Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Featured in: Everyday Dinners

This dish features tender chicken breasts simmered gently in a creamy, tangy tarragon sauce made with Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. The sauce balances richness with brightness from lemon juice and fresh parsley, creating an indulgent yet lighter flavor profile. Quick to prepare and cook, it’s ideal for an easy main course paired with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad. The creamy sauce remains smooth by cooking gently without boiling, preserving its silky texture.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:41:00 GMT
Tender lighter creamy tarragon chicken breasts glistening in a creamy, herb-infused sauce, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Tender lighter creamy tarragon chicken breasts glistening in a creamy, herb-infused sauce, ready to serve. | bloomoven.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 has quickly become a favorite for weeknight dinners because it is easy to prepare but tastes impressive and fresh

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (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
Save to Pinterest
| bloomoven.com

This meal often brings the family together at the table for a simple delicious dinner and easy conversation

Notes

Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling for a complete dining experience

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

Golden-brown chicken in a creamy tarragon sauce, a healthy and flavorful version of lighter creamy tarragon chicken. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown chicken in a creamy tarragon sauce, a healthy and flavorful version of lighter creamy tarragon chicken. | bloomoven.com

This lighter creamy tarragon chicken is perfect for quick wholesome meals that don’t compromise on flavor

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?

Yes, dried tarragon works well. Use about one-third the amount of fresh tarragon to maintain balanced flavor.

How can I prevent the yogurt sauce from curdling?

Cook the sauce on low heat and avoid boiling after adding yogurt to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

What sides complement this dish best?

Steamed green beans, asparagus, or a light salad pair nicely to keep the meal fresh and balanced.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for the yogurt?

Unsweetened oat-based yogurt can be substituted for a dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess.

What type of wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling complements the herbal and creamy notes superbly.

Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Tender chicken in creamy tarragon sauce with fresh herbs and lemon, perfect for a light main dish.

Prep Duration
15 min
Cook Duration
20 min
Entire Time
35 min
Created by Rachel Moore

Recipe Group Everyday Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type French

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info No Gluten, Reduced Carb

Ingredient List

Proteins

01 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 5.3 ounces 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 tarragon)
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

Directions

Step 01

Season chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and black 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 chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Deglaze pan: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow to simmer gently for 2 minutes.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Combine chicken with sauce: Return chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through thoroughly.

Step 07

Finish and garnish: Sprinkle remaining tarragon and optional parsley over the chicken before serving.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Notes

Review ingredients to spot any allergens and ask your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from Greek yogurt and mustard; may contain mustard allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Use this info as a reference only; it doesn’t replace health guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 240
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 38 g