Creamy Mustard Tarragon Chicken: An Easy & Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Transform your ordinary chicken dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this incredible Creamy Mustard Tarragon Chicken. This dish features a rich, tangy, and aromatic sauce that comes together in mere minutes, proving that gourmet flavors are achievable even on the busiest weeknights. Say goodbye to monotonous meals and welcome a new family favorite that’s both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare.
For many, preparing dinner nightly can often feel like a demanding chore, especially after a long day. The secret to simplifying this task lies in having a repertoire of dependable, quick, and delicious recipes. This mustard-tarragon sauce is a shining example, delivering a burst of vibrant flavor with minimal effort. Its versatility also means you can easily customize it to your taste, swapping out tarragon for other beloved herbs to create a uniquely satisfying dish.
Chicken is undeniably one of the most versatile proteins, celebrated for its ability to adapt to countless flavor profiles. When you introduce it to a beautifully crafted creamy sauce, it elevates the dish to a whole new level of indulgence that will have everyone clamoring for more. Our mustard-tarragon sauce strikes the perfect balance – sophisticated enough for special occasions or entertaining guests, yet so quick to prepare that it’s ideal for any night of the week.
The beauty of this recipe extends to its adaptability. While fresh tarragon lends a distinctive anise-like note, the “best part” is truly the freedom to personalize it with your preferred herbs. Beyond tarragon, consider fresh oregano for an earthy touch, bright dill for a refreshing zest, or fragrant thyme for a classic, savory aroma. Feel free to use whatever fresh herbs you have readily available, allowing for endless delicious variations.
The Allure of One-Pan Cooking: Efficiency Meets Exquisite Flavor
This Creamy Mustard Tarragon Chicken isn’t just delicious; it’s also a marvel of kitchen efficiency. Designed as a one-pan meal, it significantly cuts down on cleanup time, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy individuals and families. The entire cooking process, from searing the chicken to simmering the luscious sauce, happens in a single skillet, maximizing flavor development while minimizing effort. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table, proving that quick cooking doesn’t mean compromising on taste or quality.
Key Ingredients for Your Creamy Mustard Tarragon Chicken
Before you start, make sure to review the full, detailed recipe card at the very bottom of this post for precise measurements and instructions.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. For even faster cooking and to ensure uniform doneness, consider using chicken cutlets or tenders. If using thicker breasts, you might want to pound them lightly to about ½-inch thickness.
- Olive Oil: Essential for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown and building the foundational flavors in the pan.
- Shallot: A finely chopped shallot provides a delicate, sweet onion flavor that’s more refined than a regular onion, contributing to the sauce’s elegance. A sweet onion can be a good substitute if needed.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic depth and a classic savory note that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as a thickening agent, creating a light roux with the oil and shallots, which gives the sauce its creamy body.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for our sauce, adding savory chicken flavor and helping to deglaze the pan, picking up all the delicious browned bits.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to the sauce’s luxurious, velvety texture and richness. Its high fat content prevents it from curdling under heat, ensuring a smooth finish.
- Dijon Mustard: This is where the signature tangy kick comes from. Dijon mustard not only adds a wonderful pungent flavor but also helps to emulsify the sauce, making it incredibly smooth.
- Fresh Tarragon: The star herb! Fresh tarragon offers a unique, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor reminiscent of anise or licorice, which pairs exceptionally well with chicken and creamy sauces. While dried tarragon can be used, fresh is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor. Remember, any other favorite herb like oregano, dill, or thyme can also be used.
- Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors in the dish, adjusted to your personal preference.
Crafting Your Creamy Mustard Tarragon Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Pan and Chicken: Begin by heating a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to become shimmering hot. While the pan heats, season your chicken generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building flavor.
- Sear the Chicken to Perfection: Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown on the exterior and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken pieces. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate, covering it loosely to keep warm.
- Build the Flavorful Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic to the same pan (no need to clean it – those browned bits are flavor!). Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the aromatics are fragrant and slightly softened.
