Jamie Oliver Chicken Mustard Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard is a mouthwatering, easy-to-make dish that blends tender chicken with a creamy, mustard-infused sauce. The chicken is cooked to perfection while the mustard sauce brings a tangy, savory kick, giving the dish layers of flavor. It’s a comforting, hearty meal with simple yet powerful ingredients that are both familiar and bold. This dish hits the sweet spot of being both delicious and effortless.

The recipe combines basic pantry ingredients like chicken, mustard, cream and a few fresh herbs, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or even when you have guests over. The beauty of this dish is how it elevates humble ingredients into something special without complicated techniques.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Mustard Recipe

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to pull off Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard:

1. Chicken Thighs – These are the star of the dish. They’re juicy and tender and they absorb the sauce beautifully.
2. Dijon Mustard – This mustard adds the perfect tangy flavor. It’s smooth and sharp but not overwhelming.
3. Double Cream – Rich and silky, it balances out the mustard’s sharpness and gives the sauce its luxurious, creamy texture.
4. Garlic – You can’t go wrong with garlic in almost any savory dish and it adds a lovely depth here.
5. Onions – A bit of sweetness from onions, sautéed until golden, works wonderfully with the mustard sauce.
6. Herbs (Thyme or Tarragon). Fresh herbs give the dish a fragrant touch. Jamie often uses thyme or tarragon which pair nicely with both the chicken and mustard.
7. Chicken Stock – To add depth to the sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade for a richer flavor.
8. Olive Oil & Butter. For browning the chicken and adding richness to the sauce.
9. Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the dish, bringing out all the flavors.

Equipment Needed

Nothing too fancy here. Just basic kitchen tools:

1. A Large Frying Pan or Skillet. You need enough space to cook the chicken and sauce without overcrowding.
2. A Sharp Knife – For chopping garlic, onions and herbs.
3. A Wooden Spoon – Perfect for stirring the sauce and scraping up all the flavorful bits.
4. A Spoon or Ladle. To drizzle the sauce over the chicken when serving.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard

1. Brown the Chicken – Heat up your frying pan, add a bit of olive oil and butter and get it sizzling hot. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then cook them skin-side down until golden brown. Flip them over and cook the other side. This should take about 6-7 minutes per side. When done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics – In the same pan, toss in finely chopped onions and garlic. Stir them around until they soften and turn golden. The chicken’s leftover fat will make this step so flavorful.
3. Create the Sauce – Add in the Dijon mustard and stir to coat the onions and garlic. Pour in some chicken stock, followed by the cream and let it all come together. This is where the magic happens! The sauce thickens and turns velvety. Add the herbs and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to get all the flavors to marry.
4. Return the Chicken – Place the chicken back in the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some of the sauce over the top and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the chicken absorbs all those flavors while staying juicy and tender.
5. Serve – Once the chicken is cooked through, it’s time to plate up. Serve with mashed potatoes, rice or some crusty bread to mop up the creamy mustard sauce.

What I Learnt

What makes this dish stand out is how Jamie Oliver manages to keep things so simple while creating something with bold, comforting flavors. It’s all about balancing the sharpness of the mustard with the richness of the cream. The chicken thighs are key. they stay moist and flavorful, unlike breasts which can dry out more easily.

I also learned that letting the chicken simmer in the sauce towards the end is crucial. It’s not just about cooking the chicken; it’s about letting it absorb all those wonderful flavors. You end up with a dish that feels gourmet but with minimal effort. The mustard flavor really shines through without overpowering the other ingredients.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard recipe is already a gem but there’s always room for personal twists. Here are a few tweaks to make it uniquely yours.

1. Herb Variations: Jamie uses a blend of thyme, rosemary and a bit of garlic but if you’re feeling adventurous, swap rosemary with sage for a deeper, earthy flavor. You could also throw in a handful of fresh tarragon for a slightly aniseed, fresh flavor.
2. Mustard Mix: Jamie’s mustard sauce typically uses Dijon but why not try a blend of Dijon and wholegrain mustard? The crunch from the wholegrain adds texture and depth. Or, if you’re after a little sweetness, go for a honey mustard sauce.
3. Chicken Alternatives: You could replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option. If you want to make it even more exciting, try using chicken drumsticks or even a whole chicken which would work well with the rich, mustardy sauce.
4. Vegetable Boost: If you want to amp up the veggie content, consider adding leeks, carrots or even sweet potatoes alongside the chicken. These will soak up the mustard sauce, making them extra delicious.
5. Spices & Heat: For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped fresh chili to the sauce. If you prefer something milder, a dash of smoked paprika can give that subtle smoky flavor without the burn.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Leftovers from Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard are even better the next day. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

1. Cool Before Storing: Always let the chicken cool to room temperature before putting it in the fridge. Storing hot food can cause condensation and create bacteria-friendly environments.
2. Airtight Containers: Store the chicken and mustard sauce separately in airtight containers. This prevents the chicken from becoming soggy and keeps the sauce from separating.
3. Freezing: If you have plenty of leftovers, freezing is a good option. Just be sure to wrap the chicken tightly in foil or freezer bags and store the sauce in a separate container. When reheating, let the chicken defrost naturally before gently reheating on the stove to avoid drying it out.
4. Shelf Life: Leftovers should be eaten within 2-3 days if refrigerated. If frozen, it’s best to consume within 1-2 months for the best texture and flavor.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard?

Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard has such a rich, creamy flavor, so pairing it with the right sides is key. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Roasted Veggies: Roasted root vegetables like parsnips, carrots or sweet potatoes complement the richness of the chicken and mustard sauce. The natural sweetness of the vegetables balances the savory depth of the mustard.
2. Mashed Potatoes: Classic mashed potatoes work wonders with a creamy mustard sauce. The fluffiness of the mash soaks up all the sauce, making each bite divine. Add some butter and chives to elevate it even more.
3. Green Beans or Asparagus: A simple green vegetable adds freshness to the dish. Steamed or sautéed green beans or asparagus with a squeeze of lemon will add brightness and balance the heaviness of the mustard sauce.
4. Crispy Roasted Potatoes: If you’re craving something crunchy, go for crispy roasted potatoes. The crispy exterior pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and creamy mustard sauce. Add rosemary or garlic to the potatoes for extra flavor.
5. Rice or Couscous: For a lighter side, serve the chicken with fluffy white rice or couscous. These grains will absorb the sauce and make for a satisfying meal without overpowering the chicken.

FAQs

What’s The Main Ingredient In Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe?

The key ingredient is chicken, paired with a rich, creamy mustard sauce that brings out the flavor.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe Without Cream?

Yes! You can swap the cream for milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Mustard Recipe?

It usually takes about 30 minutes, making it a quick and flavorful meal.