Name: French Chicken with Tarragon and Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs or breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 onion, sliced; 2 carrots, sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped

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If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, then this French Chicken with Tarragon and Vegetables Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures the essence of classic French cooking—light, elegant, and bursting with the fresh aroma of tarragon paired perfectly with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. Every bite offers a creamy, herb-infused experience that’s both comforting and sophisticated, making it a standout meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three raw chicken pieces placed in the center of a white plate against a white marbled surface. Surrounding the plate are small clear bowls and containers holding different ingredients: sliced bright orange carrots in the top left, whole purple-red potatoes in the top center, a can of tomato sauce on the top right, a pitcher of light yellow liquid with two white spoons inside on the far right, and smaller clear bowls below filled with white creamy substance, a golden-brown liquid, minced garlic, and various green dried herbs. The setup is clean and organized, presenting a clear view of each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is the foundation of this French Chicken with Tarragon and Vegetables Recipe. Each item brings something special—whether it’s the warmth of the olive oil, the sweet earthiness of the carrots, or the fresh brightness of tarragon—to create a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.

6 chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option; both absorb flavors beautifully.
1 tbsp olive oil: A good-quality olive oil adds subtle richness and helps to brown the chicken perfectly.
1 onion, sliced: Adds a natural sweetness that deepens as it sautés.
2 carrots, sliced: Bring a lovely pop of color and a gentle crunch to the dish.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Earthy mushrooms add depth and umami to the sauce.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic lends a fragrant hint that enhances every bite.
1 cup chicken broth: The simmering base that keeps the chicken tender and infuses it with savory goodness.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce that binds all the flavors together.
2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped: The star herb that lends a slightly anise-like, aromatic lift to the dish.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning that makes the flavors pop.

How to Make French Chicken with Tarragon and Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Begin by patting the chicken dry and seasoning each piece generously with salt and pepper. This initial step ensures the chicken develops a delicious crust during cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on both sides until they develop a golden crust. This step locks in the juices. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Sauté until the vegetables soften and their natural sugars start to caramelize. This builds a rich flavor base for the sauce.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Deglaze

Stir in the minced garlic and cook it quickly until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom. These bits are flavor gold!

Step 5: Simmer the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the vegetables and broth. Cover with a lid and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 6: Finish with Cream and Tarragon

Remove the lid, stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh tarragon. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully. This is the magic moment when the dish truly comes alive.

How to Serve French Chicken with Tarragon and Vegetables Recipe

French Chicken with Tarragon and Vegetables Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle a little extra fresh tarragon or chopped parsley over the dish. A few whole tarragon leaves can also elevate the visual appeal and add a fresh herbal aroma that invites you to dig in.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or simple steamed green beans. These sides not only complement the creamy sauce but also soak up every bit of the delicious herb-infused broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic yet elegant touch, serve the chicken and vegetables family-style in a shallow ceramic dish. Alternatively, plate each serving with a drizzle of the sauce artistically swirled around the chicken for a restaurant-quality presentation at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover French Chicken with Tarragon and Vegetables Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers just as delicious.

Freezing

If you plan to freeze the dish, do so without the cream added. Freeze the chicken and vegetables in a sealed container for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight and add cream fresh upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce creamy, avoiding dryness or separation.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly in this French Chicken with Tarragon and Vegetables Recipe. Just keep a close eye to avoid overcooking since breasts cook a bit faster than thighs.

Is fresh tarragon essential?

Fresh tarragon imparts a brighter, more nuanced flavor that really makes this dish special. If you only have dried, use about one-third the amount, but fresh is definitely recommended.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream for a dairy-free, yet still creamy, alternative. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

Feel free to get creative! Green beans, peas, or even leeks can be excellent additions to enrich texture and color while staying true to the dish’s fresh vegetable vibe.

How long can I keep the leftovers?

Refrigerated leftovers are best eaten within 3 days to enjoy the best flavor and texture. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you want to bring a touch of French countryside charm to your dinner table, this French Chicken with Tarragon and Vegetables Recipe is your perfect go-to. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough to impress company. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to its creamy, herbaceous goodness time and again.