Chicken Cutlets with Mustard Herb Sauce: Easy, Delicious Dinner for Every Occasion
Experience juicy poultry in a tangy, garlic-laced pan topping with crisp leafy greens.
Chicken Cutlets with Mustard Herb Sauce: The Best Quick-Fix Dinner
When speed and gourmet flavor are equally important, Chicken Cutlets with Mustard Herb Sauce stands out as an elegant yet accessible choice. Adapted from the beloved kitchen of Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, this recipe brings together juicy sautéed chicken breast cutlets, a vibrant mustard-herb pan sauce, and garlicky spinach for a complete plate that satisfies every palate. Whether you’re serving company or rushing a weeknight meal, this classic formula delivers both ease and flavor in under an hour.
Why Chicken Cutlets?
- Quick Cooking: Thinly sliced cutlets cook in mere minutes, preventing dryness and ensuring a tender bite.
- Even Searing: Uniform thickness helps achieve a golden crust and prevents overcooking.
- Versatile Base: The mild flavor pairs seamlessly with bold sauces and fresh herbs, making it suitable for endless variations.
Essential Ingredients & Substitutions
For standout results, careful ingredient selection is key. Here are the stars of this recipe, along with substitution tips for flexibility:
- Chicken Breasts: Four 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Can substitute with chicken thighs (boneless, skinless) for a richer flavor, though cook time may slightly increase.
- Butter & Olive Oil: Combination provides both flavor and a high smoke point.
- Garlic: Three cloves minced, delivering a punchy base for both sauce and spinach.
- Dry White Wine: Adds brightness and depth; substitute with chicken stock or a splash of lemon juice if preferred.
- Grainy Mustard: Two heaping tablespoons; Dijon can be used for a creamier sauce, but grainy mustard adds texture.
- Chicken Broth: One cup of low-sodium broth provides the sauce’s body.
- Fresh Mixed Herbs: Dill, parsley, chives (about half a cup, chopped), plus more for garnish.
- Salt & Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for seasoning.
- Garlic Spinach: Fresh baby spinach (two 10-ounce bags), garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Preparing the Chicken Cutlets
- Slice Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, slice each breast horizontally to create two thin cutlets. You should have eight cutlets total. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle both sides of each cutlet with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat Skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil until shimmering.
- Sear Cutlets: Add half the chicken cutlets without crowding the pan. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside on a plate; repeat with remaining cutlets.
Building the Mustard Herb Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce pan heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
- Deglaze with Wine: Carefully pour in 1 cup dry white wine. Allow it to simmer and reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits for flavor, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Mustard & Broth: Stir in grainy mustard, then add chicken broth. Continue stirring until smooth.
- Finish with Butter and Herbs: Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. When melted and integrated, sprinkle in the mixed fresh herbs. Stir well and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Cook just until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1-2 minutes.
Bringing It All Together
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Nestle the cooked chicken cutlets back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over each to rewarm and thoroughly coat the meat.
- Serve: Plate the chicken cutlets atop a bed of Garlic Spinach (see full instructions below), drizzling extra pan sauce and garnishing with more fresh herbs.
Garlic Spinach: The Perfect Side Dish
Quickly sautéed spinach layered with aromatic garlic and bright lemon rounds out the plate with color and freshness.
Garlic Spinach Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Two 10-ounce bags baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Steps to Make Garlic Spinach
- Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high.
- Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until just fragrant.
- Gradually add spinach, turning often, until wilted and softened (about 2 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, tossing to coat.
- Serve immediately as a fresh bed for chicken cutlets.
What others are reading
Tips, Variations, and Storage
- Herb Choices: Mix and match dill, parsley, chives, cilantro, or even tarragon for different flavor profiles.
- Alternative Proteins: Try this sauce on pork tenderloin, turkey cutlets, or salmon fillets.
- Sauce Thickness: Simmer a few extra minutes or swirl in a touch of flour/cornstarch slurry for a thicker texture.
- Gluten-Free Tips: Ensure all broth and mustard are gluten-free; serve with gluten-free sides if needed.
- Make Ahead: Cook chicken and sauce a day in advance; gently reheat together on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; avoid freezing as fresh herbs may diminish in quality.
Serving Suggestions & Add-Ons
- Starch Pairings: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, warm crusty bread, or fluffy rice pilaf to soak up the extra sauce.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted carrots, asparagus, or a light salad with vinaigrette add more color to the plate.
- Wine Pairings: Pair with a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to echo the sauce and enhance herb flavors.
- Garnishes: Scatter extra herbs, lemon zest, or toasted nuts over the top for added texture and freshness.
Nutritional Information
| Component | Approximate Value (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400-500 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
Note: Exact values depend on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Chicken Cutlets with Mustard Herb Sauce without wine?
A: Yes, substitute an equal amount of chicken broth or a splash of lemon juice for acidity. The sauce will still be flavorful and vibrant.
Q: What are the best herbs to use?
A: Dill, parsley, and chives create a classic balance of bright, earthy flavors, but tarragon, basil, or cilantro also work well for added complexity.
Q: Is this meal kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! The tangy sauce and mild spinach pair well with chicken, though you can reduce garlic or mustard for picky eaters.
Q: How do I keep chicken cutlets juicy?
A: Avoid overcooking by using thin cutlets and watching for golden, not browned, color. Let the cutlets rest in the warm sauce for extra moisture.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, the chicken and sauce can be made and refrigerated up to one day ahead. Reheat gently in a skillet with additional broth as needed.
Expert Tips for Show-Stopping Flavor
- Rest Cutlets: After searing, let cutlets rest on a warm plate for a few minutes before saucing to retain juices.
- Boost Umami: Add a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce to the mustard sauce for deeper flavor.
- Presentation: For a sophisticated look, slice cutlets diagonally and fan out on plates atop spinach. Drizzle sauce artfully; finish with herbs and lemon wedges.
About The Pioneer Woman & Origin of the Recipe
This recipe is a signature dish from Ree Drummond, celebrated as The Pioneer Woman. Ree is famous for crafting approachable, comforting meals that blend ranch-style simplicity with a touch of culinary elegance. Her chicken cutlets with mustard herb sauce have become a favorite for both their swift preparation and their ability to impress guests and family alike.
Quick Recipe Summary Table
| Step | Action | Time Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Prep Chicken | Slice & Season Cutlets | 5 min |
| Sear Chicken | Cook in Skillet | 15 min |
| Make Sauce | Garlic, Wine, Mustard, Broth, Herbs | 10 min |
| Finish & Serve | Return Chicken, Toss with Sauce | 5 min |
| Prepare Spinach | Sauté Garlic & Spinach | 5 min |
| Total | – | 40 min |
Elevate Your Dinner Routine—Tonight!
Bringing together crisp, golden chicken and a lush mustard herb sauce, this recipe serves as a blueprint for flavorful, balanced meals that are easy enough for busy weeknights yet special enough for guests. With Garlic Spinach amplifying both color and nutrition, every forkful is rewarding. Enjoy experimenting with your own variations, and embrace the Pioneer Woman’s philosophy: Simple ingredients, big flavors, endless hospitality.
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