If you're looking to elevate your dinner game with a dish that bursts with flavor and elegance, look no further than this Lemon Tarragon Chicken with Squash Ribbons! This French-inspired recipe is not only a feast for the senses but also a breeze to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. With the zesty brightness of lemon and the aromatic allure of fresh tarragon, your taste buds are in for a delightful surprise. Perfectly seared chicken breasts paired with vibrant zucchini ribbons create a stunning plate that’s sure to impress. Ready to discover how to whip up this culinary masterpiece? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, cut into ribbons
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the breasts dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Zest the lemon and finely chop the fresh tarragon leaves, setting aside half the tarragon for garnishing later.
- Using a vegetable peeler, create long, thin ribbons from the zucchini by running the peeler along the length of the vegetable, rotating as you go to create even strips.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and begins to ripple.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- During the last minute of cooking, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle half the chopped tarragon.
- Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- In the same skillet, quickly sauté the zucchini ribbons for 1-2 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Plate the chicken, arrange zucchini ribbons alongside, and garnish with remaining fresh tarragon.
- Serve immediately, with an extra lemon wedge if desired.
Tips
- Choosing the Chicken: Opt for organic, free-range chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Make sure they are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Zesting the Lemon: Don’t skip the lemon zest! It adds an extra layer of citrus flavor that enhances the dish beautifully. Use a microplane for fine zesting.
- Cooking the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Resting the Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking is crucial. This step helps keep the meat juicy and tender by letting the juices redistribute.
- Sautéing the Zucchini: Be careful not to overcook the zucchini ribbons. They should remain slightly crisp for the best texture contrast with the chicken.
- Garnishing: Fresh herbs elevate any dish. Use the reserved tarragon not only for garnish but also to add a fresh burst of flavor right before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon-tarragon juices. A crisp white wine would complement it perfectly!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
