Chicken Breasts In Tarragon Cream
Juicy chicken breasts in a rich tarragon cream sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions, balancing tender meat with aromatic herbal flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse chicken breasts and dry well.
- Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken to the skillet and brown on both sides, about 10 minutes total.
- Stir minced onion into the butter and chicken in the skillet.
- Add 1 tablespoon of white wine to the skillet.
- Cover and cook over low heat until chicken loses translucency and is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken to a warm platter and keep warm.
- Add remaining white wine, crumbled dried tarragon, and heavy cream to the skillet.
- Cook and stir over high heat until the liquid reduces to the consistency of heavy cream.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Stir in chopped parsley, if desired, and pour the sauce over the chicken.
Tips & Substitutions
For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cream sauce. If you don’t have tarragon, dill or thyme can be good substitutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed asparagus or a fresh green salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken breasts topped with the rich tarragon cream sauce, and consider garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish is excellent when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce. For a complete meal, a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad would complement it well.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and cream sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breasts In Tarragon Cream contains roughly 384 calories, with 11g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1008mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tarragon instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh tarragon! Use about three times the amount of fresh tarragon as a substitute for dried, as fresh herbs are less concentrated in flavor. Add it towards the end of cooking for the best flavor.
What can I serve with Chicken Breasts in Tarragon Cream?
This dish pairs beautifully with sides like roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a light quinoa salad. For a heartier option, consider serving with buttery noodles or a fresh baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Simply cook the chicken, prepare the sauce, and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat gently and combine, ensuring not to overcook the chicken.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).