Chicken With Capers And Tarragon
Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, creamy caper and tarragon sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions with bright, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season the flattened chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Saute the chicken in a heavy skillet with vegetable oil for 2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.
- Discard the oil from the skillet.
- Add heavy cream, chopped capers, dried tarragon, and lemon juice to the skillet.
- Bring the liquid to a boil and cook over high heat, stirring constantly, until the volume is reduced by about half.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter.
- Spoon the sauce over each chicken breast and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich. Dried tarragon can be replaced with fresh tarragon if available, just use about three times the amount for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a light meal. It also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For an elegant touch, consider garnishing with fresh tarragon leaves or lemon zest before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. You can also add a splash of cream or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Capers And Tarragon contains roughly 290 calories, with 22g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. At about 290 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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, skinless thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will also work well in this recipe. They may require slightly longer cooking time due to their thickness, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
What can I serve with chicken in caper sauce?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a light potato-leek soup (low-fat) for a comforting meal or a simple side of roasted asparagus to keep things fresh and vibrant.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately. When ready to serve, cook the chicken and then reheat the sauce gently before combining. This helps preserve the flavors and texture.
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).