Creamy Mustard Chicken with Mushrooms and Cauliflower Purée
When you’re craving something cozy yet elegant — something that feels indulgent but still wholesome — Creamy Mustard Chicken with Mushrooms and Cauliflower Purée is the answer. This dish blends golden-seared chicken with a luscious mustard-infused sauce, paired perfectly with a silky-smooth cauliflower purée. It’s rich, flavorful, and feels like dining in a fine restaurant — except you’re right at home.
2poundsbone-inskin-on chicken pieces (use a mix of thighs, breasts, or legs)
1½teaspoonssalt
½teaspoonground black pepper
2tablespoonsolive oil
¼cupfinely diced shallot
2garlic clovesthinly sliced
8ouncescremini or button mushroomssliced
1tablespoonwhole-grain mustard
2tablespoonsDijon mustard
½cuplow-sodium chicken brothinstead of wine
1tablespoonunsalted butteror ghee
2teaspoonsfresh thyme leaves
½cupunsweetened coconut milkor light cream
For the Cauliflower Purée:
1large head cauliflowercut into florets (about 4 cups)
1cuplow-sodium chicken brothplus more if needed
½cupunsweetened coconut milk
1teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonground black pepper
1teaspoonfresh thyme leaves
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare and Brown the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Flip and cook the other side for about 2 minutes.
Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate (it will finish cooking later).
Build the Flavor Base
Reduce heat to medium and add shallots and garlic to the same pan.
Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and lightly browned.
Create the Creamy Mustard Sauce
Stir in the whole-grain mustard and Dijon mustard, mixing until combined.
Add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Stir in the butter, thyme, and coconut milk, and let it come to a gentle simmer.
Bake the Chicken
Nestle the seared chicken pieces, skin-side up, into the creamy mustard-mushroom sauce.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Prepare the Cauliflower Purée
While the chicken bakes, add cauliflower florets, chicken broth, coconut milk, salt, pepper, and thyme to a saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the cauliflower is very tender.
Transfer everything to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Add more broth if needed for a silkier texture.
Serve
Spoon the cauliflower purée onto plates and top with the chicken.
Drizzle the creamy mustard-mushroom sauce over the top.
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.