If you are looking for a simple yet elegant dish to impress your guests or treat yourself, look no further than Mary Berry’s Dijon chicken recipe. This recipe features tender and juicy chicken breasts in a creamy and tangy Dijon mustard sauce, paired with white wine for a touch of sophistication. It’s a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, and it will make you feel like a gourmet chef in no time.
In this article, I will show you how to make Mary Berry’s Dijon chicken recipe step by step, with tips and tricks to ensure the best results. I will also share some variations and suggestions for what to serve with this dish.
Let’s get started!
What is Mary Berry’s Dijon Chicken?
Mary Berry is a British food writer and television presenter, best known for her role as a judge on The Great British Bake Off. She has written over 70 cookbooks and has a wealth of experience in the kitchen. Her recipes are known for being simple, reliable, and delicious.
One of her most popular recipes is Dijon chicken, which she featured in her book Mary Berry Cooks the Perfect. This recipe takes humble chicken breasts and elevates them to a whole new level with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce. The sauce is made with butter, olive oil, shallots, garlic, white wine, cream, and of course, Dijon mustard. The mustard adds a layer of richness and flavor to the sauce, while the wine adds acidity and balance. The result is a sauce that’s both creamy and tangy, perfectly complementing the tender chicken.
Why You love this recipe:
- Simplicity at Its Best: With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making mealtime a breeze.
- A Gastronomic Delight: Relish a creamy and tangy symphony of balanced flavors and textures that dance on your palate.
- Perfect for Every Setting: Whether you’re dining casually at home or hosting a formal dinner party, this recipe fits the bill, boasting adaptability and versatility.
What are the Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Dijon Chicken?
To make Mary Berry’s Dijon chicken recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Butter – 25g (1 ounce) salted butter
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chicken Breasts – 6 small chicken breasts (approximately 150g each), skinless and boneless
- Banana Shallots – 1 banana shallots, finely sliced
- Garlic Cloves – 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- White Wine – 300ml (10 fl oz) white wine
- Dijon Mustard – 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- Pouring Double Cream – 300ml (10 fl oz) pouring double cream
- Salt – to taste
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – to taste
- Fresh Chives – a few finely snipped chives, for garnish
How to Make Mary Berry’s Dijon Chicken
To make Mary Berry’s Dijon chicken recipe, follow these steps:
Step 1: Brown the chicken breasts
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a deep frying pan until they meld together. Season each chicken breast with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the pan when the butter is melted and starts sizzling. 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 2: Cook the shallots and garlic
- Add the shallots into the same pan, and let them sizzle over high heat for a minute. Add the garlic. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat, and let them gently cook for 5-10 minutes until the shallots turn soft and take on a delicate brown hue.
Step 3: Make the sauce
- Pour in the wine, and let it come to a vigorous boil. Stir continuously for roughly 5 minutes until the liquid reduces by about two-thirds. Time to add the mustard and cream to the mix. Stir well and let the flavors meld for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Season it with a bit of salt and a hint of pepper.
Step 4: Simmer the chicken in the sauce
- Bring the chicken breasts, along with any accumulated juices, back into the pan. Spoon some of the sauce over them. Cover the pan with a lid and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
- Sprinkle some fresh chives over the chicken and sauce for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
What I do Serve with Mary Berry’s Dijon Chicken
Mary Berry’s Dijon chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with various side dishes.
Here are some suggestions:
- Rice: Rice is a classic accompaniment for chicken dishes, as it absorbs the sauce and adds some starchiness. You can use white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, or wild rice.
- Pasta: Pasta is another great option for serving with chicken dishes, as it also absorbs the sauce and adds some texture. You can use any shape of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or fettuccine.
- Potatoes: Potatoes are a hearty and satisfying side dish for chicken dishes, as they add some creaminess and flavor. You can use mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, boiled potatoes, or baked potatoes.
- Bread: Bread is a simple and easy side dish for chicken dishes, as it helps you scoop up the sauce and adds some crunchiness. You can use any type of bread you like, such as baguette, ciabatta, sourdough, or garlic bread.
- Salad: Salad is a light and refreshing side dish for chicken dishes, as it adds some color and freshness. You can use any salad you like, such as green salad, coleslaw, potato salad, or pasta salad.
How to Enjoy Mary Berry Dijon Chicken:
- Complementary Sides: Serve it alongside staples like rice, pasta, potatoes, bread, or a crisp salad for a wholesome meal.
- Perfect Pairing: Elevate your dining experience by pairing the chicken with a glass of white wine—Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio are sublime choices.
- The Final Touch: Enhance its flavor by garnishing it with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese.
