I was cleaning out my fridge last month when I found half a jar of Dijon mustard and some cream that needed using up. Instead of tossing them, I decided to experiment with a slow cooker chicken dish that ended up becoming an instant family favorite.
The way the creamy sauce melds with tender chicken and subtle herbs creates something that feels both rustic and refined.
What I love about this Crockpot Creamy Dijon Chicken French Inspired Elegance is how it transforms simple ingredients into a meal that impresses without demanding hours in the kitchen. You get that slow-cooked depth of flavor while the creamy Dijon sauce makes everything feel luxurious. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel special, and if you’re looking for more easy yet elegant meals, you should try our creamy crack chicken pot pie.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: French-inspired
Category: Main Course
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
What You’ll Need
When I’m shopping for this recipe, I look for chicken thighs with firm, pink flesh and smooth skin—they hold up better during slow cooking than breasts. For the Dijon, I prefer a brand with whole grain mustard for texture, but smooth works beautifully too. If you’re watching costs, store-brand heavy cream performs just as well as premium in this dish.
You’ll need your slow cooker, of course, plus a skillet for browning if you want that extra flavor layer. A good set of measuring spoons ensures the herb balance is perfect, and kitchen tongs make handling the chicken much easier.
INGREDIENTS
I always set everything out on my counter before starting—it saves me from forgetting an ingredient mid-prep. The scent of fresh thyme always takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she grew it in little pots on the windowsill.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried herbes de Provence
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
PREPARATION
One thing I’ve learned from making this repeatedly: don’t skip browning the chicken. That quick sear creates fond in the pan that adds incredible depth to the sauce. Even when I’m rushed, those extra minutes make a noticeable difference in the final flavor. For another simple yet impressive dessert to follow this meal, check out our refreshing frozen yogurt granola cups.
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden—you’re not cooking through, just developing color.
- Arrange halved baby potatoes and sliced onion in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Place browned chicken thighs over the vegetables in a single layer.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chicken broth, fresh thyme, herbes de Provence, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Pour sauce mixture evenly over chicken and vegetables.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and potatoes are fork-tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly upon standing.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Perfect Pairings for Your Meal
This creamy chicken dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement without competing. I often serve it with steamed green beans tossed with almonds, or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The bright acidity cuts through the richness beautifully. For heartier appetites, crusty bread for dipping in the extra sauce is non-negotiable in my house.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The sauce may separate slightly upon reheating—just stir vigorously while warming over medium heat. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months, though the texture of the potatoes may become softer upon thawing. I prefer to freeze just the chicken and sauce, then add fresh potatoes when reheating. If you’re craving a seasonal dessert to round out your meal, don’t miss our decadent pumpkin spice latte cake.
Crockpot Creamy Dijon Chicken French Inspired Elegance Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Crockpot Creamy Dijon Chicken French Inspired Elegance Recipe!
Nutrition Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but reduce cooking time by about an hour as breasts cook faster and can dry out. I prefer thighs for their richer flavor and better texture after slow cooking.
What if I don’t have herbes de Provence?
Make your own blend with equal parts dried thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and a pinch of lavender if you have it. Or simply use additional fresh thyme—the recipe will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
It’s naturally gluten-free as written—just double-check your Dijon mustard and chicken broth labels to ensure no gluten-containing additives.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Creamy Dijon Chicken French Inspired Elegance has become my go-to for evenings when I want something comforting yet sophisticated without much effort. The way the creamy sauce coats the tender chicken and potatoes makes every bite feel like a treat. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
