Pollo a la Mostaza (mustard chicken thighs)

Pollo a la mostaza is a juicy and tender chicken laced with creamy Dijon sauce. This insanely appetizing mustard chicken recipe is perfect for dinner any weeknight.

this recipe

Pollo a la Mostaza is a chicken recipe featuring a creamy sauce made of mustard, cream, and spices. The name of this recipe is the Spanish translation of “chicken with mustard”.

The recipe is one of my family’s favorites, I love serving this delectable chicken dish with white rice so the creamy mustard sauce infuses the rice with lots of flavor!

This pollo a la mostaza recipe is straightforward and easy to make, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or when you want a delicious meal without too much effort.

Ingredients

For chicken

• Chicken Thighs. I am using here 6 chicken thighs with bone-in, but this recipe works also with chicken breasts, please read the notes below.
• Mustard. You can use Dijon mustard (as I did) or regular mustard, the former has a wonderful flavor and aroma that outstands in this recipe.
• Olive oil. If you don’t have olive oil, you can also use another type of vegetable oil.
• Seasonings. Garlic and onion powder, and the classic salt and pepper.

For the creamy mustard sauce

• Cream. You can use Mexican crema, heavy cream, or any other type of thick cream you have available where you live.
• Chicken stock. Is the base for the sauce and will help to finish the chicken cooking too.
• Chopped onion + garlic. Both add texture, flavor, and aroma to the sauce.
• Butter + olive oil. Butter adds flavor and creaminess, and the oil used is the one that remains after you pan-fried the chicken, so it has all the flavors.
• Oregano. This is a star in the recipe, it really adds a nice flavor. You can also use other dried spices such as rosemary, or thyme, but don’t skip the oregano!
• Flour + water. Whisked together helps the sauce to thicken a bit.

This is a visual overview of the steps to make this recipe. See the detailed list of ingredients & instructions in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pollo a la Mostaza

Place chicken thighs in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Turn the pieces until all chicken is nicely coated. Cover and set aside.

In a large pan or cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add chicken thighs in a single layer and cook until crispy and cooked through.

Top Tip: Chicken thighs will take about 8-10 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.

Transfer chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and set aside.

Add the butter and 1 more tablespoon of oil to the pan (read notes). Stir in the onions and cook until soft, add chopped garlic, and cook 1 more minute.

Pour in the chicken stock. Add oregano and the remaining Dijon mustard, then, with a wooden spoon scrape down the browned bits to combine all flavors into the sauce.

Return chicken thighs to the pan, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 20 more minutes turning the chicken one time in between.

Stir in the heavy cream and the mixture of flour + water.

Simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Adjust salt to taste and serve as suggested below.

Expert Notes & Tips

• You can make this pollo a la mostaza recipe using chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs, just take in mind those cook faster and require less liquid to finish cooking.
• Even though I like to use bone-in chicken thighs because the bones add flavor and help keep the chicken moist during cooking.
• Don’t skip searing the chicken in a hot skillet with some oil. This step adds a beautiful golden-brown crust to the chicken and enhances the overall flavor.
• If you want to add a spicy kick, I recommend a sprinkle of chili flakes or a bit of chili powder into the sauce.
• Be careful not to overcook the chicken, especially if you’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Overcooking can result in dry and tough meat. Monitor the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

What to Serve With Mustard Chicken

Mustard chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavorful and tangy nature. Here are my favorite delicious options to serve alongside the chicken:

• Arroz a la mantequilla. Having creamy and flavorful chicken with a side of buttery rice can be a perfect combination for a delightful dinner with your family and friends.  
• Green salad: To make your dinner healthy as well as scrumptious, add a side of fresh green salad.
• Mashed potatoes. The combination of puffy mashed potatoes and lip-smacking juicy chicken laced with Dijon sauce is perfect for treating your taste buds any day. 
• Oven-baked potatoes. Pair this flavorsome mustard chicken with hot Italian roasted potatoes for a filling and toothsome dinner. 
• Noodles. The amazing sauce will coat nicely any of your favorite noodles.
• Homemade bread. My favorite for serving pollo a la mostaza! I just love dipping the bread into the creamy sauce.

How To Store And Reheat

Pollo a la mostaza is the perfect prep meal for busy nights, I like to make a double batch of the recipe and have it ready for unexpected visitors or quick dinners.

• Fridge: Place leftovers in a container with a tight lid and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. We recommend glass containers as those kept better the flavors.
• Freezer: Use a proper container or a zip bag to store these mustard chicken thighs for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label the container with the cooking date.

For reheating: Thaw pollo a la mostaza then add it to a pan, add a dash of chicken stock or water to loosen up the sauce, and reheat on the stovetop over medium-high heat.

FAQ

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