Save Tender chicken breasts simmered with earthy mushrooms and fragrant tarragon in a creamy, one-pan sauce—perfect for an elegant yet easy weeknight dinner.
This dish offers a wonderful balance of flavors that impresses guests yet is simple enough for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 600 g)
- Mushrooms: 250 g (9 oz) cremini or white mushrooms sliced
- Shallot: 1 medium finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Heavy cream: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Low sodium chicken broth: 120 ml (½ cup)
- Tarragon: 2 tbsp fresh chopped or 2 tsp dried
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh tarragon sprigs (optional): for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Step 2:
- In a large skillet over medium high heat heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter. Add chicken breasts and sear for 45 minutes per side until golden and mostly cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely.
- Step 3:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Add shallot and sæute for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 4:
- Stir in mushrooms and cook stirring occasionally for 56 minutes until browned and any released liquid has mostly evaporated.
- Step 5:
- Pour in chicken broth scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and tarragon. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 6:
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet nestling them into the sauce. Cook uncovered for 57 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 74°C/165°F) and sauce has thickened slightly.
- Step 7:
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh tarragon if desired. Serve hot.
Save This meal has become a favorite at family dinners especially when served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with rice mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to complement the creamy sauce.
Wine Pairing
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the tarragon and mushrooms perfectly enhancing the dish's flavors.
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Save This creamy tarragon chicken skillet is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of mushrooms work best?
Cremini or white mushrooms are ideal for a rich, earthy flavor and tender texture.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Sear the chicken breasts until golden, then simmer gently in the sauce to lock in moisture.
- → Can I substitute tarragon with other herbs?
Fresh tarragon offers a unique flavor, but thyme or marjoram can be used as alternatives for different herb notes.
- → Is it possible to lighten the creamy sauce?
Yes, replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter yet still creamy texture.
- → What sides complement this dish well?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread work great to soak up the flavorful sauce.