Name: Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to season; ½ tbsp plain flour; 2 tbsp butter (or as needed); 1 tbsp light olive oil; ½ cup (60ml) white wine; 2 shallots or 1 yellow onion, peeled and finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped; 3 cups (260g) mushrooms, sliced (wild mix and chestnut recommended); ¾ cup (180ml) chicken stock; 1 cup (240ml) cream; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh tarragon, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 28 reviews

If you are craving a dish that exudes comfort and elegance all at once, this Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious cream sauce, infused with the sweet, anise-like flavor of fresh tarragon, and complemented by the earthiness of mushrooms and shallots make it irresistible. It’s a beautiful blend of French-inspired flavors wrapped in a cozy, creamy embrace that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Let me take you through this delightful journey where simple ingredients create magic in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round pan with two handles shows six pieces of raw light pink meat, some thicker and some thinner, arranged in a loose circle inside the pan. The meat is slightly sprinkled with black pepper and white salt, sitting in melted yellowish oil that bubbles gently across the surface. The pan is placed on a black stove burner, and the background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe is that it relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a harmonious mix of flavors and textures. Each component plays its part in elevating the dish — from the seasoning of the chicken to the silky cream sauce that brings it all together.

Chicken breasts (4, skinless and boneless): Your tender protein base for this dish; choose breasts that are even in size for consistent cooking.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that perfectly enhances the chicken and sauce.
Plain flour (½ tbsp): Just a touch to create a slight coating on the chicken for a better sear and to help thicken the sauce.
Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness and a beautiful golden touch when cooking the chicken and vegetables.
Light olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps balance the butter and prevents it from burning while adding depth.
White wine (½ cup/60ml): Used to deglaze the pan and introduce brightness and acidity for balance.
Shallots (2) or 1 yellow onion: Provides a sweet, mild base flavor once sautéed.
Garlic cloves (2): Adds that unmistakable aromatic punch to the sauce.
Fresh tarragon (1 tbsp chopped plus extra to garnish): The star herb that lends an elegant, subtle anise flavor to the dish.
Mushrooms (3 cups/260g, sliced): Earthy texture and umami flavor that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
Chicken stock (¾ cup/180ml): Intensifies the savory base of the sauce.
Cream (1 cup/240ml): Creates the rich, velvety sauce that ties everything together.

How to Make Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dust them with plain flour—this helps achieve a beautiful golden crust and also thickens the sauce later. If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, butterfly them so they cook evenly and more quickly. This step sets the foundation for the texture and flavor that will shine through in the final dish.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. You want to see a beautiful golden crust develop on each side, but don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this stage. This searing creates the depth and richness that makes this Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe truly special. Once browned, set the chicken aside; the cooking adventure is just beginning!

Step 3: Deglaze with White Wine

Next, pour the white wine into your warm pan, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and will give your sauce incredible character. Let the wine simmer until it’s mostly reduced; this intensifies the flavor while balancing the richness of the cream that will come later.

Step 4: Sauté Shallots and Garlic

Add a little more butter to the pan along with your finely diced shallots (or onion, if using). Cook them gently over low heat until soft and tender, coaxing out their natural sweetness. Then stir in the garlic, fresh tarragon, and mushrooms. Cooking the mushrooms down for about five minutes allows them to release their wonderful earthy flavor and blend beautifully with the herbs and garlic.

Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Stock and Return Chicken

Pour in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Place the chicken breasts back into the pan, cover it, and let everything cook together for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer allows the chicken to become tender and soak up the lovely mushroom and tarragon flavors. It’s where the magic blossoms into a full-bodied dish.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Season

Finally, stir in the cream and gently warm the sauce until it thickens slightly into a silky, dreamy consistency. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some fresh tarragon before serving—it adds a burst of color and fresh aroma that truly elevates this Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe.

How to Serve Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe

A black frying pan holds four golden-brown cooked pieces in a creamy light beige sauce speckled with black pepper and herbs, layered with sliced brown mushrooms and small onion pieces. Green sprigs of fresh herbs are scattered on top, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. A gold and black spoon rests inside the pan on the right side, partially submerged in the sauce. The pan handle is held by a woman's hand wrapped in a beige cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh tarragon sprigs not only look stunning but bring an extra pop of herbal brightness to the plate. A little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving also adds that final touch of sophistication and richness that complements this creamy dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when paired with simple sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice pilaf, or even a light crusty baguette are excellent choices. If you prefer something lighter, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad bring fresh textures and balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, arrange the chicken breasts on a white plate and spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh tarragon and a few sautéed mushroom slices. Serve the sides in separate bowls to keep the focus on the star of the show—the Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe. To add a rustic touch, serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a squeeze of lemon for added brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover creamy tarragon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen with a day of resting, so leftovers can be just as delicious, if not more.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe, cool it completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It freezes well for up to two months. When freezing, consider skipping fresh garnish until after reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. Alternatively, microwave on low power in short bursts. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce becomes too thick during reheating to revive its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh tarragon really brings out the best flavor in this dish. If using dried, reduce the amount by half since dried herbs are more concentrated, and add it earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavor to develop.

What types of mushrooms work best?

A mix of wild mushrooms and chestnut (crimini) mushrooms is fantastic for this recipe, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Button mushrooms are a great budget-friendly option as well.

Is this recipe suitable for low-fat diets?

This Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe relies on cream and butter to achieve its signature richness, so it’s definitely a indulgent choice. For a lighter version, you could experiment with reducing the cream or substituting it with a lighter dairy or non-dairy alternative.

Can I prepare this dish without wine?

Absolutely! If you prefer to skip the wine, simply substitute it with extra chicken stock. The dish will still be delicious, just lacking that subtle acidity and complexity the wine provides.

How long does it take to cook the chicken through?

After searing, the chicken simmers for about 15-20 minutes covered. This ensures the chicken is cooked through and tender but still juicy. Always check with a meat thermometer if you’re unsure—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting and elegant about this Creamy Tarragon Chicken Recipe that makes it a timeless favorite in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels cozy yet dressed up—a perfect balance that suits weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. I genuinely hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with the tender chicken enriched by that intoxicating tarragon cream sauce just as much as I have. Happy cooking!