This Tarragon Chicken recipe mixes juicy chicken with a creamy sauce. It’s ideal for summer meals or family time. You can find all the ingredients in most kitchens, and it’s ready in 30 minutes. The recipe uses fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage, best if picked from your garden.
The dish focuses on a herb sauce that’s extremely tasty. It was first shared on May 24, 2018, but we’ve since made it clearer without losing its comforting flavour. It cooks fast, in under 30 minutes, and feeds up to 4 people. This makes it perfect for a quick, delicious meal.
Key ingredients include chicken breasts, garlic powder, and heavy cream. This meal is not only satisfying but also nutritious. It provides 424kcal per serving, making it a hearty but not too heavy option. We encourage you to try this classic recipe and enjoy its timeless taste.
An Introduction to Tarragon Chicken
Chicken and tarragon hold a special place in French cuisine. Found in Nigella Lawson’s “Kitchen,” it represents the best of herbed poultry. Tarragon’s aniseed-like taste turns plain chicken into a gourmet dish.
This dish is a treasure of French cuisine. The blend of chicken and tarragon offers a luxurious, nourishing meal. Using both fresh and dried tarragon makes its flavour stand out.
Start by marinating the chicken in olive oil. Season it well with garlic and spring onions. For added taste, place a whole, smashed head of garlic under the chicken.
Then, cook the chicken in a heavy skillet with a tight lid. This method ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
The next key step is adding dry white wine and heavy cream. This combo makes a rich, aromatic sauce. The sauce coats the chicken in deliciousness, enhancing its taste and texture.
This recipe works well for different occasions. It pairs nicely with mashed or roasted potatoes, or a simple salad. A lightly chilled white wine is the perfect drink to go with it.
You can use a whole chicken or chicken quarters. Slow cooking with tarragon makes every bite special. This dish is sure to impress and keep your guests coming back for more.
Essential Ingredients for Tarragon Chicken
The key to delicious Tarragon Chicken is choosing the right ingredients. Start with four fresh chicken breasts, each 175g. Fresh, high-quality chicken makes all the difference. Next, season with a tablespoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Olive oil is crucial for browning and adds flavour.
We enhance the flavours with white wine (120ml), chicken stock (120ml), and heavy cream (180ml). These ingredients create a creamy sauce. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and velvety. The sharp taste of Dijon mustard is essential, making the dish memorable.
A mix of sage, thyme, and rosemary adds depth. Fresh tarragon brings a unique, aniseed touch. Finely chopped shallots and minced garlic boost the aroma.
To thicken the sauce, a tablespoon creamy tarragon chicken of flour is used. For garnish, add freshly chopped parsley. It makes the dish look and taste great.
The ingredients for Tarragon Chicken seem luxurious, but each is vital for a perfect balance of flavours and textures. You can also substitute with chicken thigh fillets, creme fraiche, and vermouth.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 4 (about 175g each) |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tbsp |
| White Wine | 120ml (1/2 cup) |
| Chicken Stock | 120ml (1/2 cup) |
| Heavy Cream | 180ml (3/4 cup) |
| Dijon Mustard | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh Poultry Herb Mix | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To Taste |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Flour | 1 tbsp (Optional) |
| Fresh Parsley | For Garnish (Optional) |
Preparing Your Ingredients Chicken in Tarragon Sauce
Getting ready to cook chicken is key. Begin by cutting the chicken breasts in half lengthwise. This helps them cook evenly and taste amazing. Rub each piece with garlic-infused olive oil, a bit of salt, and freshly cracked pepper to get the flavours just right.
Then, lightly dust the chicken with flour. This step gives a nice, golden crust when seared. Mix butter and olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. The butter makes it rich while the olive oil keeps it from burning.
When the oil and butter are hot, add the chicken. Cook it until it’s golden-brown on each side, about 5 minutes per side. This makes sure the chicken is juicy and delicious.
Now, chop the herbs finely. This is key for a smooth sauce. Use 2 teaspoons of fresh tarragon and a bit of freeze-dried tarragon. If you don’t have fresh tarragon, just use more freeze-dried tarragon. Add some fresh parsley to mix the flavours well.
Putting everything together carefully is the start of an amazing tarragon chicken. Slow and steady prep makes for a meal to remember.
Here’s what you need to do in short:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Halving Chicken Breasts | Lengthwise cut for even cooking |
| 2. Seasoning | Garlic-infused olive oil, salt, and pepper |
| 3. Coating | Light dusting of flour |
| 4. Searing | Butter and olive oil, 5 minutes per side |
| 5. Chopping Herbs | Finely chop fresh and freeze-dried tarragon |
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
We are excited to show you how to make tarragon chicken. It’s a simple skillet chicken recipe that’s tasty and easy. We’ll walk you through it step by step, so you can make a delicious meal without much trouble.
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin with two large chicken breasts cut in half. Warm your 10.5″ skillet over a medium-high flame. Spread a bit of olive oil in the pan. Sear the chicken until it’s golden on both sides. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, move the chicken to a plate.
