Pin Tender chicken breasts in a lighter, creamy tarragon sauce, balanced with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon for a guilt-free yet indulgent meal.
I first served this recipe to my family on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150 g each)
- Shallot: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Low-fat Greek yogurt: 120 ml
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 120 ml
- Dijon mustard: 2 tsp
- Fresh tarragon: 2 tbsp, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped (optional)
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp, freshly ground
- Olive oil: 2 tsp
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 2:
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5&ndash6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil.
- Step 3:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped shallot to the skillet and sauté for 1&ndash2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 4:
- Stir in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and half the tarragon. Stir until smooth and gently warmed (do not boil to prevent yogurt from curdling).
- Step 6:
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Simmer for 2&ndash3 minutes to heat through.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle with remaining tarragon and parsley before serving.
Pin This dish always brings back memories of cozy family dinners where everyone enjoys the fresh flavors together.
Notes
Serve with steamed green beans asparagus or a light salad. For a dairy-free version use unsweetened oat-based yogurt. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling.
Required Tools
Large non-stick skillet Knife and cutting board Whisk Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt potential mustard traces) Contains mustard Check chicken broth and mustard labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.
Pin This lighter creamy tarragon chicken is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried tarragon; use about one-third the amount of fresh to retain flavor balance.
- → How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling in the sauce?
Whisk the yogurt in over low heat and avoid boiling to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
- → What side dishes complement this dish well?
Steamed green beans, asparagus, or a crisp light salad make excellent accompaniments.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for the creamy base?
Unsweetened oat-based yogurt can replace the Greek yogurt to make the sauce dairy-free.
- → What wine pairs nicely with this chicken dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling enhances the fresh herb and lemon flavors.