Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe – A Comforting Classic with a Modern Twist
When it comes to comfort food that feels both elegant and effortless, few dishes deliver like a Creamy Chicken Diane. Rich, savory, and packed with flavor, this dish combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy mushroom and Dijon mustard sauce that’s nothing short of restaurant-worthy. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and makes dinner feel like an occasion — even on a busy weeknight.
The origins of the classic “Diane” sauce trace back to the mid-20th century, traditionally made with steak, cream, Dijon mustard, and brandy or cognac. Over time, creative cooks began to adapt the sauce to chicken, creating a lighter yet equally indulgent version. The result? A dish that’s beautifully balanced — creamy and luxurious, yet still brightened by a touch of lemon and fresh herbs.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a list of ingredients for Creamy Chicken Diane, along with approximate calorie counts per serving.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 large (about 1 lb) | 440 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 120 kcal |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | 200 kcal |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 8 kcal |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 1 cup | 20 kcal |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | 400 kcal |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tsp | 10 kcal |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp | 5 kcal |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | 4 kcal |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup | 10 kcal |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1 tbsp | 2 kcal |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | 0 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1: Prepare the Chicken
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) for even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss in the garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are soft and golden — about 5 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
4: Make the Sauce
Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
5: Add the Cream
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy, letting the sauce simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes.
6: Combine & Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over each piece. Let it simmer together for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without losing creaminess.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or brandy before the cream for a deeper, more complex taste.
- Spice It Up: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little kick.
- Mushroom Substitute: Don’t like mushrooms? Use spinach, asparagus, or sun-dried tomatoes instead.
- Herb Variations: Fresh thyme, basil, or tarragon also pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~305 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg |
| Sodium | 340 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Creamy Chicken Diane over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles for a classic pairing.
- For a lighter meal, pair with steamed vegetables, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower mash.
- Add a side of garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up the rich sauce.
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for an elegant dinner experience.
Creamy Chicken Diane Recipe – A Comforting Classic with a Modern Twist
Course: Recipes4
servings10
minutes25
minutes385
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantity
Boneless, skinless chicken breastst2 large (about 1 lb)
Olive oilt2 tbsp
Buttert1 tbsp
Garlic (minced)t2 cloves
Shallots (finely chopped)t1 medium
Dijon mustardt1 tbsp
Worcestershire saucet1 tbsp
Heavy creamt½ cup
Chicken brotht½ cup
Lemon juicet1 tbsp
Fresh parsley (chopped)t2 tbsp
Salt and black peppertTo taste
Optional: mushrooms (sliced)t½ cup
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner fillets.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce Base
- In the same pan, melt butter. Add shallots and garlic; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Cream and Broth
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish the Dish
- Return the chicken to the pan, coating each piece in the creamy sauce.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
- Simmer for another 2 minutes to let flavors blend beautifully.
- Serve
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the chicken. Enjoy this comforting, creamy classic!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Best Chicken Cut: Thinly sliced chicken breasts or chicken cutlets cook quickly and evenly, ensuring they stay tender and juicy.
Pan Sauce Secret: Don’t rush the deglazing step — those browned bits at the bottom of the pan add incredible flavor to your sauce.
FAQs
1. What is Chicken Diane?
Chicken Diane is a twist on the classic “Steak Diane,” where chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, shallots, and cream — often finished with a splash of brandy or white wine.
2. Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! You can skip the brandy or white wine and use chicken broth or extra cream instead. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.
3. What kind of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs work great. If using breasts, pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
4. How long does it take to cook?
From start to finish, it takes about 25–30 minutes — perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
5. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and add the cooked chicken when serving.
Conclusion
A plate of Creamy Chicken Diane brings together everything we love about comforting home-cooked meals — tenderness, creaminess, and a burst of rich, tangy flavor in every bite. It’s a timeless dish that’s both simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for special occasions.
