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 recipe quickly became a family favorite because of its rich flavor and simple preparation.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: about 600 g
- 250 g cremini or white mushrooms: sliced
- 1 medium shallot: finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic: minced
- 120 ml heavy cream: ½ cup
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter:
- 2 tbsp olive oil:
- 120 ml low sodium chicken broth: ½ cup
- 2 tbsp fresh tarragon: chopped or 2 tsp dried tarragon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh tarragon sprigs: garnish optional
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 4 5 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 sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 4:
- Stir in mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 6 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 5 7 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 dish often brings everyone to the table with smiles and requests for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with rice mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Variations
Substitute boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option or use half and half instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
Wine Pairing
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the tarragon and mushrooms perfectly.
Save Enjoy this elegant yet simple skillet meal any night of the week for impressive flavors in minimal time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What mushrooms work best for this dish?
Cremini or white mushrooms are ideal for their earthy flavor and texture, complementing the tender chicken perfectly.
- → Can I substitute the chicken breasts with another cut?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful result, cooking times may vary slightly.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce richness while maintaining a creamy texture.
- → What side dishes pair well with this skillet meal?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are excellent choices to complement the creamy tarragon sauce.
- → Is fresh tarragon necessary or can dried be used?
Fresh tarragon offers a brighter flavor, but dried tarragon works well; use about one-third the amount of fresh.