Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Featured in: Fresh & Flavorful

This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a light, creamy sauce enriched with fresh tarragon and a touch of lemon juice. Shallots and garlic add aromatic depth, while Dijon mustard and Greek yogurt create a smooth, tangy base without heaviness. Perfectly seasoned and simmered to retain moisture and flavor, it's an easy French-inspired dish ideal for a wholesome meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or a crisp white wine for a balanced dining experience.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:22:00 GMT
Golden-brown Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, simmered in a creamy, herby sauce and ready to serve. Save
Golden-brown Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken, simmered in a creamy, herby sauce and ready to serve. | snacksplat.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.

I have made this dish several times when I wanted a comforting meal without the heaviness of cream. It never disappoints.

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.
A close-up of steaming Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken with fresh tarragon garnish, deliciously savory. Save
A close-up of steaming Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken with fresh tarragon garnish, deliciously savory. | snacksplat.com

This recipe always brings family together and sparks great conversations over a healthy meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed green beans asparagus or a light salad for a complete dinner.

Variations

For a dairy-free option use unsweetened oat-based yogurt and adjust seasonings accordingly.

Wine Pairing

Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry Riesling enhancing the citrus and herb notes.

Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, flavorful lighter creamy tarragon sauce, perfect for dinner. Save
Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, flavorful lighter creamy tarragon sauce, perfect for dinner. | snacksplat.com

This lighter creamy tarragon chicken offers a perfect balance of health and taste to brighten your weeknight dinners.

Recipe Guide

What cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for even cooking and tender results.

How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Gently warm the sauce after adding yogurt and avoid boiling to keep it smooth and creamy.

Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?

Yes, substitute 2 teaspoons of dried tarragon for 2 tablespoons of fresh, adjusting to taste.

What sides complement this dish well?

Steamed green beans, asparagus, or a light salad balance the creamy chicken beautifully.

Is there an alternative to Greek yogurt for dairy-free diets?

Unsweetened oat-based yogurt works as a dairy-free substitute without sacrificing creaminess.

Lighter Creamy Tarragon Chicken

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy tarragon sauce with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon.

Prep duration
15 min
Kitchen time
20 min
Complete duration
35 min
Created by Katie Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage French

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels No gluten, Carb-conscious

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 1/2 cup low-fat Greek yogurt
02 1/2 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 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cooking

01 2 teaspoons olive oil

Method

Step 01

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

Step 02

Sear the 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. Remove chicken and cover loosely with foil.

Step 03

Sauté shallot and garlic: 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 more, stirring constantly.

Step 04

Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the skillet's browned bits to deglaze. Allow to simmer gently for 2 minutes.

Step 05

Incorporate sauce ingredients: Lower heat to low. Whisk in Dijon mustard, low-fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and half of the fresh tarragon. Stir continuously until sauce is smooth and warmed without boiling to avoid curdling.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Sprinkle remaining tarragon and optionally fresh parsley over the chicken before serving.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from Greek yogurt
  • Contains mustard
  • Verify chicken broth and mustard labels for gluten or additional allergens if sensitive

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 240
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Proteins: 38 g