Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of France with this mouthwatering Chicken Breast in Tarragon Cream Sauce! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken breasts nestled in a luxuriously creamy sauce that whispers hints of aromatic tarragon - a dish so elegant yet surprisingly simple to create. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is your ticket to gourmet cooking without the complicated techniques.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped tarragon, 1/4 cup of chicken broth, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers, which indicates it's ready for cooking.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side. To ensure they are fully cooked, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, covering it loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1/4 cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, which will add flavor to the sauce.
- Next, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the chopped fresh tarragon to the sauce and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the tarragon cream sauce over them. Let them cook together for an additional 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the chicken breasts warm, drizzled with the tarragon cream sauce, and enjoy your delightful French-inspired dish!
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches exactly 165°F (75°C) for food safety and optimal juiciness.
- Don't rush the searing process - letting the chicken cook undisturbed creates a beautiful crust.
- Fresh tarragon makes a significant difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and better sauce development.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little extra chicken broth; if too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
- For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with additional fresh tarragon leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 394kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 33g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 125mg
