When the chill of the evening air settles in, there’s nothing quite like a plate of Creamy Tarragon Chicken to warm your heart and soul. The fragrant aroma of sautéing shallots and garlic mingling with the enticing herbal notes of fresh tarragon instantly transforms your kitchen into a cozy haven. I discovered this classic French dish during a relaxed weekend at home, and it quickly became a beloved staple in my household for its effortless elegance.
What I adore about this recipe is its ability to deliver comfort without demanding hours of labor. With pantry staples and a glass of white wine, you can whip up a velvety creamy sauce that envelops tender chicken breasts in a delicious embrace. It’s perfect for both casual family dinners and intimate gatherings, allowing you to impress with minimal fuss. Join me in creating this delightful dish that promises to bring warmth back into your weeknight meals and a touch of French flair to your dining table!
Why is Creamy Tarragon Chicken a Must-Try?
Comforting and Decadent: This dish combines rich cream and aromatic tarragon for a flavor explosion.
Quick Preparation: In just 30 minutes, you can serve a gourmet meal that feels indulgent yet is simple to make.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect over pasta or mashed potatoes, it easily adapts to crowd-pleasing sides.
Elegant Dinner Solution: Impress guests without stress; this recipe is ideal for both casual and special occasions.
Easy-to-Find Ingredients: With common pantry staples, you won’t need a special trip to the store. Enjoy a taste of France right at home with this comforting favorite!
Creamy Tarragon Chicken Ingredients
• Discover how to create this deliciously creamy dish!
For the Chicken
• Chicken Breasts – Main protein source; boneless and skinless works best for a tender result.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the flavor; remember to adjust if you’re using table salt.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Provides essential fat for cooking; can substitute with butter for added richness.
For the Sauce
• Shallots – Adds sweetness and depth; if unavailable, onions make a decent substitute.
• Garlic Cloves – Contributes aromatic flavor; feel free to add more for extra kick!
• White Wine – Essential for acidity and richness in your sauce; chicken stock is a good non-alcoholic swap.
• Heavy Cream – Creates that luscious, creamy texture; whole milk can be used for a lighter option, but the sauce will be thinner.
• Chicken Bouillon – Intensifies the chicken flavor; a bouillon cube works great for added depth.
• Fresh Tarragon – Brings a subtle anise taste to the dish; come back to dried tarragon if fresh isn’t available (use 2 teaspoons).
• Dijon Mustard – Adds the perfect tang; adjust to your taste preference for more zest.
• Lemon Zest – Brightens the overall flavor with a refreshing note; freshly grated gives the best results.
• Cornstarch – Optional thickener for your sauce; use based on your desired consistency.
• Black Pepper – For seasoning; freshly cracked pepper enhances the flavor beautifully.
For Serving
• Pasta or Mashed Potatoes – These suggested sides are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and elevating your meal.
Dive into the world of Creamy Tarragon Chicken, and enjoy a comforting, well-rounded dinner that warms the heart!
How to Make Creamy Tarragon Chicken
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season generously with kosher salt to enhance the flavor. Set aside for a moment.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
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Sauté the Shallots: In the same skillet, add the chopped shallots. Cook them until tender, around 4 minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release those tasty bits. Let it reduce by half, approximately 4 minutes, to concentrate the flavor.
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Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken stock, bouillon, fresh tarragon, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and any remaining kosher salt. Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer until fully cooked through (about 15 minutes, with an internal temperature of 165°F).
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Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Add this to the skillet and simmer the sauce for another 3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
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Serve and Enjoy: Plate the chicken, generously ladling the creamy sauce over the top. Serve it over your choice of pasta or mashed potatoes, then garnish with cracked black pepper and additional tarragon if desired.
Optional: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Tarragon Chicken?
When planning a delightful culinary experience, balancing flavors and textures can elevate your meal into something memorable.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery clouds soak up the rich sauce, making every bite a heavenly indulgence.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in garlic butter offer a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy sauce. They not only add color but also a lovely crunch.
- Crusty French Bread: Perfect for mopping up all the delightful creaminess left on your plate. Freshly baked or toasted, it’s a must for a comforting meal.
- Simple Arugula Salad: A peppery arugula salad with a light vinaigrette adds brightness and a refreshing crunch, balancing the richness of your dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli introduces a gentle bite and vibrant green color, along with a nutrition boost that complements the creamy chicken beautifully.
- Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp, citrusy white wine beautifully harmonizes with the delicate herbs of the dish, enhancing its flavors while keeping the meal light.
- Lemon Tart: For dessert, a tangy lemon tart provides a refreshing sweetness that cuts through the dish’s creamy richness, leaving your guests delighted.
Each of these pairings brings their unique charm, making your Creamy Tarragon Chicken not just a meal, but a beloved dining experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Tarragon Chicken preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can season and sear the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing it to absorb flavors more deeply. Additionally, prepare the creamy sauce (minus the cornstarch thickener) ahead of time and refrigerate it for 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently on the stove, add the cornstarch slurry, and simmer until thickened. This method ensures that your dish remains just as delicious, saving you crucial time without sacrificing quality. With a little advance prep, you’ll delight your family with this comforting French classic any night of the week!
Creamy Tarragon Chicken Variations
Customize this delightful chicken dish to make it your own, ensuring it excites your taste buds with every slice!
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Mushroom Boost: Add baby bella mushrooms with garlic for enhanced umami flavor that elevates the entire dish.
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Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs, like thyme or basil, in place of tarragon for a unique aromatic experience.
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Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
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Spinach Surprise: Toss in fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of color and a nutritious twist.
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Lemon Zing: Increase the lemon zest or add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and create a refreshing lift to the creaminess.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate toasted pine nuts for added crunch and a delightful nutty flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
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Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist that adds richness without dairy.
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Heat It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a fiery kick that heightens the flavors.
Expert Tips for Creamy Tarragon Chicken
- Pat Chicken Dry: Ensuring your chicken is dry allows for a perfect golden sear, enhancing both flavor and texture in your Creamy Tarragon Chicken.
- Dried Tarragon Caution: If you’re using dried tarragon instead of fresh, reduce the quantity, as dried herbs are more potent.
- Wine Substitution: Chicken stock can replace white wine, but note that this will create a different flavor profile for your dish.
- Serving Freshness: For the creamiest sauce, serve immediately after cooking; reheating may alter its luxurious consistency.
- Thickener Advice: If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Tarragon Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Creamy Tarragon Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Reheat gently on the stove for the best texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sauce and chicken separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat the Creamy Tarragon Chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Make-Ahead: Feel free to prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat with extra cream for a silky finish!
Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for a tender and juicy result in this Creamy Tarragon Chicken. If you prefer a richer flavor or desire more texture, consider using chicken thighs instead.
How should I store leftover Creamy Tarragon Chicken?
You can store leftover Creamy Tarragon Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I freeze Creamy Tarragon Chicken?
Very well! To freeze, first, let the chicken cool completely. Then, place the chicken and sauce in separate freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove for the best texture.
What if I don’t have fresh tarragon?
No worries! If fresh tarragon isn’t available, you can use dried tarragon. However, I recommend reducing the quantity to about 2 teaspoons since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Just add it during the cooking process as you would with fresh.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
If you’re looking to lighten up your Creamy Tarragon Chicken, you can substitute heavy cream with whole milk to reduce the fat content. Just keep in mind that the sauce will be thinner, so you may want to increase the cornstarch to achieve the desired thickness.
What if the sauce turns out too thick?
If your sauce has thickened more than you’d like, simply add a little chicken broth or cream while reheating. Stir it well until you reach your desired consistency, ensuring every bite has that delicious creamy coating!
Creamy Tarragon Chicken: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season generously with kosher salt.
- Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped shallots and cook until tender, around 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in white wine, scraping the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce by half, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, bouillon, fresh tarragon, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and remaining salt. Return chicken and simmer until cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add to skillet and simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Plate chicken, ladle sauce over it, and serve over pasta or mashed potatoes. Garnish with black pepper and tarragon if desired.