Chicken Fillets in Tarragon and Mustard Sauce

Embark on a delightful culinary journey with this sumptuous Chicken Fillets in Tarragon and Mustard Sauce recipe. Enjoy tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious, creamy mustard sauce that's accentuated by the aromatic hint of fresh tarragon. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special gathering, this dish impresses with both its flavor and its simplicity. It's a great choice for enhancing the typical family dinner or for wowing guests at a more formal gathering. The recipe harmonizes classic French elements with easy-to-find ingredients, creating a symphony of tastes on a plate. Providing a comforting warmth from the Dijon mustard and a bright freshness from the tarragon, this is a meal that exudes sophistication yet is incredibly accessible. The moist chicken paired with a rich sauce not only satisfies your hunger but also provides a delightful culinary experience. Coupled with a side of rice, this dish is both hearty and well-balanced, making it a well-loved favorite among home cooks and gourmet enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 4 chicken fillets
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• 3 shallots
• 1/8 liter chicken broth
• 100 g heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 4 sprigs tarragon
• Lemon juice

Preparation Time

Total time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken fillets using paper towels to ensure a good sear during cooking.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat until the butter melts and starts to bubble slightly.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add chicken fillets to the skillet, searing each side until golden brown. This takes about 7 to 8 minutes per side. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
4. Set Aside the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm.
5. Sauté the Shallots: Finely dice the shallots. Using the same pan, sauté them in the remaining fat until they are translucent and tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
6. Create the Sauce Base: Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon.
7. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and return the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for another 3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
8. Incorporate Mustard: Whisk in the Dijon mustard until the sauce is well-combined. Continue simmering for 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
9. Flavor the Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Add a few drops of lemon juice for freshness.
10. Prepare Tarragon: While the sauce simmers, rinse the tarragon under cold water, pluck the leaves from the stems, and chop them finely.
11. Add Tarragon to Sauce: Stir the chopped tarragon into the sauce until evenly distributed, letting the flavors meld for another minute.
12. Finish Cooking Chicken: Return the chicken fillets to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid.
13. Simmer to Perfection: Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for about 20 minutes. This allows the chicken to absorb the flavors and ensures it remains moist.
14. Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
15. Final Adjustments: Before serving, taste the sauce and add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if desired.
16. Serve: Plate the chicken fillets, generously spooning the sauce over each portion.
17. Garnish: For an added touch, sprinkle a few tarragon leaves on top of the chicken.
18. Accompany: Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the luxurious sauce.
19. Presentation: For an elegant presentation, consider using a white dish to make the golden sauce pop.
20. Enjoy: Dig into the beautifully aromatic and flavorful dish, celebrating your culinary success with each bite.

Tips

• For a lower-fat alternative, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
• Fresh tarragon is best, but if unavailable, a small amount of dried tarragon can be used. Adjust to taste.
• Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken for a perfect sear.
• Consider using a meat thermometer for precise cooking.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
• Protein: 36g
• Fats: 28g
• Carbs: 4g

Variations

• Substitute chicken with turkey cutlets for a different protein option.
• For a vegetarian version, use thick tofu slices and vegetable broth in place of chicken.
• Try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed jasmine rice or wild rice for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables for added texture and color.
• Accompany with a light, crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Best Places

• Le Relais de l'Entrecôte - Famous for its steak and secret sauce that beautifully pairs with chicken. Location: 15 Rue Marbeuf, Paris, France.
• The Ledbury - Offers a refined dining experience with elegant sauces. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, London, UK.
• Balthazar - Known for its classic French bistro ambiance and exquisite sauces. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, USA.
• L'Arpège - Celebrated for its creativity with sauces and farm-fresh ingredients. Location: 84 Rue de Varenne, Paris, France.
• Chez Panisse - Renowned for infusing organic, seasonal flavors in dishes. Location: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, USA.
• Osteria Francescana - Combines Italian artistry with innovative sauce applications. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.
• Eleven Madison Park - Offers modern elegance with a focus on intricate sauce work. Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, USA.
• The French Laundry - Known for its meticulous approach to sauces and haute cuisine. Location: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, USA.
• El Celler de Can Roca - Offers a creative menu highlighted by impressive saucier skills. Location: Carrer de Can Sunyer, 48, Girona, Spain.
• Per Se - Elegant dining showcasing masterful sauce craft. Location: 10 Columbus Circle, New York, USA.