I like making this tarragon chicken with asparagus when I want something elegant yet easy to prepare. The tender chicken paired with fresh asparagus and a lightly herbed sauce creates a dish that feels both comforting and refined.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy how this recipe highlights simple ingredients with delicate flavors. The tarragon adds a subtle, aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the chicken. I also appreciate how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- chicken breast or thighs
- olive oil or butter
- garlic
- fresh tarragon
- asparagus
- chicken broth
- lemon juice
- salt
- black pepper
Directions
I start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Then I heat olive oil or butter in a pan and cook the chicken over medium heat for about 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, I sauté garlic briefly, then add asparagus and cook until tender but still crisp.
I pour in chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice, letting it simmer for a few minutes to create a light sauce.
I return the chicken to the pan, sprinkle in fresh tarragon, and let everything cook together for another few minutes so the flavors blend.
I serve it warm, spooning some of the sauce and asparagus over the chicken.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Preparation takes around 10–15 minutes, cooking about 20 minutes, making the total time approximately 30–35 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add a splash of cream for a richer sauce. When I want extra flavor, I include mushrooms or shallots. I also like serving it over rice or pasta to make it more filling.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a little broth if needed to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use dried tarragon instead of fresh?
I sometimes use dried tarragon, just reducing the amount since it’s more concentrated.
What can I use instead of asparagus?
I replace it with green beans or broccoli when needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I prepare it in advance and reheat it gently before serving.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
I avoid overcooking and let it rest briefly before serving.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, I use olive oil instead of butter and skip any added cream.
Conclusion
I find this tarragon chicken with asparagus to be a simple yet flavorful dish that feels both fresh and comforting. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for a delicious, well-balanced meal.
PrintTarragon Chicken with Asparagus
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An elegant yet easy tarragon chicken dish served with tender asparagus and a light, flavorful herb sauce.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add asparagus and cook until tender-crisp, about 4–5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, letting it simmer for a few minutes to form a light sauce.
- Return the chicken to the pan and sprinkle with fresh tarragon.
- Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve warm with asparagus and sauce spooned over the chicken.
Notes
- Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce.
- Include mushrooms or shallots for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve over rice or pasta for a more filling meal.
- Use dried tarragon if fresh is unavailable, reducing the amount.
- Reheat gently with a bit of broth to maintain moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
