Savory Tarragon Chicken Delight
Indulge in this delectable Savory Tarragon Chicken Delight, a quick yet elegant dish perfect for any summer gathering or leisurely lunch. Featuring succulent organic chicken breast sautéed to golden perfection and infused with the fragrant aroma of fresh tarragon, this dish is enriched with creamy crème fraiche for a luscious finish. A splash of zesty lemon adds a refreshing touch, balancing flavors beautifully. Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy individuals seeking gourmet flavor without the fuss. Serve it alongside a vibrant salad of mixed greens and herbs, elegantly dressed in a classic French vinaigrette. This delightful concoction is not just a summer treat but can be relished year-round. Embrace the freshness of seasonal ingredients and elevate your dining experience with this simple yet sophisticated dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 (teaspoon)
Nut oil (e.g., walnut oil)
1/2 (teaspoon)
Chicken breast
1 (boned)
Fresh tarragon leaves
1 (tablespoon, chopped)
Crème fraiche
to taste
Lemon juice
to taste
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Fresh tarragon leaves
for garnish
Instructions
1
Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2" wide and 3" long for optimal texture; feel free to cube it instead if you prefer.
2
In a skillet, melt the butter along with the nut oil over medium heat until bubbling gently, ensuring it does not brown. Quickly add the chopped tarragon, followed by the chicken pieces (place skin-side down if using skin-on chicken), and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken caramelizes to a nice golden color.
3
Carefully flip the chicken and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until cooked through.
4
Stir in crème fraiche according to your taste—around 2 tablespoons is a good starting point. Allow the mixture to bubble gently for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
5
Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, adjusting the quantity based on your preference for acidity. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and stir until creamy and well-mixed.
6
Serve hot, garnished with fresh tarragon leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Pair with a simple side salad dressed in classical French vinaigrette for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Tarragon Chicken Delight?
It is a quick and elegant French-inspired dish featuring sautéed chicken breast, fresh tarragon, and a creamy sauce made with crème fraiche and lemon.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed for efficiency and can be prepared and cooked in under 15 minutes.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include chicken breast, fresh tarragon, butter, nut oil, crème fraiche, and lemon juice.
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
While fresh tarragon is recommended for its unique fragrance, you can use dried tarragon in smaller quantities if fresh is unavailable.
What type of nut oil should I use?
Walnut oil is an excellent choice for this recipe, though other high-quality nut oils can also be used to add depth of flavor.
How should the chicken be cut?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1/2 inch wide and 3 inches long, or cubed if you prefer.
What is the purpose of the crème fraiche?
Crème fraiche provides a rich, luscious, and slightly tangy finish to the sauce, coating the chicken perfectly.
Can I substitute crème fraiche with something else?
You can use heavy cream or sour cream as a substitute, though the flavor and consistency will vary slightly.
How do I prevent the butter from browning?
Melt the butter over medium heat and ensure it is only gently bubbling before adding the other ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for one person?
Yes, the ingredient quantities are geared toward a single serving but can easily be doubled or tripled for more people.
What is the best side dish for this chicken?
A vibrant green salad with mixed herbs and a classic French vinaigrette is the ideal side for this dish.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, boned chicken thighs can be used, though they may require an extra minute or two of cooking time.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is cooked when it has reached a golden color on the outside and is opaque and firm throughout.
Why is lemon juice added?
Lemon juice adds a zesty acidity that balances the richness of the butter and crème fraiche.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I use skin-on chicken?
Yes, if using skin-on chicken, place it skin-side down in the pan first to allow the skin to become crispy and golden.
How much crème fraiche is recommended?
A good starting point is approximately 2 tablespoons, which can be adjusted according to your preference for creaminess.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh and hot immediately after cooking to maintain the texture of the cream sauce.
What seasoning is recommended?
Generous amounts of salt and freshly ground black pepper are used to season the dish to taste.
Is this a summer dish?
While it features fresh summer herbs like tarragon, its sophisticated flavors make it a wonderful meal year-round.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Either can be used, but if using salted butter, be mindful of the extra salt you add at the end.
Can I add other vegetables to the pan?
You can add quick-cooking vegetables like mushrooms or baby spinach, but it may slightly alter the traditional flavor profile.
What type of skillet should I use?
A standard non-stick or stainless steel skillet is perfect for achieving the necessary caramelization on the chicken.
What is the texture of the final sauce?
The sauce should be creamy, smooth, and well-mixed, coating each piece of chicken thoroughly.
How do I garnish this dish?
Garnish with fresh, whole tarragon leaves to provide a pop of color and an extra burst of herbal flavor.
Is the nut oil necessary?
While it adds a gourmet touch, you can substitute it with a neutral vegetable oil if nut allergies are a concern.
Can I add wine to the recipe?
A splash of dry white wine could be used to deglaze the pan before adding the crème fraiche for added complexity.
How much lemon juice should I use?
The amount is to taste; start with a small squeeze and increase based on your acidity preference.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
It uses fresh, organic ingredients and high-quality fats, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.
What makes this dish sophisticated?
The combination of fresh tarragon, nut oil, and crème fraiche creates a restaurant-quality flavor profile that is easy to achieve at home.