Chicken Tarragon Delight
A rich and flavorful chicken dish featuring tender thighs baked in a creamy tarragon sauce with Parmesan and herbs, perfect for elegant weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Select boned chicken thighs if possible.
- Dip the chicken thighs in a batter of egg and milk, then roll in seasoned bread crumbs.
- Place the coated thighs in a buttered baking dish or casserole, ensuring they are not too crowded.
- Cover the thighs with sweet cream and white wine.
- Sprinkle generously with tarragon, then add Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, parsley, and a few dashes of paprika.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Check occasionally to ensure the cream does not cook down too rapidly.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken thighs in the white wine and tarragon before breading. If you're out of Parmesan, a mix of mozzarella and Asiago can provide a similar texture and taste. To achieve a crispier coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of seasoned ones. This dish is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Tarragon Delight over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful presentation. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Spanish Rice Casserole for a family-style dinner. A light salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, covering with foil to keep moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Tarragon Delight contains roughly 826 calories, with 62g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (216% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (165% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1945mg per serving (85% 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 chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. Just adjust the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
What can I use instead of sweet cream?
If you don’t have sweet cream, you can use heavy cream or a combination of sour cream and milk. This will still create a rich texture while bringing a slight tanginess to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the seasoned bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, ensure that your Parmesan cheese is labeled gluten-free, and you can enjoy this dish without gluten.
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).