Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Featured in: Warm Family Dinners

Experience tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a rich yet lighter creamy tarragon sauce. Fresh herbs like tarragon and parsley add aromatic depth, while a hint of lemon brightens the dish for balance. The sauce blends low-fat Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth, creating a smooth, flavorful coating. Ideal for a quick, easy meal, it pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Cooking softly on the stove ensures juicy chicken with fragrant herbal notes.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:29:00 GMT
Golden-brown Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, glistening in a light sauce, ready for your plate. Save
Golden-brown Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, glistening in a light sauce, ready for your plate. | cloverhearth.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 family favorite because of its balance between indulgence and lightness.

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.
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This dish often sparks warm family dinners filled with laughter and appreciation for simple yet delicious meals.

Notes

Serve with steamed green beans asparagus or a light salad. For a dairy-free version use unsweetened oat-based yogurt. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories 240 Total Fat 6 g Carbohydrates 5 g Protein 38 g

A close-up of Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, creamy sauce with tender chicken and fresh tarragon. Save
A close-up of Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, creamy sauce with tender chicken and fresh tarragon. | cloverhearth.com

This lighter creamy tarragon chicken is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that feels special.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I keep the chicken moist during cooking?

Cook chicken breasts over medium-high heat until golden, then simmer gently in the creamy sauce to retain moisture and tenderness.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free option?

Yes, unsweetened oat-based yogurt works well as a dairy-free alternative without compromising the creamy texture.

What fresh herbs complement tarragon in this dish?

Parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery note that balances tarragon’s anise-like flavor beautifully.

Is it important to avoid boiling the sauce?

Yes, gently warming the sauce prevents the yogurt from curdling and keeps the texture smooth and creamy.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken preparation?

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

Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Tender chicken breasts in a creamy tarragon sauce with herbs and lemon for a light meal.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Cook duration
20 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Recipe by Clover Hearth Emily Dawson

Recipe type Warm Family Dinners

Skill level Easy

Culinary roots French

Servings made 4 Portion size

Diet preferences No gluten, Reduced carbs

What you'll need

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 chopped fresh tarragon (or 2 teaspoons dried tarragon)
02 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (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

How to make it

Step 01

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 and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove and keep warm under foil.

Step 03

Cook aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Sauté chopped shallot in the skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.

Step 04

Deglaze pan: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the skillet bottom. Simmer gently for 2 minutes.

Step 05

Prepare sauce: Lower heat to low. Whisk in Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and half of the chopped tarragon. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and warmed without boiling.

Step 06

Finish dish: Return chicken to skillet, coat with sauce, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle remaining tarragon and optional parsley over the chicken just before serving.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergies, and talk to a medical expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy from Greek yogurt.
  • Contains mustard.
  • Check chicken broth and mustard labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.

Nutrition information (each portion)

Only use this data as a helpful reference—it’s not intended to replace professional health guidance.
  • Calorie count: 240
  • Fat content: 6 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 5 grams
  • Proteins: 38 grams