- Deglaze the Skillet: Next, with the chicken aside, pour in half cup of white wine. Also, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Allow it to simmer and reduce to half its volume, and scrape the pan. This important step brings out amazing flavours.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Mix in a cup of heavy cream and two tablespoons of fresh tarragon. This method gives our chicken a creamy and fragrant sauce. The tarragon adds a wonderful flavour.
- Simmer the Chicken: Place the chicken back in the skillet. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F inside. We suggest using a meat thermometer to check.
- Finish and Adjust: Taste the sauce now. Add more seasoning if you think it needs it. You might like a bit more salt or tarragon.
- Serve: Put the chicken on plates and add lots of the creamy sauce on top. Serve with your favourite sides to complete the dish.
From start to finish, this meal takes about 30 minutes. It’s a fast and tasty choice for dinner. Below, you’ll find the main ingredients and nutritional info to help you plan.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 2 Large (cut in half lengthwise) |
| Dry White Wine | 1/2 Cup |
| Heavy Cream | 1 Cup |
| Fresh Tarragon | 2 Tablespoons (chopped) |
| Dijon Mustard | 1 Tablespoon |
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 389 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 129mg |
| Vitamin A | 807 IU |
| Calcium | 52mg |
The Perfect Equipment for Cooking Tarragon Chicken
To make the best Chicken, you need great ingredients and the right tools. High-quality equipment makes cooking easier and the food taste better.
A Le Creuset skillet heats evenly, cooking the chicken just right. A sharp chef’s knife makes cutting chicken, veggies, and herbs easy and quick.
It’s important to have an instant read meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly done. It keeps the meat juicy and tasty. Angled measuring cups let you measure ingredients exactly, mixing flavours well.
| Equipment | Use | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Le Creuset Skillet | Cooking chicken uniformly | Even heat distribution |
| Chef’s Knife | Chopping ingredients | Precise cuts |
| Instant Read Meat Thermometer | Checking doneness | Perfectly cooked poultry |
| Angled Measuring Cups | Measuring liquids | Accurate measurements |
Having the right tools for cooking Tarragon Chicken ensures tasty, consistent results. By selecting proper equipment, we improve our cooking and the flavour of the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Tarragon Chicken
When Improving tarragon chicken, using fresh herbs is key. Picking tarragon from your garden or a local market boosts the dish’s flavour. Fresh tarragon tastes more vibrant and aromatic than dried.
Focus on the sauce’s consistency when improving tarragon chicken. Enhancing cream sauce means adjusting ingredients carefully. Add salt and pepper bit by bit, so you don’t overpower tarragon. Make sure the sauce is smooth and creamy by slowly mixing in the whipping cream.
Garnishing is crucial for both looks and taste. Fresh parsley adds colour and a refreshing taste, balancing the cream sauce’s richness. This simple chicken tarragon garnish makes your dish special.
- Quality Ingredients: Choose top-quality chicken and enjoy the same dry white wine in your cooking. This ensures the dish’s flavour is excellent.
- Cooking Times: Follow recommended times, like searing chicken for about 4 minutes each side and simmering in the sauce for 5 minutes. This keeps the chicken tender.
- Consistency Checks: Watch the sauce’s thickness as it simmers. It should just coat a spoon, not too thick or thin.
By following these tips, you can perfect improving tarragon chicken and enhancing cream sauce. Your dish will taste great and look appealing. Whether it’s a regular meal or for a special event, these tips will make your tarragon chicken a success.
Pairing Tarragon Chicken with Side Dishes
The delicious taste of tarragon chicken calls for side dishes for chicken that complete the meal. It’s important to choose sides that boost the creamy taste of the chicken. Our aim is to achieve harmony on the plate.
A French potato salad with a light vinaigrette and fresh herbs is a top pick. It goes perfectly with the chicken’s tarragon flavour. Another great choice is sautéed radishes flavoured with wine and tarragon. This combination adds elegance while balancing the creamy chicken sauce nicely.
Looking for something green? Consider green beans and asparagus with a tarragon-infused vinaigrette. This option adds a crisp, fresh touch that matches well with the chicken. It enhances the dish without overwhelming its rich, herbal notes.
To build an ideal pairing, focus on balance. Think about the tarragon flavour complement when choosing side dishes. This approach helps us find refreshing, yet complex sides. This makes our meal not just memorable but also truly special.
Serving Suggestions for Tarragon Chicken
Serving Chicken can turn into an art. It works well as both an elegant main or a tasty appetiser. Let’s look at some plating ideas that bring out its flavours and looks.
Begin by putting the chicken in the plate’s centre, topping it with creamy tarragon sauce. The sauce should just reach the chicken’s edges for an appealing look. Placing fresh tarragon sprigs by the chicken adds a classy touch.
To impress your guests, pair the chicken with steamed vegetables. Place them around the chicken to add colour contrast. Mix it up with green beans, orange carrots, and purple cauliflower to make it stand out. Add fluffy rice or roasted potatoes to round off the meal well.
For an extra special touch, use distinct plating like rustic boards or elegant dishes. Your plate choice can truly enhance the meal’s experience, making it memorable.
- Main Course Presentation: Place a chicken piece at the centre, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh tarragon sprigs.
