Tarragon Chicken Breasts

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: French

Tender chicken breasts infused with fresh tarragon, sautéed shallots, and a flavorful wine sauce make this elegant dish perfect for intimate dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 3 chicken breasts, boned, halved, and skinned
  • 2 Tbsp. butter
  • 1/4 c. flour
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 Tbsp. chopped shallots or onions
  • 1/4 c. dry white wine
  • 1 tsp. chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1/2 tsp. dried tarragon

Instructions

  1. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour; reserve remaining flour.
  2. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat and add chicken breasts; brown on both sides.
  3. Transfer chicken to a heated platter.
  4. Add chopped shallots to the skillet and sauté briefly.
  5. Pour in the white wine and cook over high heat until nearly evaporated.
  6. Stir in the reserved flour to make a thick paste.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped fresh tarragon and stir in chicken broth.
  8. Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and cook until tender, about 25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the tarragon and wine mixture for an hour before cooking. If you don’t have fresh tarragon, you can use 1/2 tsp. of dried tarragon instead. For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. Always ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the tarragon chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a light salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken And Mushrooms In Tarragon Sauce for a flavorful contrast. A glass of crisp white wine complements the dish perfectly, enhancing the flavors of the tarragon and shallots.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover tarragon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover and heat gently until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can dry out the chicken.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tarragon Chicken Breasts contains roughly 267 calories, with 22g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. At about 267 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.

267 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.7g 43% DV
Total Fat 9.4g 12% DV
Carbs 25.5g 9% DV
Fiber 3.7g 13% DV
Sugar 5.8g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 312.6mg 14% DV
Potassium 876.5mg 19% DV
Cholesterol 51.8mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 49.7mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 13.4mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 208.2mg 16% DV
Iron 6.7mg 37% DV
Diet fit High-protein Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 pieces; just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through. Bone-in chicken will take longer to become tender, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

What can I substitute for white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth or a mixture of vinegar and water can be used as a substitute. This will still provide moisture and flavor, though the taste may be slightly different.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce. This will give the dish an extra kick without overpowering the delicate flavors of the tarragon.

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).

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