Chicken In Tarragon Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a rich tarragon sauce with a hint of cognac and mushrooms, creating a sophisticated dish perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. The flambé adds a dramatic touch, making it a memorable and flavorful meal for tarragon lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- On a hard surface, with a meat mallet, flatten each chicken breast.
- In a large frypan, place butter over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sauté about 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned and fork can easily be inserted.
- Remove chicken and keep warm.
- In the same frypan, add sliced mushrooms and sauté about 2 minutes.
- Add cognac and carefully ignite by touching the edge of the pan with a match flame.
- Allow the flame to completely die out after several minutes.
- Add heavy cream and cook over high heat until mixture reduces and thickens, coating the back of a spoon.
- Stir in cayenne pepper, tarragon, a dash of salt, and lemon juice.
- Arrange chicken on a platter and pour sauce over to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a high-quality cognac. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute the cognac with chicken broth, though the flambéing step will be omitted. Fresh tarragon is preferable, but dried can be used in a pinch; just reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially with the cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the sauce. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the delightful tarragon sauce. For an elegant touch, garnish with additional fresh tarragon leaves. Explore more chicken recipes for varied flavor profiles.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken in tarragon sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring even heating without overcooking the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken In Tarragon Sauce contains roughly 522 calories, with 31g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (158% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (83% of the Daily Value), and protein (62% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but cooking times will vary. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F by cooking longer. The bones will add flavor, but you'll need to adjust sautéing and simmering times accordingly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter, though the sauce may be less rich. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute, but keep in mind that flavors will vary.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce. Additionally, consider serving with a spicy side, such as a spicy slaw or jalapeño cornbread, to complement the flavors in the dish.
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).