🍗 Mediterranean Creamy Mustard Chicken Bake with Garlic Potatoes & Veggies
Description
This Mediterranean Creamy Mustard Chicken Bake is the perfect all-in-one comfort meal that’s both wholesome and vibrant. Tender chicken breasts are baked in a creamy, tangy mustard sauce with layers of garlicky baby potatoes and colorful Mediterranean vegetables.
The combination of Dijon mustard, garlic, parsley, and a touch of cream creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite. It’s a fuss-free, oven-to-table dish that’s rich, healthy, and ready in about an hour — perfect for cozy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 500–600 g total)
- 500 g baby potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini (courgette), sliced into half-moons
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Mustard Sauce:
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard (optional for texture)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian herbs
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
For Garnish:
- Extra chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish or casserole with olive oil. - Prepare the Potatoes & Veggies:
- Layer the thinly sliced potatoes evenly at the bottom of the dish.
- Scatter the garlic, onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Toss to coat.
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream, Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard (if using), lemon juice, oregano, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. - Assemble the Bake:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Nestle them on top of the vegetable mixture.
- Pour the creamy mustard sauce evenly over everything.
- Bake:
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 75°C / 165°F) and potatoes are tender.
Optional: For a golden finish, broil/grill for 2–3 minutes at the end. - Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy hot with crusty bread or a light salad.
📝 Notes
- If you prefer dark meat, use boneless chicken thighs — they stay extra juicy.
- You can swap cream for Greek yogurt or light cream for a lighter version.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; ensure even layers so the potatoes cook evenly.
- Add cherry tomatoes or artichokes for an extra Mediterranean flair.
💡 Tips
- Uniform slicing: Slice potatoes evenly (about 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking.
- Crispy top: For a golden finish, remove the foil halfway through and broil briefly.
- Thicker sauce: Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — the sauce thickens as it cools.
- Meal prep tip: Assemble ahead of time and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 12 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding 5–10 minutes extra cooking time.
🍽️ Servings
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values, using cream and Parmesan)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
🌿 Health Benefits
- Balanced meal: Includes lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats.
- Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil, parsley, and veggies promote heart health.
- Garlic and mustard boost immunity and metabolism.
- Rich in potassium and vitamin C from potatoes and peppers.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely — thighs work wonderfully. They’re juicier and more forgiving. Just bake for the same total time.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute cream with coconut cream or unsweetened oat cream, and skip the Parmesan.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — assemble everything (except the sauce) in the baking dish, store covered in the fridge, then pour sauce and bake when ready.
Q: What should I serve it with?
A: Serve with a green salad, roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli. It’s also great with a side of couscous or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Q: Can leftovers be reheated?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C / 350°F for 15 minutes or in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.