Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs or chicken breasts will cook faster. Just reduce oven time to about 15–18 minutes , and monitor internal temp closely (165°F is ideal). Keep an eye on moisture—boneless cuts dry out more quickly.

What’s the best type of mustard to use?

Dijon mustard is the gold standard for this recipe, delivering just the right level of sharpness and creaminess. If you enjoy texture, add a teaspoon of whole-grain mustard . Want it a bit sweeter? Try a honey mustard blend.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, flavors deepen overnight . Cook the dish, let it cool, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to preserve the crispy skin.

What sides work best with this recipe?

You can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes , green beans almondine , or a crusty French baguette to mop up the sauce.

What makes golden chicken with mustard and shallots “golden”?

The golden color comes from searing the chicken thighs skin-side down in hot oil until they develop a deep, golden-brown crust. This Maillard reaction not only gives the dish its signature hue but also builds flavor. Additionally, the combination of Dijon mustard and shallot caramelization gives the final sauce a rich, warm tone.

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work fine, but keep in mind they’ll cook faster and won’t deliver quite the same depth of flavor. Bone-in, skin-on pieces render fat into the pan, helping develop the base for the mustard sauce. If you do use boneless cuts, just reduce the oven time to avoid overcooking.

Is golden chicken with mustard and shallots keto-friendly?

Absolutely—especially if you skip the cream or substitute it with full-fat dairy alternatives like sour cream or heavy whipping cream. The dish is low in carbohydrates , high in protein , and made with wholesome fats like olive oil, making it perfect for keto and low-carb diets .

7 Irresistible Reasons to Love This Golden Chicken with Mustard and Shallots

Description

This Golden Chicken with Mustard and Shallots recipe blends crispy seared chicken, tangy Dijon, and caramelized shallots for a French-style dinner favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 medium shallots, peeled and halved
¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
¼ cup Dijon mustard
⅓ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Pat chicken dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high.
Place chicken skin-side down and cook until deeply golden (about 10 minutes).
Turn chicken and cook another 5 minutes, then transfer to a plate.
Reduce heat and add shallots to the pan.
Sauté until caramelized and soft, stirring occasionally.
Deglaze with white wine or broth, scraping up brown bits.
Stir in both mustards and cream; simmer to thicken slightly.
Return chicken to skillet, cover, and simmer 10–15 minutes.
Uncover and spoon sauce over chicken. Garnish with parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Lunch
Method: Pan-seared, simmered
Cuisine: French-inspired / American comfort