Every now and then, I stumble upon a recipe that quickly becomes the star of my weeknight meal rotation. One of those magical dishes is Creamy French Chicken Tarragon (Poulet à l’Estragon). The first time I made this, I was instantly transported to a cozy French bistro, sipping on a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savoring every bite of the creamy sauce.

The aniseed-laced aroma of fresh tarragon mingling with tender chicken was enough to win over my entire dinner table. Now, it’s a go-to recipe for when I want elegant comfort with minimal fuss, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

Creamy French Chicken Tarragon (Poulet à L’Estragon)

Why I Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this comforting classic has earned a permanent spot on my dinner table:

1. Perfect Balance of Comfort and Elegance

This dish combines the richness of creamy potatoes with the savory goodness of meatloaf. It feels both homestyle and special enough for guests.

2. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor

You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make this recipe shine. Each item is purposeful, creating bold flavor with simplicity.

3. Great for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, it fits right in. It’s versatile, satisfying, and always gets compliments.

Recipe Breakdown

A quick glance at the time and tools you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

Total Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

What You’ll Need in Your Kitchen?

Here’s a list of all the tools to keep things seamless:

Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowls
Tongs

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Tarragon

Here’s your shopping list for this classic French dish:

Chicken
Salt
Black pepper
Unsalted butter
Onion
Garlic
Chicken stock
Dry white wine
Fresh tarragon
Heavy cream

How to Cook Creamy French Chicken Tarragon?

Here’s how you can recreate this French bistro favorite step by step:

1. Prep Your Chicken

One hour before cooking, rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season each piece generously with salt and pepper. Leave it at room temperature for an hour to absorb the flavors.

2. Sear to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F . Melt butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken pieces skin-side down without crowding the pan. Cook for 10 minutes without flipping until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and set aside.

3. Build the Flavor Base

Using the same skillet (don’t clean it!), sauté the sliced onions and garlic in the rendered chicken fat. Stir occasionally for 8–10 minutes until the onions are lightly caramelized.

4. Deglaze and Simmer

Nestle the chicken back into the skillet on top of the onion mixture. Sprinkle chopped tarragon over the top. Pour in the white wine and chicken stock, bringing everything to a gentle simmer.

5. Cook to Tenderness

Transfer the skillet to the oven, cover with a lid or foil, and bake for 30 minutes. The chicken will get incredibly tender as it absorbs the delicious braising liquids.

6. Finish with Cream

Remove the chicken from the skillet again, keeping it warm under foil. Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Deglaze the pan as you stir, scraping up all the browned bits for maximum flavor. Return the chicken to the skillet, coat it in the sauce, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken hot, garnished with additional fresh tarragon for a burst of color and flavor.

Perfect Pairings and Side Dishes

Add these accompanying ideas to create a complete meal that’s as impressive as it is satisfying:

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Pour the luscious tarragon sauce over buttery mashed potatoes .
Steamed Green Beans Almondine: The crunch of almonds complements the rich sauce perfectly .
Tagliatelle Pasta: A classic French way to serve this creamy dish .
Crusty Baguette: A must for dipping into the creamy sauce .
A Glass of Dry White Wine: Pair with Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to elevate the flavors .

Secrets to Making It Even Better

Choose Fresh Tarragon: The unique aniseed flavor of fresh tarragon is essential to this dish. Avoid substituting with dried tarragon as it won’t deliver the same vibrant taste.
Use Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in cuts like thighs or drumsticks bring more depth of flavor to the dish.
Don’t Skip the Searing Step: Browning the chicken first locks in moisture and creates those irresistible crispy edges.
Pick the Right Wine: A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is best for cooking and pairs beautifully with the dish.
Careful Sauce Thickening: Stir the cream slowly to prevent curdling, and scrape the pan to incorporate all the delicious caramelized bits.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fat: 35g
Sodium: 580mg

Storing and Reusing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reuse them for round two:

Refrigeration

Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain the creamy texture.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, as they tend to separate when thawed. Stick to refrigerating for the best results.

Creative Leftover Ideas

Tarragon Chicken Pasta: Shred the leftover chicken and mix with the sauce and cooked pasta .
Creamy Chicken Rice Bowl: Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed rice for a comforting lunch.

Lovely Garnish and Serving Additions

Fresh Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon for a bright, tangy note.
Creative Veggies: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or leeks into the sauce for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Creamy French Chicken Tarragon embodies everything I love about French cooking 🇫🇷. It’s elegant but unfussy, classic yet simple to prepare. With its tender chicken and decadent sauce, this recipe truly delivers.

Make it for your family, impress your guests, or treat yourself to a luxurious evening meal. Bon appétit!