Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

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.

This recipe combines classic French flavors with a healthier twist, making it perfect for weeknight dinners that feel special.

Ingredients

• Proteins: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150 g each)
• Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Sauces & Dairy: 120 ml low-fat Greek yogurt; 120 ml low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (or 2 tsp dried tarragon); 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Cooking: 2 tsp olive oil

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 5–6 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 1–2 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 2–3 minutes to heat through.

Step 7:

Sprinkle with remaining tarragon and parsley before serving.

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My family enjoys this dish on weekends as it brings everyone together with its bright and fresh flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed green beans, asparagus, or a light salad to complement the creamy sauce without overpowering it.

Dietary Notes

This meal is low fat, gluten-free, and can be made dairy-free by substituting with unsweetened oat-based yogurt.

Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling to enhance the herbaceous notes.

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This lighter creamy tarragon chicken is a flavorful and healthy addition to your recipe collection, perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests.

Recipe Guide

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for even cooking and absorbing the creamy tarragon sauce.

→ Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?

Yes, dried tarragon works well; use about one-third the amount of fresh to maintain balanced flavor.

→ How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling?

Whisk yogurt in at low heat without boiling and gently warm the sauce to keep it smooth.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Steamed green beans, asparagus, or a light salad pair nicely with the creamy herb flavors.

→ Is this suitable for low-fat diets?

Yes, using low-fat Greek yogurt and lean chicken breasts keeps this dish light and suitable for low-fat preferences.