Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Tender chicken breasts in a lighter, creamy tarragon sauce, balanced with fresh herbs and a touch of lemon for a guilt-free yet indulgent meal.

This recipe has become a favorite in my household for its balance of creamy texture and bright herb flavors without the extra calories.

Ingredients

• Proteins: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 150 g each)
• Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small shallot, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Sauces & Dairy: 120 ml low-fat Greek yogurt; 120 ml low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (or 2 tsp dried tarragon); 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Cooking: 2 tsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1:

Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil.

Step 3:

Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped shallot to the skillet and sautée for 1–2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 4:

Stir in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 5:

Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and half the tarragon. Stir until smooth and gently warmed (do not boil to prevent yogurt from curdling).

Step 6:

Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through.

Step 7:

Sprinkle with remaining tarragon and parsley before serving.

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This dish always brings my family together around the dinner table on busy weeknights.

Notes

Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling for the perfect complement.

Required Tools

Large non-stick skillet, knife and cutting board, whisk, measuring cups and spoons.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (Greek yogurt, potential mustard traces) and mustard. Check chicken broth and mustard labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.

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Enjoy this lighter creamy tarragon chicken as a satisfying yet guilt-free meal perfect for any day of the week.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?

Yes, dried tarragon can be used; reduce quantity to about 2 teaspoons to match the flavor intensity of fresh herbs.

→ How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling in the sauce?

Whisk the yogurt in over low heat and avoid boiling. Gentle warming preserves its creamy texture.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

Steamed green beans, asparagus, or a fresh light salad complement the flavors beautifully.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative for the yogurt?

Unsweetened oat-based yogurt works well as a substitute for a dairy-free version.

→ What wines complement this dish best?

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling are excellent choices to enhance the meal.