Southern Living's Tarragon Cream Chicken

Indulge in the elegant flavors of Southern Living's Tarragon Cream Chicken, a dish that combines tender, golden-seared chicken breasts with a velvety sauce bursting with fresh tarragon, creamy richness, and a subtle hint of citrus. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare in just 45 minutes and highlights a harmonious blend of aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, and dry white wine. The decadent tarragon cream sauce, brightened with a splash of lemon juice, pairs beautifully with rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Whether you're cooking for family or impressing guests, this Southern favorite delivers both simplicity and sophistication to your dinner table.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 piece small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the white wine to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Allow the wine to reduce by half, about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Add the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, cover with a lid, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tenting it with foil to keep warm.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream, chopped tarragon, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 10

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the tarragon cream sauce over the top to coat well. Allow everything to heat through for 1-2 minutes.

Step 11

Serve the chicken hot, garnished with additional fresh tarragon if desired. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1615.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2678.9

Total Fat 161.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 914.9mg	0%
Sodium 3100.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 23.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.2g	0%
Total Sugars 7.2g
Protein 233.1g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 257.7mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 2368.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.6%

Protein: 37.6%

Carbs: 3.8%