Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of French cuisine! This Dijon Chicken with Tarragon is not just another chicken recipe – it's a symphony of flavors that combines the bold, tangy kick of Dijon mustard with the delicate, aromatic essence of fresh tarragon. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your home cooking and impress everyone at the dinner table with this simple yet sophisticated recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of fresh tarragon (chopped), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard and chopped tarragon. Mix well until the tarragon is evenly distributed throughout the mustard.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a good sear when cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot, but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Once the chicken is seared, remove the skillet from the heat. Spread the Dijon-tarragon mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender.
- Serve the Dijon chicken with tarragon hot, alongside your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use fresh tarragon if possible – its bright, slightly peppery flavor is key to this dish's authenticity. If fresh isn't available, dried tarragon can work, but use about 1 teaspoon instead.
- Invest in a good quality Dijon mustard. The mustard is a star ingredient, so choose a brand with robust flavor.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. 165°F (74°C) is the perfect doneness to ensure both safety and juiciness.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the Dijon-tarragon mixture before spreading it on the chicken.
- Pair this dish with sides that complement its flavors – roasted vegetables, a light salad, or creamy mashed potatoes work wonderfully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 95mg
