Lighter creamy tarragon chicken

Featured in: Herb-Inspired Dishes

This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, then gently coated in a light creamy tarragon sauce. The sauce combines low-fat Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh tarragon, and a touch of lemon juice, creating a balanced, fresh flavor. Cooked shallots and garlic add depth, while the sauce stays smooth and indulgent without heaviness. Serve it with steamed vegetables or a crisp side for a wholesome, flavorful meal.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:28:00 GMT
Golden-brown Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, tenderly coated in a vibrant, fragrant sauce, is ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, tenderly coated in a vibrant, fragrant sauce, is ready to serve. | velvetthyme.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 favorite in my household for its creamy texture without the heaviness.

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
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • 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 56 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 12 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 23 minutes to heat through.
Step 7:
Sprinkle with remaining tarragon and parsley before serving.
A close-up view of a flavorful Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken dish, garnished with fresh herbs, is irresistible. Save to Pinterest
A close-up view of a flavorful Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken dish, garnished with fresh herbs, is irresistible. | velvetthyme.com

This meal always brings my family together around the table enjoying both the flavors and company.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed green beans asparagus or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Dietary Variations

For a dairy-free version use unsweetened oat-based yogurt and check all labels for allergens.

Pairing Recommendations

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

Enjoy this comforting dish of Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, with creamy sauce and chicken prepared to perfection. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy this comforting dish of Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, with creamy sauce and chicken prepared to perfection. | velvetthyme.com

This lighter creamy tarragon chicken is a quick healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Recipe FAQs

How do I keep the yogurt sauce from curdling?

Whisk the yogurt in over low heat and avoid boiling once added to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.

Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?

Yes, replace fresh tarragon with about one-third the amount of dried tarragon for the best flavor balance.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

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

How to make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute low-fat Greek yogurt with an unsweetened oat-based yogurt alternative to keep the creamy texture without dairy.

Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, ensure that the chicken broth and mustard used are certified gluten-free to maintain dietary restrictions.

Lighter creamy tarragon chicken

Tender chicken in a light creamy tarragon sauce with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon zest.

Prep time
15 min
Time for cooking
20 min
Total process time
35 min
Created by Velvet Thyme Eleanor Hayes

Recipe category Herb-Inspired Dishes

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type French

Yield amount 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Free from gluten, Low carb

List of ingredients

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 ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
02 ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
03 2 tsp Dijon mustard

Herbs & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (or 2 tsp dried tarragon)
02 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
03 1 tbsp lemon juice
04 ½ tsp salt
05 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Cooking

01 2 tsp olive oil

How to make it

Step 01

Season chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Cook 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 loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Deglaze pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan surface. Simmer gently for 2 minutes to concentrate flavors.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with remaining tarragon and optional parsley before plating. Serve immediately.

Essential tools

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

Allergy warnings

Be sure to carefully review every ingredient for allergens and seek expert advice as needed.
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt) and mustard. Verify chicken broth and mustard labels for potential gluten or other allergens.

Nutrition details per serving

Details here are meant for guidance. Please contact health professionals for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 240
  • Fat content: 6 g
  • Carbohydrate: 5 g
  • Protein amount: 38 g