Tarragon Chicken
Tender chicken strips in a creamy tarragon and tomato sauce, perfect for a flavorful dinner. This dish balances herbs and richness, ideal for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 whole chicken breasts (boneless, 1 1/2 lb.) ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 4 tsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 4 tsp. tomato, finely diced, peeled and seeded ⓘ
- 1 1/4 tsp. white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 tsp. dried tarragon ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. parsley, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice chicken into strips no larger than 2 1/2 x 1/2-inch. Sprinkle with salt and pepper; let stand 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle chicken with cornstarch and oil; turn to mix and let stand 20 minutes.
- Mix in egg whites and let stand for 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute chicken in butter until opaque and golden, about 5 minutes.
- Remove chicken with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
- Add tomato, vinegar, cream, and tarragon to the pan.
- Increase heat to high and stir until mixture is blended and has the consistency of heavy cream.
- Return chicken to the pan with half the parsley and turn gently to mix.
- Heat through and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle with remaining parsley and serve with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier finish, consider dusting the chicken strips with a bit more cornstarch before cooking. If you don't have tarragon, dill or thyme can work as substitutes. Adjust cream consistency by adding broth for a lighter sauce. To enhance flavor, use a splash of white wine instead of vinegar, reminiscent of recipes like Lindy'S Chicken Surprise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tarragon Chicken over fluffy rice or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A side of steamed asparagus or a fresh green salad pairs nicely, providing a balance of textures and flavors. For a complete meal, consider browsing more chicken recipes to complement your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce's consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent the chicken from becoming dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tarragon Chicken contains roughly 575 calories, with 5g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 57g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1769mg per serving (77% 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 skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts for added flavor and moisture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as skin-on chicken may take a bit longer to cook through. The skin will also become crispy and delicious.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free by substituting the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine and using coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. The flavors will still meld beautifully, giving you a rich sauce without the dairy.
What can I serve with Tarragon Chicken?
Tarragon Chicken pairs beautifully with a side of wild rice or creamy mashed potatoes. A light, citrusy salad or roasted vegetables can also complement the dish well. For a more hearty meal, consider serving with crusty bread to enjoy the rich sauce.
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).