adds depth of flavor that works well with the tangy mustard sauce.
-
Rice Pilaf
- A fragrant rice pilaf, especially one with herbs like parsley or thyme, makes for a great side dish. The rice soaks up the mustard sauce, creating a harmonious combination that’s both filling and flavorful.
-
Greens Or Salad
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple sautéed spinach dish provides a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken. The acidity from the vinaigrette or the earthiness of the spinach will balance out the creaminess of the mustard sauce.
-
Crispy Bread
- A crusty baguette or some grilled sourdough bread is perfect for dipping into the mustard sauce. The bread helps mop up every last bit of the sauce, making each bite more enjoyable.
These sides offer a variety of textures and flavors that complement Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard perfectly. Whether you prefer something light or hearty, there’s a pairing option for every palate.
Conclusion
Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard is a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily customized with different variations. From adding fresh herbs or a spicy kick to introducing creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables on the side, there are endless ways to enjoy this dish.
Storing leftovers properly ensures that you can savor this flavorful meal for days to come. With the right sides, you can balance the richness of the mustard sauce, creating a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or for guests, Chicken Mustard is sure to be a hit.
FAQs
What Are The Key Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe?
Jamie Oliver’s chicken mustard recipe requires chicken breasts or thighs, Dijon mustard, double cream, garlic, fresh thyme, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Some variations may also include white wine or chicken stock to enhance the sauce.
How Long Does It Take To Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Dish?
The preparation time for Jamie Oliver’s chicken mustard recipe is approximately 10-15 minutes, while the cooking time is around 20-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Mustard Instead Of Dijon In This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with other types such as wholegrain mustard, honey mustard, or even English mustard, depending on your preferred flavor profile. However, the taste will slightly differ.
Is It Possible To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe Without Cream?
Yes, you can make a lighter version of the dish by substituting double cream with alternatives such as Greek yogurt, coconut cream, or a reduced-fat cream option. This will change the texture and richness of the sauce.
Can I Prepare Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe In Advance?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. When ready to serve, simply cook the chicken and reheat the mustard sauce for a quicker meal.
What Side Dishes Pair Well With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad. The richness of the mustard sauce complements starchy sides, while the acidity of a salad adds a nice balance.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe With Bone-in Chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken for this recipe. However, it will take longer to cook. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked.
How Can I Adjust The Seasoning In Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe?
If you’d like to adjust the seasoning, feel free to add extra herbs such as rosemary or tarragon. You can also experiment with different mustards to balance the spice or sweetness to your liking.
Is It Necessary To Marinate The Chicken In Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe?
No, marinating the chicken is not necessary for this recipe. However, you can season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a little bit of mustard before cooking to enhance the flavor.
Can Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe Be Made With Chicken Breast Or Thighs?
Yes, you can use either chicken breasts or thighs for Jamie Oliver’s chicken mustard recipe. Chicken thighs will provide a juicier, more flavorful result, while chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster.