Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe

This Creamy Tarragon Chicken is a perfect fusion of elegance and comfort, offering an unforgettable dining experience. Tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce infused with mushrooms, tarragon, and white wine, creating a refined yet satisfying dish.

The balance of creamy texture and aromatic flavors makes it an ideal choice for both casual weeknight dinners and special gatherings. The addition of fresh tarragon elevates the dish, giving it a distinctive, herbaceous freshness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal with ease. It’s simple, indulgent, and bound to impress.

Creamy Tarragon Chicken Ingredients

The key to this Creamy Tarragon Chicken lies in the tender chicken breasts, which absorb the rich, velvety sauce and deliver a satisfying bite with every forkful. A light dusting of flour helps create a delicate, golden crust, sealing in the flavor.

Fragrant fresh tarragon is the heart of the sauce, infusing the dish with an herbal depth that elevates the entire experience. Mushrooms, whether wild or chestnut, add earthy richness, balancing the creaminess of the sauce with their tender texture.

White wine deglazes the pan, intensifying the flavors and adding a subtle acidity that complements the cream’s luscious smoothness. Chicken stock builds the foundation of the sauce, creating a savory base that brings everything together.

Recipe Tips

1. Perfectly Sear the Chicken
   To achieve the ideal golden crust on your chicken, make sure the pan is preheated with both butter and olive oil. The butter adds flavor while the olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning. Sear the chicken in batches if necessary, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This technique locks in the moisture and ensures the chicken remains juicy while cooking.
2. Enhance the Sauce Flavor with Wine
   When deglazing the pan with white wine, take your time to scrape up all the browned bits at the bottom of the pan. These little pieces are packed with flavor and will enrich your sauce. Allow the wine to simmer and reduce to concentrate its flavor before adding the chicken stock, ensuring a deeper, more robust taste.
3. Adjust the Sauce Consistency
   If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken stock to loosen it up to your preferred consistency. On the other hand, if the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. The cream will add richness and a velvety texture, but a good balance of liquid is key to getting the perfect sauce.

What to Serve with Creamy Tarragon Chicken

1. Buttery Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect side to soak up the luscious tarragon-infused sauce. The buttery richness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the tender chicken, adding a comforting touch to the meal. Top the mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and flavor.
2. Steamed Asparagus
   The crisp, tender texture of steamed asparagus is an excellent complement to the rich, creamy chicken. Its lightness and slightly earthy taste cut through the sauce, offering a fresh balance to the dish. Drizzle with a bit of lemon juice for a zesty finish.
3. Garlic Bread
   Garlic bread is an irresistible choice to serve with this dish. The crunchy, golden crust adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy chicken, while the garlic flavor ties in nicely with the dish’s savory undertones. It’s perfect for dipping into the sauce!

FAQ

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They are slightly richer and juicier than chicken breasts, adding extra depth of flavor to the dish.
2. What if I don’t have fresh tarragon?
   While fresh tarragon adds a unique flavor, you can substitute with dried tarragon if needed. Use about one-third of the amount you would use for fresh tarragon. Alternatively, a blend of fresh herbs like parsley and thyme can be a suitable substitute.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
   Yes, this dish can be prepared ahead of time. The flavors often improve as they sit, making it a great option for meal prep. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken stock if the sauce has thickened too much.
4. Can I omit the white wine?
   If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with a bit of chicken broth or lemon juice for acidity. While the wine enhances the sauce’s complexity, the dish will still be flavorful without it.

Creamy Tarragon Chicken

This Creamy Tarragon Chicken marries sophistication with homestyle comfort, making it a versatile dish fit for both elegant entertaining and everyday dining. Succulent chicken breasts are gently simmered in a luxurious sauce layered with the earthiness of mushrooms, the delicate aroma of fresh tarragon, and the subtle complexity of white wine. The result is a refined yet approachable entrée that delivers rich, harmonious flavors in every bite.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 People

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Chicken breasts – boneless and skinless ideal for quick and even cooking
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – for seasoning the chicken
• Plain flour – for lightly dredging the meat adding a hint of texture
• Light olive oil – to achieve a golden sear
• Butter – used throughout for richness and depth
• Shallots or yellow onion – finely diced to impart gentle sweetness
• Garlic cloves – minced to enhance aromatic intensity
• Fresh tarragon – finely chopped with extra reserved for garnish
• Mushrooms – sliced; a combination of wild and chestnut varieties preferred
• White wine – for deglazing and deepening the flavor base
• Chicken stock – forms the foundation of the sauce
• Cream – contributes a silky indulgent finish

Method

 

1. Prepare the Chicken:
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dust both sides with plain flour. If the fillets are particularly thick, butterfly them to ensure they cook evenly.
3. Sear the Chicken:
4. In a large skillet, heat a blend of butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sear the floured chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, creating a light crust. The chicken should remain undercooked internally at this stage. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
5. Deglaze the Pan:
6. Add the white wine to the pan and stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up the caramelized bits clinging to the bottom. Let the liquid simmer until it has nearly evaporated, concentrating the flavor.
7. Sauté Aromatics and Mushrooms:
8. Add the diced shallots (or onion) to the pan along with a small knob of butter. Cook gently until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped tarragon, and sliced mushrooms. Continue sautéing for about five minutes, allowing the mushrooms to soften and release their juices.
9. Simmer the Chicken:
10. Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a gentle simmer. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, cover, and let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until just cooked through.
11. Finish with Cream:
12. Stir in the cream and allow the sauce to warm through and thicken slightly. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with a scattering of freshly chopped tarragon before serving.

Notes

For optimal depth of flavor, use a mix of wild and chestnut mushrooms; however, the dish remains adaptable—mushrooms may be omitted according to preference.