Mary Berry Dijon Chicken

Crispy, golden-brown chicken breasts drenched in a luscious creamy garlic Dijon sauce makes Mary Berry Dijon Chicken a standout dish for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a dinner party. The combination of flavors—from the tangy Dijon mustard to the richness of double cream—ensures that every bite is deliciously satisfying. Best of all, this dish fits well into a low-carb lifestyle, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavorful Sauce: The creamy garlic Dijon sauce elevates the chicken, making it a hit with family and friends.
• Low-Carb Delight: Perfect for those watching their carbs, this recipe allows you to indulge without guilt.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it whole or sliced; either way, it’s visually appealing on any plate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or special celebration, this dish fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mary Berry Dijon Chicken, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan: Ideal for searing the chicken evenly while allowing room for cooking the sauce.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precision when slicing shallots and chicken.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pan’s surface.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ounce butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 small skinless and boneless chicken breasts (150g each)

For the Sauce

• 1 banana shallot (finely sliced)
• 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
• 300 ml white wine
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 300 ml pouring double cream

Seasoning

• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Few finely snipped chives to garnish

How to Make Mary Berry Dijon Chicken

Step 1: Heat the Pan

Heat the butter and olive oil in a deep frying pan until they meld together.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season each chicken breast with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper.
2. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan when the butter is melted and starts sizzling.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Cook them over high heat, allowing each side to brown for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is beautifully browned. Remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Cook Shallots and Garlic

1. Add the shallots into the same pan, letting them sizzle over high heat for a minute.
2. Add the crushed garlic.

Step 5: Simmer with Lid On

Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat, and let them gently cook for 5-10 minutes until shallots turn soft and take on a delicate brown hue.

Step 6: Add Wine and Reduce

Pour in the wine, letting it come to a vigorous boil. Stir continuously for roughly 5 minutes until liquid reduces by about two-thirds.

Step 7: Mix Mustard and Cream

Add mustard and cream to the mix. Stir well and let flavors meld for 3-4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.

Step 8: Finalize Cooking

1. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Bring back the chicken along with any accumulated juices into the pan.
3. Cover again with lid, reduce heat to simmer, and let everything cook for approximately 15 minutes until chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.

Step 9: Serve

Plate each chicken breast whole or carve into portions. Spoon dijon sauce over chicken and garnish with fresh chives.

Enjoy your delightful Mary Berry Dijon Chicken!

How to Serve Mary Berry Dijon Chicken

Serving Mary Berry Dijon Chicken can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a special occasion. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its rich flavors.

With Fresh Chives

• Adding a sprinkle of finely snipped chives not only brings color but also adds a mild onion flavor that complements the creamy Dijon sauce.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the chicken over a bed of fresh greens like arugula or spinach for a light and refreshing contrast. Drizzle some extra sauce on top for added flavor.

Paired with Crusty Bread

• A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious garlic Dijon sauce. It makes for an excellent addition to the meal, adding texture.

Accompanied by Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted seasonal vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini bring sweetness and crunch to balance the richness of the chicken dish.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a wonderful base for this dish, allowing you to enjoy every last drop of the savory sauce.

Served Family Style

• Present the chicken in the center of the table along with bowls of your chosen sides. This encourages sharing and adds a cozy touch to your meal.

How to Perfect Mary Berry Dijon Chicken

To ensure your Mary Berry Dijon Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and shallots will provide the best flavor profile, enhancing your creamy Dijon sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking too many chicken breasts at once can lower the pan’s temperature, which may prevent them from browning properly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times to avoid overcooking. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste test and adjust salt and pepper before serving to ensure balanced flavors throughout.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest briefly after cooking helps retain its juices, resulting in moist meat.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs or spices into your sauce for additional layers of flavor according to your personal preference.

Best Side Dishes for Mary Berry Dijon Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Mary Berry Dijon Chicken can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent companion for soaking up the luscious sauce.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus provides a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy chicken.
3. Wild Rice Pilaf: Fluffy wild rice pilaf mixed with herbs offers a nutty flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
4. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and adds crunch that balances each bite.
5. Cauliflower Gratin: This cheesy cauliflower dish is decadent yet light enough not to overshadow the main star—your chicken!
6. Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette provides brightness and acidity, balancing out the creaminess of the main dish.
7. Herbed Quinoa: A herbed quinoa side is nutritious and adds a pleasant chewiness that pairs well with chicken.
8. Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet potato fries add a delightful sweetness while being crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, especially when trying a new recipe like Mary Berry Dijon Chicken. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using too high heat: This can cause the chicken to brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside. Always start with medium-high heat and adjust as necessary.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken breasts before cooking can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to season generously with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan.
• Not letting the sauce reduce enough: If you don’t let the wine reduce by two-thirds, your sauce may end up too watery. Be patient and allow it to boil vigorously as instructed.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long will make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
• Neglecting garnish: Skipping fresh chives or herbs may leave your dish looking dull. A sprinkle of fresh herbs not only adds color but enhances flavor as well.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mary Berry Dijon Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow it to cool down before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Mary Berry Dijon Chicken

• Freeze portions of Mary Berry Dijon Chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Ensure all air is removed from the bags before sealing.

Reheating Mary Berry Dijon Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil, and warm the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mary Berry Dijon Chicken?

Mary Berry Dijon Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring seared chicken breasts in a creamy garlic Dijon sauce made with white wine. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for dinner.

Can I use other types of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute with whole grain mustard or yellow mustard if you prefer. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile slightly.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Mary Berry Dijon Chicken gluten-free, ensure that your mustard is gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of flour if you wish to thicken the sauce further.

Is Mary Berry Dijon Chicken healthy?

With its low-carb ingredients and lean protein from chicken, this dish can fit into many healthy eating plans. Adjust portion sizes for personal dietary needs.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also adjust seasoning according to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Mary Berry Dijon Chicken is not only simple but also incredibly delicious, making it an excellent choice for any dinner table. Its creamy sauce pairs beautifully with various sides like steamed vegetables or rice. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite herbs or veggies!