Instant Pot Creamy Mustard Chicken
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that can be made in no time, the Instant Pot Creamy Mustard Chicken is a perfect choice.
This recipe is a delightful combination of succulent chicken thighs coated in a rich, creamy mustard sauce that is both tangy and indulgent.
Serving it over a bed of rice or alongside mashed potatoes will elevate your dinner table in a way that will impress family and friends alike.
Whether you’re rushing home after a long day or planning a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe fits every occasion beautifully.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This Instant Pot Creamy Mustard Chicken is not just any chicken dish.
It combines the rich flavors of Dijon mustard with the creaminess of heavy whipping cream, creating a sauce that is both rich and tangy.
The Instant Pot allows the chicken to cook perfectly while locking in all the flavors, ensuring that each bite is succulent and tender.
With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken stock or dry apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
How To Make Instant Pot Creamy Mustard Chicken
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function.
Once heated, add the olive oil and butter.
Allow the butter to melt, then add the finely diced onion.
Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Next, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 2: Season and Add the Chicken
Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the Instant Pot, browning on both sides for about 4-5 minutes, allowing the flavorful bits to stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Once the chicken is browned, pour in the chicken stock (or dry apple cider vinegar if you prefer) to deglaze the pot.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
These bits add incredible flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Add Mustard and Thyme
Stir in the dried thyme and Dijon mustard, coating the chicken evenly within the mixture.
Step 5: Pressure Cook the Chicken
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure manually, ensuring to follow the safety precautions.
Step 6: Make it Creamy
After releasing the pressure, open the lid and stir in the heavy whipping cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Just before serving, fold in the baby spinach leaves until they wilt down into the sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy mustard chicken over your favorite starch or serve it with a side of roasted vegetables.
Enjoy this comforting dish hot, and watch as it quickly becomes a family favorite!
Expert Tips
- For best results, use high-quality Dijon mustard to elevate the flavor of the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option, but be aware that you might need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of Dijon mustard based on your preference for tanginess.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it up.
Variations and Customizations
- Add fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley for added freshness and aroma.
- Swap the chicken for turkey thighs or even beef tenderloin for a different yet delicious flavor.
- Incorporate vegetables such as sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs.
Just increase the pressure cooking time to about 15-20 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
The flavors will meld beautifully over time.
What can I serve with creamy mustard chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
It also goes well with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce!
Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker.
Sauté the onions and garlic first, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Creamy Mustard Chicken is a one-pot wonder that combines ease with incredible flavor, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
The fusion of savory chicken, tangy mustard, and velvety cream provides a memorable dining experience for everyone at your table.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is bound to become a go-to meal in your culinary repertoire.
So gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and treat yourself to this delicious dish tonight!

Instant Pot Creamy Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken stock or dry apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics - Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add olive oil and butter, then sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Step 2: Season and Add the Chicken - Pat chicken thighs dry, season with salt and pepper, and brown in the pot for 4-5 minutes.
- Step 3: Deglaze the Pot - Pour in chicken stock or apple cider vinegar to deglaze, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
- Step 4: Add Mustard and Thyme - Stir in dried thyme and Dijon mustard, coating the chicken evenly.
- Step 5: Pressure Cook the Chicken - Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Release pressure manually.
- Step 6: Make it Creamy - Stir in heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, then fold in spinach until wilted.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy - Spoon the creamy mustard chicken over rice or serve with roasted vegetables.
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Mixing Bowl