Chicken Tarragon (45 Minutes)

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Chicken tarragon is a classic French-inspired dish that showcases the elegant flavors of tarragon in a creamy sauce, paired with succulent, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs.

The dish is enhanced with the earthy tones of mushrooms, the sweetness of carrots, and the savoriness of onions, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate refined and aromatic meals. It’s ideal for a special dinner or a sophisticated yet comforting family meal.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: white wine for deglazing, additional fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown Chicken Thighs (10 minutes): Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook on the other side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes): In the same skillet, melt butter. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Cook Mushrooms (5 minutes): Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
  4. Deglaze and Add Chicken (5 minutes): Optional: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Add the chicken thighs back to the skillet.
  5. Add Broth and Tarragon (10 minutes): Pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the chopped tarragon. Bring to a simmer and let cook for a few minutes.
  6. Finish with Cream Sauce (5 minutes): Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve (2 minutes): Serve the chicken thighs with the vegetables and sauce. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs.

Notes

The secret to a perfect chicken tarragon lies in achieving crispy skin on the chicken and developing a rich flavor base with the vegetables and tarragon. Using fresh tarragon is key to capturing the unique anise-like flavor of the herb.

The cream sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to overcook the chicken to ensure it stays moist and tender. Chicken tarragon is a delightful dish that combines simple ingredients to create a sophisticated and flavorful experience. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

Pair this with...

Mashed Cauliflower

Start by chopping a head of cauliflower into florets, and then steam or boil them until they're nice and tender. Once soft, drain the cauliflower to ensure there's no excess moisture. Transfer it to a food processor or use a hand masher, and begin to mash until smooth. For an extra creamy texture, mix in a touch of butter, garlic, and maybe a splash of milk or cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The end result is a bowl of velvety, flavorful mashed cauliflower that's ready to be paired with any of your favorite dishes.

Garlicky Sautéed Spinach

Begin with a generous bunch of fresh spinach, giving it a thorough rinse and patting it dry. In a large pan, heat a glug of olive oil until it's shimmering. Toss in finely chopped garlic — the more, the merrier for garlic lovers! Let the garlic sizzle just a bit, releasing its aromatic magic without letting it brown too much. Swiftly add in the spinach, watching as it wilts and soaks up that garlicky goodness. It'll reduce in size dramatically, but that's where the intense flavor comes in. Season with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, which brightens up the dish wonderfully. Serve it straight from the pan.

Easy Dinner Rolls

Start by combining warm water, yeast, and a bit of sugar in a bowl, letting it sit until it's frothy. In a larger bowl, mix together softened butter, salt, the rest of your sugar, and some milk. Slowly add in flour, mixing until you have a soft dough. Knead this dough on a floured surface until smooth. Place it in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size. Once risen, divide the dough into small balls and arrange them on a baking tray. Let them rise again briefly. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Brush with melted butter right out of the oven for a glossy finish.

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