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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.

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