Chicken with Peas & Mustard Cream Sauce

A Creamy, Comforting, One-Pan Wonder to Warm Your Soul

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes strike the perfect balance of elegance, heartiness, and simplicity like Chicken with Peas & Mustard Cream Sauce. This rustic yet refined meal brings together juicy pan-seared chicken, tender green peas, and a velvety mustard-infused cream sauce — all in one pan, ready in about 30 minutes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner, something cozy for a weekend night in, or an impressive dish that won’t leave you with a pile of dishes, this chicken recipe checks every box. The beauty of it lies in its accessible ingredients and straightforward cooking method — making it an approachable meal even for novice home cooks, while still delivering flavor complexity that impresses even discerning palates.

 Why You’ll Love This Dish

• One-pan wonder – Less mess, less stress.

• Creamy and flavorful – Thanks to mustard and cream, the sauce is rich with just the right tang.

• Nutritious & balanced – Protein-packed chicken, fiber-rich peas, and a modest cream base.

• Customizable – Adjust mustard levels, switch up the herbs, or add extra veggies.

• Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights.

 Ingredients (US Measurements)

Let’s start with the essentials. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need, including US cup measurements where applicable.

Main Ingredients

• 1.1 lbs (500g) chicken breast, diced – Use boneless, skinless for ease and quick cooking.

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped – A yellow or white onion will do the trick.

• 1 clove garlic, minced – Fresh garlic delivers the best depth of flavor.

• 1 cup (250ml) vegetable broth – Adds savory depth and helps deglaze the pan.

• ¾ cup (200ml) heavy cream – This creates the signature creamy sauce.

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Adds body and a subtle umami note.

• 1 tablespoon mustard – Dijon or wholegrain for bold tang; yellow mustard works in a pinch.

• 1½ cups (300g) cooked peas – Frozen peas are convenient and nutritious.

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons milk – For thickening the sauce.

• Salt and pepper, to taste – Always season to your preference.

• Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or dill – Adds brightness and freshness to the final dish.

 Preparation Time & Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Calories per serving: Approx. 476 kcal

• Calories with added chicken (air-fried or sautéed): Approx. 609 kcal

 How to Prepare Chicken with Peas & Mustard Cream Sauce

 Stage 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a tablespoon of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your chopped onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft and translucent.

Next, add the minced garlic and stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can turn bitter.

 Stage 2: Cook the Chicken

Add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, for 6–8 minutes or until it’s fully cooked and lightly browned on all sides.

Ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center before proceeding. At this stage, you should have delicious fond (browned bits) on the bottom of the pan — this will enrich the sauce.

 Stage 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and mustard, mixing well to coat the chicken and aromatics. The tomato paste helps create a thick, rich base while the mustard adds sharpness and depth.

Pour in the vegetable broth and stir, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

 Stage 4: Add Cream and Thicken

Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.

Mix the cornstarch with milk in a small bowl until fully dissolved, then slowly pour it into the skillet while stirring. This will thicken the sauce into a luscious, velvety consistency.

 Stage 5: Add Peas and Finish

Add the cooked peas to the skillet and fold them gently into the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the peas are heated through.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. For added color and a touch of herby freshness, top with chopped parsley or dill just before serving.

 Serving Suggestions

This dish is wonderfully versatile and can be paired with a range of sides:

• Steamed tenderstem broccoli or green beans – Adds a crunchy, clean balance to the creamy dish.

• Buttery mashed potatoes – For a hearty, comforting combo.

• Couscous, rice, or pasta – To soak up the flavorful sauce.

• Crusty bread or garlic bread – Ideal for scooping up every drop of sauce.

 Customization Ideas

Make it your own with these easy variations:

• Swap proteins: Use boneless chicken thighs, turkey, or even shrimp for a different take.

• Go vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for a meatless option.

• Add extra veggies: Spinach, kale, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers pair beautifully.

• Try different mustard: Wholegrain for texture, Dijon for smooth boldness, or honey mustard for sweetness.

• Make it dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream.

 Tips for Success

Here are a few key tips to ensure your Chicken with Peas & Mustard Cream Sauce turns out perfectly every time:

 Don’t rush the sauté

Take the time to properly soften the onions and toast the garlic without burning them. This creates the base flavor of the dish.

 Brown the chicken well

This step is crucial for depth. Browning the meat creates flavor-packed bits that get lifted into the sauce.

 Control the heat

Once the cream is added, keep the heat low to prevent curdling or over-reducing the sauce.

 Taste as you go

Mustard can vary in strength. Add half, taste, and add more as needed.

 Use fresh herbs

Parsley and dill add a layer of brightness to the creamy sauce, enhancing both presentation and flavor.

 Storage & Reheating

Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Warm gently on the stove over low heat. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:
You can freeze this dish, though the cream sauce may slightly separate. To fix, stir thoroughly while reheating and add a bit of fresh cream.

 Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

With added chicken breast, total calories increase to ~609 kcal and protein to ~47g.

 Final Thoughts

Chicken with Peas & Mustard Cream Sauce is a dish that embodies the essence of cozy, creamy comfort while remaining elegant and balanced. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for a dinner guest yet is simple enough for a Wednesday night.

It’s also endlessly adaptable — an ideal canvas for your creativity in the kitchen. Whether you go heavier on the mustard, add a handful of spinach, or serve it with crusty artisan bread, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again.

So next time you’re craving something savory, warm, and just a little bit luxurious — grab a skillet, and let this one-pan wonder deliver.