Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Meals

This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, simmered in a creamy sauce infused with fresh tarragon, Dijon mustard, and a touch of lemon. The sauce uses low-fat Greek yogurt for a light yet indulgent finish, balanced with sautéed shallots and garlic. It's a quick, easy main dish ideal for those seeking a flavorful meal without heaviness. Serve alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a wholesome experience.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:47:00 GMT
Golden chicken breasts smothered in creamy tarragon sauce, a lighter version of classic French cuisine. Pin
Golden chicken breasts smothered in creamy tarragon sauce, a lighter version of classic French cuisine. | forkandbloom.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 became a favorite because it combines fresh herbs with creamy textures without the heaviness of traditional cream sauces.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: 4 boneless skinless (about 150 g each)
  • Shallot: 1 small finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Low-fat Greek yogurt: 120 ml
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: 120 ml
  • Dijon mustard: 2 tsp
  • Fresh tarragon: 2 tbsp chopped or 2 tsp dried
  • Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp chopped optional
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp freshly ground
  • Olive oil: 2 tsp

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.
A close-up of Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, showcasing the tender chicken and flavorful, herb-infused sauce. Pin
A close-up of Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, showcasing the tender chicken and flavorful, herb-infused sauce. | forkandbloom.com

This dish always brings my family together around the dinner table for a comforting meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed green beans asparagus or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.

Dietary Notes

Suitable for low fat and gluten-free diets. For a dairy-free version use unsweetened oat-based yogurt.

Wine Pairing

Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling to complement the herbs and creamy sauce.

Enjoy a comforting plate of Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, served with fresh herbs for a flavorful dinner. Pin
Enjoy a comforting plate of Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, served with fresh herbs for a flavorful dinner. | forkandbloom.com

Enjoy this lighter creamy tarragon chicken as a healthy indulgence any night of the week.

Recipe Q&A

Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?

Yes, dried tarragon can be used. Use about one-third the amount of fresh tarragon to retain the aromatic flavor.

How do I prevent the yogurt from curdling in the sauce?

Whisk the yogurt into the sauce over low heat and avoid boiling. Gentle warming preserves the creamy texture without curdling.

What can I serve with this dish?

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

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the yogurt?

Yes, unsweetened oat-based yogurt works well as a substitute without compromising the creamy consistency.

How long does the dish take to prepare and cook?

Preparation takes about 15 minutes and cooking about 20 minutes, making it suitable for a quick weeknight dish.

Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Tender chicken in creamy tarragon sauce with fresh herbs and lemon, offering a light, flavorful dish.

Prep duration
15 min
Cooking duration
20 min
Complete duration
35 min


Skill level Easy

Origin French

Yield 4 Portions

Dietary specifications Gluten-free, Low-Carb

Components

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

Prepare and season chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and 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. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Deglaze skillet: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 05

Incorporate sauce ingredients: Reduce heat to low and whisk in Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and half of the chopped tarragon. Stir gently until sauce is smooth and warmed through without boiling.

Step 06

Combine chicken with sauce: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them with the sauce. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reheat and meld flavors.

Step 07

Finish and serve: Sprinkle remaining tarragon and parsley over the dish before serving.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Contains dairy from Greek yogurt
  • Contains mustard
  • Check chicken broth and mustard labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Calories: 240
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Carbs: 5 g
  • Protein: 38 g