Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Featured in: Easy Comfort Recipes

This dish features tender chicken breasts gently cooked and coated in a creamy tarragon sauce made with low-fat yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Shallots and garlic add depth, while lemon juice brightens the flavors. The sauce is cooked carefully to keep a smooth texture without curdling the yogurt. Served warm, it pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a satisfying yet lighter meal option that balances richness and freshness.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:26:00 GMT
Lighter creamy tarragon chicken, golden seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, herbed sauce. Save to Pins
Lighter creamy tarragon chicken, golden seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, herbed sauce. | spicra.com

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.
This delicious lighter creamy tarragon chicken features tender, juicy chicken in a flavorful tarragon sauce. Save to Pins
This delicious lighter creamy tarragon chicken features tender, juicy chicken in a flavorful tarragon sauce. | spicra.com

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.

Enjoy a comforting plate of lighter creamy tarragon chicken, garnished with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. Save to Pins
Enjoy a comforting plate of lighter creamy tarragon chicken, garnished with fresh herbs and zesty lemon. | spicra.com

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.

Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Tender chicken breasts in a creamy tarragon sauce with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Time
35 min
Recipe by spicra Olivia Carter

Dish Category Easy Comfort Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type French

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Free of Gluten, Low in Carbs

What You'll Need

Proteins

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 5.3 oz each)

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 1 small shallot, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces & Dairy

01 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
02 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
03 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Herbs & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)
02 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
03 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking

01 2 teaspoons olive oil

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Season chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add shallot to the skillet and sauté 1–2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

Step 04

Deglaze pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 05

Incorporate sauce ingredients: Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and half the tarragon until sauce is smooth and gently warmed; avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Step 06

Finish cooking: Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer 2–3 minutes to heat through.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle remaining tarragon and parsley over chicken before serving.

Necessary Tools

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Go through each ingredient to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy from Greek yogurt
  • Contains mustard
  • Check labels for gluten or other allergens in chicken broth and mustard if sensitive

Nutrition Info (each portion)

For informational use only—please talk to your doctor for health advice.
  • Calorie Count: 240
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 38 g