Are you looking for a healthy recipe that feels indulgent but fits your lifestyle? This chicken dish brings restaurant-quality food to your kitchen with minimal effort.
The creamy tarragon sauce, paired with perfectly cooked chicken breasts, strikes the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition. It’s a simple yet elegant choice for weeknight dinners or even a special occasion.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This recipe is a wonderful example of how healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. The star of the dish, tarragon, is an herb often overlooked in everyday cooking, yet it delivers a subtle, anise-like flavor that elevates the creamy sauce.
The chicken is seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a light but flavorful sauce made with low-sodium chicken broth and plain Greek yogurt. These wholesome ingredients not only keep the dish lighter but also add extra protein and nutrients.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
If you’re tired of bland chicken recipes, this one will change your perspective. The sauce, enhanced with Dijon mustard and fresh lemon zest, coats the chicken in a velvety texture that’s both luxurious and healthy.
Tips for Making This Dish Even Better
- Use high-quality chicken breasts: Opt for free-range or organic chicken for the best flavor and texture. It’s worth the extra cost for recipes like this where the chicken is the focal point.
- Experiment with the sauce consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, a touch more arrowroot powder will do the trick. Just be cautious not to overdo it, as the texture can quickly become too heavy.
- Customize your sides: Pair the chicken with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad to round out the meal. You can also serve it over brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and heartiness.
Substitutions & Modifications
This recipe is naturally adaptable to suit different dietary needs. Here are a few simple swaps:
- Gluten-free: The recipe is already gluten-free, thanks to the use of arrowroot powder instead of traditional flour.
- Dairy-free: Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative. Coconut yogurt works especially well, adding a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- Low-carb: Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to make it keto-friendly.
Making Meal Prep Easier
This recipe is perfect for meal prepping because it reheats beautifully. The chicken stays tender, and the sauce retains its creamy consistency when stored properly.
To save time, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm it up and combine it with freshly cooked chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines when paired with sides that soak up the creamy sauce. Consider these combinations:
- Garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Steamed green beans or asparagus for a lighter, veggie-forward plate.
- Wild rice pilaf for an earthy complement to the tarragon flavors.
No matter how you serve it, this chicken recipe brings a touch of sophistication to your dinner table. The combination of creamy sauce, aromatic tarragon, and tender chicken is sure to impress family and friends.
Healthy food doesn’t have to lack flavor or excitement, and this chicken breasts with tarragon cream sauce recipe is proof. With its simple preparation, nutrient-packed ingredients, and gourmet appeal, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Healthy Chicken Breasts with Tarragon Cream Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless,skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each), lightly pounded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons diced shallots
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon plus more for garnish
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon about 1/2 tablespoon zest + 1 1/2 tablespoons juice
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot powder
- 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Lightly season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the outside is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the diced shallots and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about a minute until softened and aromatic. Stir in the chicken broth and yogurt, whisking to eliminate any lumps. Add the Dijon mustard, tarragon, and the lemon zest and juice, stirring to create a smooth mixture.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the arrowroot powder with water to form a slurry. Gradually pour this into the sauce while stirring, allowing it to thicken slightly as it simmers. Make sure the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce generously over them. Allow the chicken to warm through in the sauce for a few minutes. Garnish with additional fresh tarragon before serving.
Notes
- To achieve a thicker sauce, mix in an extra teaspoon of arrowroot powder and water. Be cautious not to overdo it, as the sauce can become overly thick.
- Serve this dish with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to complement the creamy tarragon sauce.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended due to the separation of cream-based sauces.
- Reheat by covering with foil in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.