- Appetiser Idea: Serve smaller chicken pieces on a bed of mixed greens, topped with a light coating of sauce.
- Vegetable Medley: Surround the chicken with a colourful array of steamed vegetables for an extra touch of health and colour.
- Accompaniments: Pair with rice or roasted new potatoes to add heartiness and texture.
By focusing on these plating and serving ideas, we enhance the Chicken’s appeal. Whether it’s an appetiser or a main dish, its presentation will ensure a satisfying and sophisticated dining experience.
The Nutritional Benefits of Tarragon Chicken
Tarragon chicken is a great choice for a healthy meal. It has 26g of protein per serving. This makes it perfect for those wanting to build muscle or keep a balanced diet. It also has vital vitamins such as Vitamin A and C, plus minerals like calcium and iron.
| Component | Quantity (per serving) | Daily Value (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 424 kcal | – |
| Protein | 26 g | 52% |
| Fat | 30 g | 46% |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1 g | – |
| Vitamin A | 1000 IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 100 mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2 mg | 11% |
Tarragon, the key ingredient, offers its own benefits. A tablespoon of dried tarragon gives you 6% Daily Value for manganese. It also gives 3% for iron and potassium. Tarragon helps fight inflammation and adds antioxidants to your diet.
Remember, tarragon chicken has rich ingredients like heavy cream and butter. So, it’s good to eat this dish mindfully. Even so, it remains a nutritious and tasty option for a healthy diet.
Variations on the Classic Tarragon Chicken Recipe
The classic tarragon chicken recipe is very adaptable. It can be changed to fit your tastes or needs. You can use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. This makes the dish lighter but keeps the creamy feel and taste. If you don’t want alcohol, use chicken stock instead of white wine. This still adds rich flavour to the sauce.
You can also change the type of chicken used. Try bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for their flavour and tenderness. If you prefer, use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, but cook them a bit longer. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream is a great substitute for heavy cream. It keeps the sauce rich and creamy.
If you don’t fancy white button mushrooms, go for cremini mushrooms. They have a more earthy taste. For the mustard, you can use regular Dijon mustard instead of grainy mustard. Just use less of it to keep the sauce balanced. Tarragon is key to the dish. But if it’s not available, dried tarragon works too, just use it sparingly.
To make the dish your own, try adding fresh herbs like parsley. This adds more layers of flavour. You have many serving options: steamed rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or with veggies like broccoli or green beans. This way, the dish never gets boring.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
- Replace white wine with chicken stock.
- Opt for coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Try cremini mushrooms in place of white button mushrooms.
- Choose between grainy mustard and Dijon mustard.
- Swap fresh tarragon with dried tarragon if necessary.
- Incorporate additional herbs like parsley for varied flavours.
With these variations, tarragon chicken can be a new adventure every time. Adapt the recipe to suit your preference or dietary need. These changes keep the dish fresh while staying true to its classic taste.
User Reviews and Feedback Chicken Tarragon Recipe
Many people love Chicken for its creamy sauce and tender chicken. They say the blend of flavours is both simple and fancy. This makes it a hit for dinner at home.
Feedback from cooks shows that the recipe is easy and quick to make. It takes about 30 minutes. With 410 calories and over 33g of protein, it’s also nutritious. People find this very appealing.
Reviewers often share tips, like pairing it with mashed potatoes and green beans. The recipe serves four, ideal for families. Ingredients like shallots, Parmesan, and white wine make it a favourite.
- The fresh tarragon, garlic, and shallots add a rich flavour, many say.
- Its creamy sauce gets a lot of praise for being velvety and delicious.
- With top ratings from 46 reviews, it’s clear people love this chicken.
On social media, folks post pictures and positive comments about the dish. This boosts its fame. It shows that many enjoy making and tweaking this recipe.
In short, Tarragon Chicken is loved for being both simple and luxurious. Its great reviews and the feedback underline its spot in many homes.
- People like its simple cooking steps and the list of ingredients. It’s easy to get right.
- The seasoning of salt and pepper makes the chicken really juicy.
- It’s versatile, perfect with different sides or modified for various diets.
If you’ve tried making Chicken, please share your thoughts. Your feedback is very helpful. It lets us improve and share this beloved recipe with more people.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Tarragon Chicken
Storing chicken, especially Chicken, needs careful steps to keep its great taste. Put the chicken in an airtight container and in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat for four to five days. For longer storage, freezing works well. It keeps the chicken good for up to three months.
When it comes to reheating, keeping it safe and tasty is key. For chilled chicken, warm it up in a saucepan over low heat. This keeps its moistness and creamy feel. Using a microwave is okay too. But, be careful not to overcook and dry the meat. If it’s frozen, first thaw it in the fridge overnight.
To reheat in an oven, start by preheating it to 400°F. Put the chicken in a dish and cover it with foil. This stops it from drying out. Heat it for about 15 minutes or until it’s 165°F inside. For the sauce, warm it slowly in a pan over medium heat until it’s hot. By doing this, you’ll keep your Tarragon Chicken delicious. It ensures your meals stay safe and full of flavour.