Creamy Tarragon Chicken with Mushrooms
Indulge in this flavorful Creamy Tarragon Chicken with Mushrooms recipe, a perfect blend of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic fresh tarragon cooked in a luscious sauce. This dish captures the essence of richness and elegance, making it a delightful centerpiece for any dinner. Serve it over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Ideal for gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (cut into bite-sized pieces)
plain flour
1 ounce (For coating)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (For frying)
chestnut mushrooms
9 ounces (sliced)
white wine
5 ounces (For deglazing)
creme fraiche
300 ml (For sauce)
Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon (For flavor)
fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons (chopped)
spinach
1 large handful (For adding at the end)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the chicken with plain flour and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
2
In a large frying pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a portion of the chicken (do this in batches to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the pieces for even browning and ensure they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3
Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and toss in the sliced chestnut mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are nearly cooked through and slightly browned.
4
Return the browned chicken and any juices back into the pan with the mushrooms. Pour in the white wine and allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavors to meld.
5
Stir in the creme fraiche, Dijon mustard, and most of the chopped fresh tarragon, reserving a small amount for garnish. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce has thickened.
6
Toss in the large handful of fresh spinach and stir until just wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
7
Serve the dish immediately, garnished with the remaining tarragon for an extra pop of flavor. Pair with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tarragon Chicken with Mushrooms?
It is an elegant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces, earthy chestnut mushrooms, and aromatic fresh tarragon in a rich creme fraiche sauce.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What cut of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
Why is the chicken coated in flour?
Coating the chicken in plain flour before frying helps it brown evenly and acts as a thickening agent for the sauce later.
What type of mushrooms are recommended?
Chestnut mushrooms are recommended for their flavor, but they should be sliced before cooking.
How much olive oil is needed for frying?
The recipe requires a total of 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Why should I cook the chicken in batches?
Cooking in batches avoids overcrowding the pan, which ensures the chicken browns properly rather than steaming.
How long does it take to cook the chicken initially?
The chicken should be cooked for about 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms?
Sauté the sliced chestnut mushrooms for 3 to 5 minutes until they are slightly browned.
What is the purpose of adding white wine?
White wine is used to deglaze the pan and adds a sophisticated depth of flavor to the creamy sauce.
How long should the wine simmer?
Allow the wine to simmer for 2 to 4 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate.
Can I substitute creme fraiche?
While creme fraiche provides a specific tang and richness, you could use heavy cream, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What type of mustard is used in this recipe?
Half a tablespoon of Dijon mustard is used to add flavor and a slight tang to the sauce.
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Fresh tarragon is preferred for its aroma, but if using dried, use about one-third of the amount as it is more concentrated.
When do I add the fresh spinach?
The spinach is added at the very end of the cooking process, stirred in just until it wilts.
What should I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs excellently with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
How do I garnish the final plate?
Garnish the dish with a small amount of reserved chopped fresh tarragon for extra flavor and color.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
No, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks looking for a comfort food meal.
What cuisine style is this dish?
This recipe is inspired by French cuisine, known for its use of tarragon, wine, and cream.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are tender.
How much tarragon is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh tarragon.
How do I season the chicken?
The chicken should be seasoned generously with salt and pepper when it is tossed with the flour.
How long is the final simmering stage?
The mixture should simmer for about 5 minutes once the creme fraiche and mustard are added.
What is the role of the flour in the sauce?
The flour from the chicken coating dissolves into the liquid as it simmers, helping to thicken the sauce.
Should I wash the chestnut mushrooms?
It is best to wipe mushrooms with a damp cloth rather than washing them to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, vegetables like peas or leeks would complement the creamy tarragon sauce well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it contains plain flour. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend for coating the chicken.
What if I don't have white wine?
You can substitute white wine with chicken stock and a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity.
Can I use a different type of oil?
While olive oil is recommended, you can use butter or another vegetable oil for frying.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.