Chicken Thighs With Tarragon Sauce
Juicy chicken thighs smothered in a rich, creamy tarragon sauce with hints of sherry, perfect for elegant dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs in a heavy saucepan in a single layer.
- Melt the butter in a separate heavy saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook until translucent.
- Stir in the flour and cook until very thick.
- Gradually add the heavy cream and chicken stock, stirring continuously to maintain a thick sauce.
- Add the cooked onions, minced garlic, sherry or Port, minced tarragon, sea salt, and pepper to the sauce.
- Return the chicken thighs to the saucepan with the sauce.
- Simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors meld, about 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle with minced parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. If you don't have tarragon, fresh thyme or dill can be good substitutes. To thicken the sauce more quickly, whisk in a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water. Serve this dish alongside Austrian Green Beans for a delightful contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken thighs hot, generously drizzled with the tarragon sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with Spanish Chicken With Rice, which complements the flavors wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce over low heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to maintain the sauce's consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Thighs With Tarragon Sauce contains roughly 320 calories, with 23g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (250% of the Daily Value), iron (153% of the Daily Value), and potassium (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2010mg per serving (87% 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 boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, but reduce the cooking time as they will cook faster. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for sherry or Port?
If you don't have sherry or Port, you can use white wine or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain balance in the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the point of simmering the chicken. Store it in the refrigerator, then simmer to reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to develop even further.
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).