Tips and tricks for making Perfect Mary Berry’s Dijon Chicken
Here are some tips and tricks to help you make Mary Berry’s Dijon chicken recipe even better:
- Quality Matters: Opt for fresh chicken breasts over frozen ones, genuine butter over margarine, drinkable white wine, and fresh garlic and chives.
- Perfect Chicken: Avoid dryness by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or by ensuring clear juices and no pinkness inside.
- Sauce Adjustments: Tailor the sauce to your preference. For thickness, simmer longer. Add wine or cream for a thinner consistency. Adjust tanginess with mustard or lemon, or mellow it with honey or sugar.
- Make Ahead: Prepare up to step 4, refrigerate in an oven-safe dish for up to 2 days, and then bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 20-25 minutes before serving.
Variations of Mary Berry’s Dijon Chicken
You can also try some variations of Mary Berry’s Dijon chicken recipe to change things up.
Here are some ideas:
- Mushrooms: Incorporate button or cremini mushrooms with shallots and garlic.
- Cheese Boost: Introduce grated parmesan or crumbled blue cheese into the sauce.
- Herbal Notes: Enhance with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, or sage either in the sauce or as a garnish.
- Alternate Cuts: Venture beyond chicken breasts. Opt for thighs, drumsticks, or wings, adjusting cook time as needed.
Storing Guidelines for Mary Berry Dijon Chicken:
- Short-term Storage: Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will retain its freshness for up to 3 days.
- For Later Use: Freeze in a labeled, freezer-safe container. It’s good for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave Method: Warm it for a few minutes, ensuring you stir occasionally until it’s hot and tantalizing.
- Oven Technique: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Cover the chicken with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, until it’s bubbling and warmed through.
- Stovetop Approach: Simmer in a saucepan over low-medium heat, stirring often, until it reaches the perfect temperature.
Nutrition facts per serving (6 servings):
- Calories: 325
- Fat: 7g (3g saturated fat)
- Cholesterol: 102mg
- Sodium: 522mg
- Carbohydrate: 27g (25g sugars, 0g fiber)
- Protein: 34g
- Vitamin A: 433IU
- Vitamin C: 2mg
- Calcium: 29mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQs
What is chicken Dijon made of?
Chicken Dijon comprises chicken breasts immersed in a sauce crafted from butter, olive oil, shallots, garlic, white wine, Dijon mustard, and cream. This delectable recipe is popularized by the esteemed British culinary expert, Mary Berry.
How to cook chicken breasts in the oven Mary Berry style?
To emulate Mary Berry’s oven-cooked chicken breasts, gather chicken breasts, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs. Begin by preheating the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Season chicken with salt and pepper and arrange in a baking dish. Drizzle with a fusion of melted butter and olive oil, and grace with a splash of lemon juice. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until they radiate a golden hue and are perfectly cooked. Serve as desired.
What is the origin of Dijon chicken?
Dijon chicken traces its roots to France, the birthplace of the celebrated Dijon mustard. This unique mustard, crafted from brown/black mustard seeds combined with white wine vinegar, is renowned for its robust, tangy essence. It’s the star ingredient in classic French dishes like Dijon chicken, boeuf bourguignon, and vinaigrette.
Is honey Dijon good with chicken?
Honey Dijon, a sweeter rendition of the classic Dijon mustard due to the infusion of honey, is exquisite with chicken. Its balanced sweetness complements chicken dishes, whether used as a marinade, glaze or as a delightful dipping sauce.
What pairs with Dijon?
Dijon mustard is a culinary gem, effortlessly paired with various foods:
- Meat: It enriches dishes like beef, pork, or chicken, whether as a marinade, sauce or spread.
- Cheese: Perfect for cheese boards, sandwiches, or fondues, offering a tangy counterpart.
- Vegetables: Elevates salads and roasted veggies when used as a dressing or seasoning.
- Bread: A delicious spread or dip for croissants, bagels, and more.
What’s the difference between honey mustard and honey Dijon?
While both are delightful concoctions of mustard and honey, their distinction lies in the base. Honey mustard is formulated from yellow mustard seeds and vinegar, offering a gentle, sweet profile. In contrast, honey Dijon is created using brown/black mustard seeds and white wine vinegar, introducing a more pronounced, zesty character.
Final Words
Mary Berry’s Dijon chicken recipe is a delicious and elegant dish that will make you feel like a master chef in your own kitchen. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, yet it tastes amazing with its creamy and tangy sauce. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a romantic date night, or a special celebration.
I hope you enjoyed this recipe and learned how to make Mary Berry’s Dijon chicken recipe.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. I would love to hear from you!
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Thank you for reading!
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