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French Chicken Tarragon

Cultural Context

Originating from the French countryside, Chicken Tarragon is a classic dish that highlights the aromatic herb tarragon, often used in French cuisine for its unique flavor. Traditionally served during family gatherings or special occasions, it embodies the essence of French cooking—simple yet elegant. Today, this dish has found its way into homes around the world, with variations that include different proteins or creaminess levels.

FrenchFRmain
45 min
medium
4 servings
Servings4
1 whole chicken (or buy broken down in 8 pieces)
1 medium carrot
1 celery stick
2 shallots
1½ cup chicken stock
1 tbsp butter
½ cup all purpose (plain) flour
1 shot glass of Cognac or Brandy (optional)
½ cup red wine vinegar
1 cup heavy or thickened cream
4 stalks of fresh tarragon leaves (or use 1.5 tbsp dried)
1 tsp mustard
Salt and pepper

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

white wine

🥗Healthier: non-alcoholic white wine

💰Cheaper: chicken broth

Non-alcoholic options provide similar flavor without alcohol.

1

Break up chicken into 8 pieces.

2

If making a chicken stock, place carcass smashed up in a pot with 1 bay leaf covered in water. Simmer gently 30 minutes. Strain once done and scoop off any fat from the top.

3

Peel then chop or dice the vegetables very finely, shallots, carrot, celery. Set aside.

4

Season the chicken with salt and pepper then generously coat in flour.

5

In a large oven proof frying pan or Dutch oven, add 2 tbsp olive oil on high heat. Add the chicken pieces skin side down and sauté until nicely brown on each side. Only cook a few pieces at a time. Remove chicken and set aside.

6

To the same pan on medium heat, add 1 tbsp butter, and the chopped vegetables. Leave to sweat a minute or two. Deglaze with the cognac, (flambe if safe) then add the red wine vinegar, the chicken stock. Mix well.

7

Return the chicken pieces to the pan by placing them in the sauce skin side up.

8

Bake in oven for 30 min at 350°F – 180°C. If your oven isn’t convection you may need an extra 10 minutes or so. This can also depend on the size of your chicken. Use a meat thermometer if in doubt.

9

Once cooked, remove the chicken pieces, and put them in a warm spot. Ideally on a plate or a pan and back in the hot turned off oven.

10

Add the mustard, cream and freshly chopped tarragon to the pan. Add salt and pepper. Reduce and taste for seasoning.

11

Add the crispy chicken pieces skin side up, coat with sauce. Garnish with fresh tarragon leaves and flowers if in season.

Cooking Techniques

sautéingbraising

Equipment Needed

large oven proof frying pan or Dutch ovenmeasuring cupscutting boardknife

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️Contains Alcohol

Dietary

dairy-free

Allergens

dairy

Also Known As

Poulet à l'estragon
Local Name: Poulet à l'estragon

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