- Create the Roux and Liquid Base: Sprinkle the flour over the shallots and garlic. Stir constantly for another minute, cooking out the raw flour taste and ensuring no white streaks remain. This creates a light roux. Slowly and gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Achieve Creamy Perfection: Stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the sauce begins to visibly thicken. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Finish the Sauce and Combine: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard and fresh tarragon. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, turning to coat each piece thoroughly with the luscious sauce.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the vibrant flavors of the sauce to shine with the tender chicken.
Expert Tips & Creative Suggestions for Your Recipe
- Herb Customization: While tarragon brings a unique flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment! If tarragon isn’t your favorite or isn’t readily available, other herbs like fresh dill, chives, parsley, or a blend of Italian herbs can create equally delicious results. Fresh herbs are always preferred over dried for maximum flavor impact.
- Chicken Prep for Optimal Results: The key to tender, juicy chicken in this recipe is thin, even pieces. Chicken tenderloins are a quick-cooking choice. If using full chicken breasts, slice them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets, or pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures they cook quickly and remain moist, preventing them from drying out when returned to the sauce.
- Cream Alternatives: If heavy cream isn’t on hand or you’re looking for a slightly lighter option, you can substitute it with half-and-half for a thinner yet still creamy sauce. For dairy-free versions, full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based heavy cream alternative can work, though the flavor profile will differ slightly. A touch of butter can also add richness if using a lower-fat milk.
- Storing and Enjoying Leftovers: This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any extra chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While the sauce may lose a little of its initial richness and creaminess upon reheating, it remains incredibly flavorful. Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce appears too thick.
- Add a Splash of White Wine: For an extra layer of sophistication and depth, consider deglazing the pan with about ¼ cup of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) after sautéing the shallots and garlic, letting it simmer for a minute before adding the flour.
- Lemon Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end, just before serving, can add a wonderful bright contrast to the creamy, rich sauce.
Perfect Pairings: How to Serve Your Chicken with Mustard-Tarragon Sauce
The rich, creamy mustard-tarragon sauce is undeniably the star here, and you’ll want to savor every drop! Serving this dish with accompaniments that can soak up all that incredible goodness is a must. Hearty egg noodles or delicate pasta like fettuccine or linguine are excellent choices, allowing the sauce to cling beautifully. For those who appreciate a good bread, crusty Olive Garden Breadsticks or a warm loaf of French bread are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
To create a well-rounded and satisfying meal, consider these delicious side dishes:
- Crisp Green Salad: A simple Side Salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.
- Roasted or Sautéed Vegetables: Vegetables like tender Roasted Asparagus, pan-charred green beans, or steamed broccoli florets add essential nutrients and vibrant color to your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another fantastic vehicle for the sauce, creating a truly comforting meal.
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf or even a simple steamed rice can also absorb the sauce wonderfully.
This effortless dinner truly comes together in no time, making it an excellent quick and easy weeknight meal that elevates ordinary chicken into something truly special and memorable.
Explore More Easy Chicken Dinners
If you loved this quick and flavorful chicken recipe, be sure to check out some of our other fantastic and easy chicken dinner ideas that are perfect for any occasion:
- Hearty Chicken Fajita Casserole
- Irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
- Light & Healthy Chicken Salad
- Classic King Ranch Chicken
- Comforting Chicken & Rice Soup
Chicken in Mustard Tarragon Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Cutlets or tenders
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 small Shallot Finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 tablespoon Flour
- 1 cup Chicken Stock
- 1/3 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Tarragon Finely chopped
- Salt and Pepper To taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to shimmer.2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken in the hot pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken from the pan and keep warm.1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Cutlets or tenders, Salt and Pepper To taste
- Add chopped shallots and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for another minute to cook out the raw taste. Gradually whisk in chicken stock until smooth, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream. Bring to a light boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.1 small Shallot Finely chopped, 2 cloves Garlic Minced, 1 tablespoon Flour, 1 cup Chicken Stock, 1/3 cup Heavy Cream
- Stir in Dijon mustard and fresh tarragon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, tossing to coat thoroughly in the creamy sauce.1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard, 1 tablespoon Fresh Tarragon Finely chopped
- Serve your delicious Creamy Mustard Tarragon Chicken immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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