Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Featured in: Bite-Size Snacks

Experience tender chicken breasts gently cooked and coated in a creamy sauce infused with fresh tarragon and parsley. The dish balances light Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard and chicken broth, brightened by a touch of lemon juice. A harmonious blend of herbs and spices creates a flavorful yet delicate meal perfect for a quick, wholesome dinner. Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a fresh finish.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:28:00 GMT
Lighter creamy tarragon chicken, golden seared, in a luscious sauce, perfect served with fresh herbs. Save to Pinterest
Lighter creamy tarragon chicken, golden seared, in a luscious sauce, perfect served with fresh herbs. | funcockts.com

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 quickly became a family favorite for its vibrant flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: about 150 g each
  • 1 small shallot: finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic: minced
  • 120 ml low-fat Greek yogurt:
  • 120 ml low-sodium chicken broth:
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard:
  • 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:
  • 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 sauté 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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| funcockts.com

This meal always brings my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter.

Notes

Serve with steamed green beans, asparagus, or a light salad. For a dairy-free version, use unsweetened oat-based yogurt. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

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

Tender, juicy lighter creamy tarragon chicken, ready to enjoy, with a creamy, herby sauce. Save to Pinterest
Tender, juicy lighter creamy tarragon chicken, ready to enjoy, with a creamy, herby sauce. | funcockts.com

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner without compromising flavor or nutrition.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Warm the yogurt-based sauce gently over low heat without boiling, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth texture.

Can I substitute the chicken breasts?

Yes, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

What herbs complement the tarragon sauce?

Fresh parsley pairs well, adding brightness and enhancing the herbal notes of tarragon.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the creamy component?

You can replace Greek yogurt with unsweetened oat-based yogurt for a dairy-free option.

What side dishes pair well with this dish?

Steamed green beans, asparagus, or a light salad complement the flavors and keep the meal balanced.

How should the chicken be seasoned before cooking?

Simply season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors before searing.

Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Tender chicken breasts in a creamy tarragon sauce with fresh herbs and lemon zest.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Authored by Funcockts Ethan Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine French

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Facts No Gluten, Low Carbohydrate

What You Need

Proteins

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 5.3 oz each)

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 1 small shallot, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces & Dairy

01 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
02 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
03 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Herbs & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped or 2 teaspoons dried tarragon
02 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
03 1 tablespoon lemon juice
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking

01 2 teaspoons olive oil

Directions

Step 01

Season chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.

Step 02

Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Step 03

Sauté aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add chopped shallot to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 04

Deglaze pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the skillet to loosen browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes to concentrate flavors.

Step 05

Create sauce: Reduce heat to low. Whisk in Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and half of the tarragon. Stir gently until smooth and warmed through, avoiding boiling to prevent curdling.

Step 06

Combine chicken and sauce: Return chicken to the skillet, coating with sauce. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with remaining tarragon and parsley just before serving to enhance freshness.

Tools Needed

  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens and reach out to a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy from Greek yogurt and possible mustard traces
  • Contains mustard
  • Check chicken broth and mustard labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition details are just for reference and can't replace professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 240
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 38 g