I remember the first time I made Mary Berry’s Double Mustard Chicken. I had heard so much about her cooking and how effortlessly she brings simple ingredients together for stunning meals. I was a little hesitant at first. Could I pull it off? Could a dish with mustard in its name actually taste as good as people said? To my surprise, it turned out perfect. The tangy mustard paired with the savory chicken was an instant winner at the dinner table.
It was one of those moments when I realized that cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. I’d recommend this recipe to anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. Here’s everything I learned from making this dish and why it’s become one of my favorites.
Mary Berry Double Mustard Chicken Recipe
Mary Berry’s Double Mustard Chicken is a simple yet sophisticated dish that is bursting with flavor. It combines two types of mustard – Dijon and wholegrain – to create a creamy, zesty sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. The chicken stays tender while absorbing the rich, sharp flavors of the mustard. The cream adds a luscious texture, making the sauce so moreish that you’ll want to scoop up every last bit with some crusty bread.
It’s a dish you can easily make for a family dinner or even for guests. It’s impressive yet unfussy, which is a hard balance to achieve. Trust me, if you like mustard, this dish will be a game-changer.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you need to make this fantastic chicken:
- 4 skinless chicken breasts – The base of the dish. You could also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – To cook the chicken.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard – The classic, smooth mustard with a bit of sharpness.
- 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard – Adds texture and a deeper flavor.
- 200 ml double cream – For that rich, silky sauce.
- 1 tsp honey – A little sweetness to balance out the mustard tang.
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar – Just enough acidity to brighten the sauce.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, of course.
These ingredients are simple but come together beautifully to create a sauce that’s both creamy and tangy. If you can’t find one type of mustard, you can always swap it out, but the balance of flavors between the Dijon and wholegrain mustard is key.
Equipment Needed
Now, here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together:
- Large frying pan – To cook the chicken and make the sauce. A non-stick pan works great.
- Measuring spoons – For precise measurements of the mustard and other ingredients.
- Wooden spoon – For stirring the sauce.
- Knife and chopping board – To prepare your chicken breasts and any other optional garnish.
- Serving plates – To serve the finished dish.
That’s all the equipment needed for this recipe. Simple and straightforward.
How To Make Mary Berry Double Mustard Chicken?
Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious:
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Prepare The Chicken
Season your chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
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Make The Sauce
In the same pan, add the Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, double cream, honey, and vinegar. Stir well to combine and simmer the sauce for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Finish The Dish
Return the chicken to the pan, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and let it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb all that rich mustard flavor. Once the chicken is thoroughly coated and heated through, it’s ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
Over time, I’ve tried a few variations on this recipe:
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Add Garlic And Herbs
Sometimes, I’ll sauté garlic with the chicken for an added depth of flavor. You can also add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbal twist.
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Swap The Chicken For Pork
Pork tenderloin works beautifully with mustard. If you’re looking for a change, this can be a delicious alternative to chicken.
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Mustard Variations
If you want a different mustard flavor, you could experiment with wholegrain English mustard or even honey mustard. Each variation adds a unique depth to the sauce.
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Add Veggies
Roasted veggies like carrots, parsnips, or even Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with this dish, adding some earthy notes to balance the richness of the mustard sauce.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Double Mustard Chicken?
This dish is rich, so it pairs best with something light or simple. Here are some ideas:
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Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce, making each bite deliciously indulgent.
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Rice
A fluffy, fragrant rice like basmati works well to balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.
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Green Beans Or Asparagus
A side of steamed or sautéed green beans or asparagus adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the dish.
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Crusty Bread
Don’t forget the bread! You’ll want something to mop up all that delicious sauce.
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Salad
A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the creaminess and give your meal a refreshing contrast.
What I Have Learnt
Cooking this dish has taught me a few key lessons:
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Simple Ingredients Can Make Magic
It’s a reminder that sometimes you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients to make a flavorful meal. The mustard does most of the work here.
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Cooking With Confidence
I’ve learned to trust my instincts more in the kitchen. If something feels like it’s missing, a little more mustard or a splash of cream can always help.
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The Power Of Balance
The combination of the Dijon and wholegrain mustards is a perfect balance of sharpness and texture. It’s a great reminder that balancing flavors is essential in creating dishes that pop.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Needed For Mary Berry’s Double Mustard Chicken?
The main ingredients for Mary Berry’s Double Mustard Chicken include chicken thighs, Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, garlic, cream, butter, olive oil, fresh herbs like thyme, salt, and pepper. These ingredients work together to create a rich and flavorful sauce for the chicken.
How Do I Prepare Mary Berry’s Double Mustard Chicken?
To prepare the Double Mustard Chicken, first sear the chicken thighs in a hot pan with olive oil until golden brown. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and fresh thyme in butter, then add both Dijon and wholegrain mustard, followed by cream. Stir to create a smooth sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken, cover, and cook in the oven for around 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Double Mustard Chicken Recipe Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry’s Double Mustard Chicken in advance. After cooking the chicken, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat, making sure the chicken is heated through before serving. This method allows the flavors to develop further.