Tarragon Chicken

Tarragon chicken is a classic French dish renowned for its delicate flavors and aromatic herbs. This recipe combines succulent chicken pieces with the distinctive taste of tarragon, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Let’s delve into the intricate details of this culinary delight.

Overview:
Tarragon chicken typically features tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a creamy tarragon-infused sauce. The key to its deliciousness lies in the harmonious balance of flavors: the subtle licorice-like taste of tarragon, the richness of cream, and the savory essence of chicken. This dish is perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions, as it offers sophistication without being overly complicated to prepare.

Ingredients:

  •  4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  •  Salt and pepper to taste
  •  2 tablespoons olive oil
  •  2 tablespoons butter
  •  2 shallots, finely chopped
  •  2 cloves garlic, minced
  •  1 cup chicken broth
  •  1/2 cup dry white wine
  •  1/2 cup heavy cream
  •  2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  •  2 tablespoons fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
  •  1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  •  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken:

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Sear the Chicken:

  • Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  •  Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Prepare the Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add the shallots and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
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5. Deglaze the Pan:

  •  Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  •  Allow the mixture to simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

6. Add Cream and Mustard:

  •  Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard until well combined.
  • Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

7. Return Chicken to the Skillet:

  •  Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.

8. Bake in the Oven: 

  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

9. Finish with Tarragon and Lemon Juice: 

  • Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle chopped tarragon leaves over the chicken.
  • Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sauce.

10. Serve:

  • Serve the Tarragon Chicken hot, spooning the sauce over the chicken breasts.

11. Garnish:

  • Garnish with additional fresh tarragon leaves if desired.

12. Enjoy:

  • Enjoy your Tarragon Chicken with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Note:
Feel free to adjust the amount of tarragon and lemon juice according to your taste preferences. You can also substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if desired.

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