Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Lemon Tarragon Chicken, a flavorful dish that merges zesty citrus with the aromatic sweetness of fresh tarragon. Tender, golden-browned chicken breasts simmer in a rich, velvety sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, and a hint of freshly squeezed lemon juice, creating the perfect balance of brightness and indulgence. This easy yet elegant recipe, ready in just 45 minutes, includes a simple roux for a perfectly thickened sauce that clings to every bite. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or a medley of seasonal vegetables for a restaurant-worthy meal right at home. Perfect for family dinners or small gatherings, this Lemon Tarragon Chicken recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Lower the heat to medium-low.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
Stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the sauce to a simmer and allow it to slightly thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the fresh tarragon to the sauce and stir to combine.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to be fully infused with the sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Serve the Lemon Tarragon Chicken hot, garnished with extra fresh tarragon if desired, alongside your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Calories |
2070 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 117.4 g | 151% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.3 g | 246% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 754 mg | 251% | |
| Sodium | 3196 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15.7 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.7 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 218.4 g | 437% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 176 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 8.0 mg | 44% | |
| Potassium | 385 mg | 8% | |
*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.