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French Chicken Tarragon

This classic French chicken tarragon is a sophisticated yet simple dish that brings the elegant flavours of a Parisian bistro to your home kitchen. The succulent chicken thighs are slow-cooked until tender in a fragrant base of dry white wine and fresh herbs, resulting in a beautifully balanced savoury profile. The addition of silky crème fraîche and a hint of lemon zest creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that perfectly complements the aniseed notes of the fresh tarragon.

As a high-protein main course, this recipe is both nourishing and deeply satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a healthy midweek dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch with friends. Serve it alongside steamed seasonal greens or buttery new potatoes to soak up the delicious juices. It is a timeless homemade favourite that relies on quality ingredients to deliver maximum flavour with minimal effort.

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Ingredients for French Chicken Tarragon

  • 6 large chicken thighs (about 1.4kg )

  • Salt and pepper

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 shallots, finely diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced

  • 2 teaspoons chopped tarragon, plus whole leaves for garnish

  • 1 cup Blond Chicken Broth

  • 120ml dry white wine

  • 120ml crème fraîche

  • 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature.

Heat the oven to 204°C. Put an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and shallots and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and chopped tarragon and cook for 1 minute (be careful not to let the garlic brown). Arrange the chicken thighs in the pot in one layer, add the broth and wine, and bring to a simmer.

Put the lid on and place the pot on the middle shelf of the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 177°C and continue baking for 45 minutes, or until the thighs are tender. Put the thighs on a platter, cover loosely, and keep warm.

Strain the pan juices through a fine sieve into a saucepan and spoon off any rising fat. Place the pan over medium-high heat, add the crème fraîche and lemon zest, and simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

Spoon the sauce over the chicken, garnish with tarragon leaves, and serve.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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