Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Featured in: Quick Dude Dinners

This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and coated in a lighter creamy tarragon sauce. Freshly chopped shallots and garlic create a savory base, enhanced by Dijon mustard and a gentle touch of lemon juice for brightness. Low-fat Greek yogurt adds creaminess without heaviness. Garnished with fresh tarragon and parsley, it offers a fresh herbaceous finish. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal with balanced flavors and minimal fat.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:36:00 GMT
Tender Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken breasts in a luscious sauce, ready for serving with fresh herbs. Pin It
Tender Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken breasts in a luscious sauce, ready for serving with fresh herbs. | dudesnack.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 for its ease and flavor.

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 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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Sharing this meal brings our family closer around the dinner table.

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.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (Greek yogurt, potential mustard traces). Contains mustard. Check chicken broth and mustard labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive.

A close-up of plated Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, showing the creamy texture and herbs sprinkled on top. Pin It
A close-up of plated Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, showing the creamy texture and herbs sprinkled on top. | dudesnack.com

This lighter creamy tarragon chicken is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant weekends.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of chicken is best to use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and tender texture in this dish.

How can I prevent the yogurt from curdling?

Whisk the yogurt in over low heat and avoid boiling the sauce to keep it smooth and creamy.

Can I substitute the tarragon?

Fresh tarragon is ideal, but dried tarragon or a mix of parsley and chervil can provide similar herbal notes.

What sides pair well with this dish?

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

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the yogurt?

Unsweetened oat-based yogurt can be substituted to maintain creaminess without dairy.

Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Tender chicken breasts in a light creamy tarragon sauce balanced with fresh herbs and lemon.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Created by Jake Anderson

Recipe Category Quick Dude Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type French

Output 4 Portion Size

Diet Preferences Free from Gluten, Low in 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 ½ cup low-fat Greek yogurt
02 ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
03 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Herbs & Seasonings

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

Cooking

01 2 teaspoons olive oil

How to Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and loosely cover with foil.

Step 03

Sauté shallot and garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add chopped shallot to skillet, and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release aroma.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Combine and finish cooking: Return chicken breasts to skillet, coat thoroughly with sauce, and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle remaining tarragon and parsley over the dish before plating.

Gear Needed

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

Allergy Details

Always review all ingredients for allergens before starting. Check with a health specialist if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from Greek yogurt
  • Contains mustard
  • Check all labels for gluten or other allergens if sensitive

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for guidance and isn't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 240
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 38 g