Save to Pins Tender chicken breasts in a lighter, creamy tarragon sauce, balanced with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon for a guilt-free yet indulgent meal.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for weeknight dinners as it is both easy and flavorful without feeling heavy.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 150 g each)
- Shallot: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Low-fat Greek yogurt: 120 ml
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 120 ml
- Dijon mustard: 2 tsp
- Fresh tarragon: 2 tbsp chopped or 2 tsp dried
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp chopped optional
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp freshly ground
- Olive oil: 2 tsp
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil.
- Step 3:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped shallot to the skillet and sauté for 1 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 4:
- Stir in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Dijon mustard Greek yogurt lemon juice and half the tarragon. Stir until smooth and gently warmed (do not boil to prevent yogurt from curdling).
- Step 6:
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Simmer for 2 3 minutes to heat through.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle with remaining tarragon and parsley before serving.
Save to Pins This dish always brings my family together around the table especially on busy evenings when a quick dinner is needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed green beans asparagus or a light mixed salad for a balanced meal.
Dietary Adaptations
For a dairy-free version use unsweetened oat-based yogurt and ensure chicken broth contains no dairy derivatives.
Wine Pairing
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling to complement the fresh herbs and creamy sauce.
Save to Pins This lighter creamy tarragon chicken is the perfect quick meal with fresh flavors that please the whole family.
Questions & Answers
- → What is the best way to prevent the sauce from curdling?
Whisk the yogurt mixture in gently over low heat and avoid boiling. Heating slowly while stirring helps maintain a smooth texture.
- → Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Yes, dried tarragon can be substituted at about one-third the amount of fresh tarragon to preserve its aromatic flavor.
- → What sides complement this dish well?
Serve with steamed green beans, asparagus, or a light salad to balance the creamy flavors.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for the yogurt used?
Unsweetened oat-based yogurt works well as a substitute to keep the sauce creamy but dairy-free.
- → How do you ensure the chicken remains tender?
Cook the breasts over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, then let rest covered briefly to retain moisture.