Lemon-Tarragon Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts cooked with lemon and tarragon, simmered with mushrooms, artichokes, and pimentos for a flavorful, aromatic meal perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Flatten or cut the chicken breasts into strips.
- Dredge chicken lightly in flour, tarragon, salt, and pepper.
- Melt a small amount of oleo or butter in a pan.
- Saute garlic in the pan, then add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add pimentos, mushrooms, and artichokes; simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add cornstarch mixed with water as a thickening agent and squeeze in the juice of 1 lemon.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over rice or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic. For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch. If tarragon is unavailable, fresh thyme can work as a substitute. For a more vibrant dish, consider using a mix of seasonal vegetables along with the mushrooms and artichokes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lemon-Tarragon Chicken over fluffy rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for added crunch and nutrition. This dish also pairs beautifully with Creamed Mushroom Chicken With Biscuits for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Tarragon Chicken contains roughly 442 calories, with 29g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (198% of the Daily Value), calcium (91% of the Daily Value), and potassium (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 930mg per serving (40% 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 bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pieces may take longer to cook through, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Sauté until browned, then cover and simmer until cooked through.
What can I substitute for artichokes?
If you don't have canned artichokes, you can substitute with hearts of palm or omit them entirely. Alternatively, fresh asparagus or green beans can add a similar texture and flavor to the dish, enhancing its freshness.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Certainly! You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinated in lemon juice and tarragon. Cook the tofu until golden brown and follow the same steps for adding the vegetables. This will create a delicious vegetarian version of 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).