Description
Culinary magic unfolds with French Chicken Tarragon, blending delicate herbs and velvety sauce into a sublime French countryside classic. Delightful white wine and tender chicken create an elegant dining experience you’ll savor with pure Parisian pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp fresh tarragon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts thoroughly dry using paper towels to ensure optimal searing and browning.
- Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, and finely minced garlic, ensuring even coating on all surfaces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and almost smoking.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into hot skillet, cooking for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken and set aside, tenting with foil to maintain warmth.
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from chicken.
- Sprinkle flour into melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux for 1-2 minutes without browning.
- Slowly pour white wine and chicken broth into roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky base.
- Add heavy cream and fresh chopped tarragon, simmering sauce for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
- Return chicken to skillet, gently coating each piece with the luxurious tarragon cream sauce.
- Serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over chicken and garnishing with additional fresh tarragon if desired.
Notes
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking, ensuring tender and juicy results.
- Fresh tarragon makes a significant difference compared to dried herbs, providing a brighter, more nuanced aromatic profile in the sauce.
- Experiment with protein alternatives like turkey breast or thick-cut pork chops for versatile meal options that maintain the recipe’s classic French cream sauce technique.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 563
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg