Creamy Tarragon Chicken with Red Grapes in Wine Sauce
Indulge in a gourmet experience with this Creamy Tarragon Chicken with Red Grapes. Tender, pan-seared chicken breasts are paired with a delightful sauce made from fresh tarragon, succulent red grapes, and a rich blend of dry white wine and cream. This dish is both elegant and simple, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it over bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful culinary creation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
2 (pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
chopped fresh tarragon
3 teaspoons (divided)
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
shallot
1 (chopped)
small red seedless grapes
2/3 cup (halved)
dry white wine
1/2 cup (none)
whipping cream
1/2 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of wax paper and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2
Remove the wax paper and season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of chopped tarragon, along with salt and pepper to taste.
3
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat until it starts to foam.
4
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sauté for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover them to keep warm.
5
In the same skillet, add the chopped shallot and the remaining 2 teaspoons of tarragon. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the shallot becomes translucent and fragrant.
6
Introduce the red grapes to the skillet, followed by the dry white wine and whipping cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
7
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
8
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the delicious sauce over the top, and let it cook together for an additional minute.
9
Serve immediately, garnished with extra tarragon if desired, and enjoy this hearty dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tarragon Chicken with Red Grapes?
It is a gourmet chicken dish featuring pan-seared chicken breasts served in a rich sauce made from fresh tarragon, red grapes, dry white wine, and whipping cream.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
You should place the chicken between wax paper and pound it to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet.
Why is pounding the chicken to 1/2 inch necessary?
Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and remains tender throughout the sautéing process.
What tools can I use to pound the chicken?
A meat mallet is ideal, but a rolling pin can also be used to achieve an even thickness.
How much fresh tarragon is required?
The recipe requires 3 teaspoons of chopped fresh tarragon, which is used in divided portions.
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
Yes, but use only 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon as it is more concentrated than fresh.
What type of grapes are best for this dish?
Small red seedless grapes are best for providing a succulent sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
How should the grapes be prepared?
The grapes should be halved before being added to the skillet.
What kind of wine is recommended for the sauce?
A dry white wine is recommended to complement the cream and tarragon without adding too much sweetness.
What is a good substitute for the white wine?
You can substitute the wine with an equal amount of chicken broth mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice.
What type of cream should be used?
Whipping cream is used to create a rich and thick sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Can I substitute the whipping cream with half-and-half?
Yes, but note that the sauce will be thinner and less rich than if you used whipping cream.
How long do I sauté the chicken?
Sauté the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center, or reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why do I need to wait for the butter to foam?
Foaming butter indicates that the skillet is hot enough to properly sear the chicken and develop flavor.
What can I use instead of shallots?
You can use finely chopped yellow onion or the white part of a leek as a substitute for the shallot.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer for about 5 minutes or until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter and a full-fat coconut milk or dairy-free heavy cream alternative.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken?
This dish pairs perfectly with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to help soak up the wine sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on two chicken breast halves, this recipe serves approximately two people.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, its elegant presentation and gourmet flavor profile make it ideal for dinner parties or special events.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended because the cream-based sauce may separate and change texture upon thawing.
What is the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
What garnish is recommended?
Garnish with extra fresh chopped tarragon to add a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your wine and cream choices are certified gluten-free.
How much time does the entire recipe take?
The recipe takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes from preparation to serving.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, sliced mushrooms or baby spinach would make excellent additions to the sauce during the simmering stage.