Chicken With Tarragon Sauce
Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tarragon cream sauce, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions, served over pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sauté onions, garlic, and 1 tablespoon of chopped tarragon in butter until onions are lightly browned.
- Add chicken breasts and brown on both sides.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place browned chicken in a covered baking dish and set aside.
- In the same pan, add white wine and 1 tablespoon of chopped tarragon, then bring to a high simmer.
- Pour the wine mixture over the chicken breasts and bake in a 300-degree oven in the covered dish for 1 hour.
- After baking, drain off the wine and chicken broth into a skillet.
- Add whipping cream and bring to a high simmer.
- Add flour to thicken the sauce as desired.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Serve chicken breasts over pasta, covered with plenty of sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a dry vermouth instead of white wine. If fresh tarragon is unavailable, dried tarragon can be used but in smaller amounts, about one-third of the fresh amount. To add a hint of sweetness, a splash of honey or a sprinkle of sugar can enhance the sauce's flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Creole Shrimp And Chicken for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and tarragon sauce over a bed of angel hair pasta for a light, comforting meal. A side of sautéed green beans or a fresh garden salad can complement the dish nicely. For a special touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. This dish is a perfect centerpiece for any dinner gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce's consistency. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Tarragon Sauce contains roughly 229 calories, with 7g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 494mg per serving (21% 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 other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or even a whole chicken cut into pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in cuts may require a longer baking time to ensure they're fully cooked.
What if I don't have whipping cream?
If whipping cream is not available, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. The texture may vary slightly but will still yield a delicious result.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious.
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).