I have to tell you, every time I make this Creamy French Chicken Tarragon Poulet a Lestragon, it feels like a little culinary escape to France. The tender chicken pieces bathed in a rich, herb-infused sauce are a complete showstopper.

Whether I’m treating myself on a quiet evening or impressing friends at a dinner party, this dish never fails. That hint of fresh tarragon makes it so unique and memorable. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat!

What You’ll Need for This French Favorite

Want to nail this dish? It starts with the right ingredients. Each one serves a purpose, so don’t skip or skimp!

1 whole chicken (cut into 6 pieces, or opt for your favorite parts): The combination of white and dark meat adds flavor.
2 tsp salt and 1 tsp ground black pepper: For seasoning the chicken perfectly.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter gives the sauce its rich, deep flavor.
1 medium onion (sliced) or 2 shallots (sliced): Shallots add a delicate sweetness, while onions provide a bolder flavor.
2 garlic cloves, diced: Always use fresh garlic for the best punch of flavor.
1 cup chicken stock and ½ cup dry white wine: These lay the foundation of the sauce, giving it body and brightness.
2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (plus extra for garnish): Fresh French tarragon is what makes this dish shine!
½ cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce that luscious, creamy finish.
Additional salt and pepper to taste.

Note: This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it perfect for a small family dinner or leftovers the next day.

Switch It Up with These Variations

Get creative by tweaking the recipe to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences!

Meat Substitutes: Boneless chicken thighs or breasts work wonderfully if you don’t have a whole chicken.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute to maintain that creamy texture.
Veggie Additions: Toss in mushrooms, carrots, or baby potatoes to bulk up the dish.
Tarragon Swap: While fresh French tarragon is best, parsley or thyme can work in a pinch for a slightly different flavor.

Timing Made Simple

Here’s how long you’ll need to make this French delight:

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

Kitchen Essentials for Fuss-Free Cooking

Ensure smooth sailing in the kitchen with the right tools:

Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven: Perfect for both stovetop cooking and baking in the oven.
Tongs: Essential for flipping chicken pieces without the mess.
Mixing spoon: Great for stirring the sauce until it’s perfectly creamy.
Knife and cutting board: To slice onions, garlic, and tarragon effortlessly.

How to Make Creamy French Chicken Tarragon?

Once you’ve gathered everything you need, it’s time to create magic in the kitchen. This step-by-step guide will make it a breeze!

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel for a beautifully crisp skin. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. This step is key to locking in flavor. Leave the chicken at room temperature for an hour while you preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Melt butter in your skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken, skin-side down, and sear for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 10 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside, keeping all those tasty drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add the sliced onions (or shallots) and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until they’re soft and lightly caramelized. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your sauce.

Step 4: Simmer with Stock, Wine, and Tarragon

Nestle the chicken pieces back into the skillet, layering them over the onions. Sprinkle with fresh tarragon, then pour in chicken stock and white wine. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors combine beautifully.

Step 5: Bake Until Tender

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This slow baking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and juicy.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and place it back on the stovetop. Remove the chicken temporarily, then stir in the heavy cream. Simmer the mixture gently until it thickens to a velvety sauce. Once ready, return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to coat it.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped tarragon for extra fragrance. Serve hot, and watch the compliments roll in!

Pro Tips for a Next-Level Dish

These extra hacks will make your dish even more amazing:

Use Skin-On Chicken: The skin adds flavor when seared. You can always discard it before eating.
Stick to Dry Wine: A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the taste without turning the sauce too sweet.
Gentle Heat for the Sauce: Stirring over low heat prevents splitting and creates a smooth, luscious sauce.
Go Fresh: Fresh tarragon adds a mouthwatering, anise-like aroma you won’t get from dried herbs.

How to Serve this French Delight?

This dish shines when paired with sides that soak up the sauce. Try serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy white rice. Don’t forget to serve a crusty baguette to mop up every drop of sauce! For a green side, steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach makes a delightful complement. For that perfect wine pairing, you can’t go wrong with a chilled Chardonnay.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutrition per serving of this decadent dish:

Calories: ~300
Protein: ~25g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Fat: ~18g

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

No time to cook on the day of? Here’s how to plan ahead:

Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and sauce a day prior, then reheat gently on the stovetop.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Avoid freezing due to the cream in the sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish. It’s a kitchen favorite for so many reasons!

Simple Yet Elegant: It looks fancy but comes together easily in one pan.
Rich and Comforting: The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it the ultimate comfort food.
Customizable: Change up the ingredients to suit your needs while keeping the French vibe.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Fancy enough for guests but also great for a weekday dinner.
A True French Classic: The fresh tarragon and creamy wine sauce give it an authentic touch.

Dive into this timeless French recipe today and turn your kitchen into a mini Parisian bistro. Bon appétit!