Zesty Tarragon Chicken Recipe: A Family Favorite in Minutes

Tarragon chicken changes ordinary poultry into a culinary masterpiece with its distinctive aromatic essence.

French cuisine embraces this herb’s unique profile, creating magic in seemingly simple preparations.

Delicate green leaves infuse the meat with subtle, complex undertones that dance across your palate.

Soft, whispered flavors blend seamlessly, elevating a basic protein into something extraordinary.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe speaks to home cooks craving restaurant-quality results without extensive technical skills.

Herbs work their quiet alchemy, turning ordinary ingredients into memorable meals.

Let your taste buds embark on a sensory journey of elegant, nuanced deliciousness.

Pairing Tarragon Chicken with Your Favorite Sides

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery notes of a lightly oaked Chardonnay complement the creamy tarragon sauce, enhancing the chicken's delicate flavors.
• Serve alongside Roasted Asparagus: The herbaceous green vegetable mirrors the tarragon's freshness and provides a perfect textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Use this to soak up the luxurious cream sauce, adding a tangy and rustic element that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Create a Side of Herbed Rice Pilaf: The mild, fluffy rice becomes a perfect canvas for catching the remaining tarragon-infused sauce, elevating the entire meal's complexity.

Creative Variations of Tarragon Chicken

• Herbal Fusion Chicken: Replace tarragon with mixed fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley for a complex flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Spin: Swap white wine with lemon juice and add kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to create a Greek-inspired version.
• Rustic Mushroom Upgrade: Include sautéed wild mushrooms like cremini or shiitake to enhance the earthiness and depth of the sauce.
• Spicy Provençal Style: Incorporate crushed red pepper flakes and swap cream with crème fraîche for a zesty French countryside interpretation.

Tarragon Chicken: A Herb-Infused Delight

• Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort, creating a sophisticated dish that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Tarragon's unique anise-like herb brings a delicate, sophisticated taste that perfectly complements the rich, creamy sauce, making each bite memorable and complex.
• Quick Gourmet Experience: From start to finish, this recipe delivers maximum flavor in just 30 minutes, proving that elegant cooking can be fast and accessible for busy home chefs.
• Protein-Packed Indulgence: Delivers a substantial 45g of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that supports muscle health and keeps you full.

Must-Have Ingredients for Tarragon Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce, best when fresh and at room temperature.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, sweet base flavor that complements the chickens mild taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and create depth.
• Fresh Tarragon: Adds a bright, slightly anise-like herb flavor that defines the dishs character.

• Olive Oil: Helps with searing and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the dish.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and helps deglaze the pan, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Provides a rich, savory liquid that builds the sauces foundation.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture and helps thicken the sauce.

How to Make Tarragon Chicken Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare and Season Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over chicken breasts, ensuring even coverage.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts in the pan and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Step 3: Cook Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Sauce

Pour white wine into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine reduce by half, concentrating its flavor.

Step 5: Simmer and Enrich

• Chicken stock
• Fresh tarragon
• Heavy cream

Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Return Chicken and Finish

Place the seared chicken back into the sauce, allowing it to warm through and absorb the rich flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped tarragon and cracked black pepper over the chicken. Serve hot, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.

Top Tips for Perfect Tarragon Chicken

• Seal in Moisture: Pat chicken breasts dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and lock in juices.
• Choose Fresh Tarragon: Select bright green, fragrant tarragon leaves for the most vibrant flavor in your sauce.
• Control Wine Reduction: Reduce white wine slowly to concentrate its flavor and remove any harsh alcohol notes.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Stir cream gradually and maintain a gentle simmer to keep the sauce smooth and velvety.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe, tender results without overcooking.

Storing and Reheating Tarragon Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftover tarragon chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to preserve moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods. Refrigerated chicken remains fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Carefully package the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and contents. Frozen tarragon chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety before serving.

Tarragon Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tarragon chicken brings French countryside elegance to weeknight dining. Tender chicken breasts nestle in a creamy herb sauce, delivering classic French flavors with simple, sophisticated charm that will transport dinner guests to Provence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 4 chicken breasts (about 175 grams or 6.2 ounces each)

Seasonings and Spices:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon (or 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped fine)

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, peeled and finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) white wine (or extra chicken stock for no alcohol)
• 120 milliliters (½ cup) chicken stock
• 180 milliliters (¾ cup) heavy cream
• Fresh tarragon (torn into pieces, for serving)
• Black pepper (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides, ensuring even coating.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and nearly smoking.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a clean plate, covering loosely with aluminum foil to retain warmth.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add finely chopped onions, sautéing until translucent and soft, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Mince fresh garlic and add to the onions, stirring quickly to prevent burning and releasing aromatic flavors.
7. Pour dry white wine into the skillet, scraping the bottom to release caramelized bits, and allow liquid to reduce by half.
8. Introduce chicken stock and dried tarragon, stirring to combine and create a flavorful base for the sauce.
9. Slowly pour heavy cream into the skillet, gently stirring and simmering until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
10. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the creamy tarragon sauce and warming through for 2 minutes.
11. Plate the chicken, generously spooning sauce over each piece and garnishing with freshly chopped tarragon leaves and a sprinkle of coarse black pepper.

Notes

• Leftovers stay fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days, perfect for quick lunch reheat.
• Swap white wine with chicken broth if avoiding alcohol for family-friendly version.
• Fresh tarragon brings brighter flavor compared to dried herbs, though both work beautifully.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for faster cooking and easier preparation.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes to complete the meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 50g
• Saturated Fat: 25g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 180mg