This elegant Fricassee of Chicken with Tarragon is a quintessential French dish that balances rich, creamy textures with the bright, anise-like notes of fresh herbs. The chicken is gently poached to remain tender, then finished in a luxurious sauce thickened with flour and enriched with heavy cream. Earthy mushrooms and sweet carrots add depth and color to the plate. It is an ideal choice for a special dinner party or a cozy weeknight meal when you want something sophisticated yet comforting. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the quality of the chicken and the freshness of the tarragon to shine through, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.
Fricassee Of Chicken With Tarragon
Description
This elegant Fricassee of Chicken with Tarragon is a quintessential French dish that balances rich, creamy textures with the bright, anise-like notes of fresh herbs. The chicken is gently poached to remain tender, then finished in a luxurious sauce thickened with flour and enriched with heavy cream. Earthy mushrooms and sweet carrots add depth and color to the plate. It is an ideal choice for a special dinner party or a cozy weeknight meal when you want something sophisticated yet comforting. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the quality of the chicken and the freshness of the tarragon to shine through, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.Ingredients
Directions
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Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
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Heat the butter in a large, heavy skillet large enough to hold the chicken pieces in one layer.
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Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, without browning, about 5 minutes.
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Add the onion, garlic, and tarragon and stir well.
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Sprinkle with the flour, stirring to distribute the flour evenly.
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Add the water, carrot, and mushrooms.
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Cover and cook about 15-20 minutes until chicken is tender.
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Remove the chicken pieces, carrot, and mushrooms to a warmed serving dish and keep hot.
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Let the sauce cook down, stirring often, about 5 minutes.
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Add the cream and salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer about 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Pour a little sauce over the chicken and serve the rest separately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 949.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 47.7g74%
- Saturated Fat 13.1g66%
- Cholesterol 353.6mg118%
- Sodium 325.7mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 107.3g215%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Do not brown the chicken initially; the goal is to poach it gently to keep the meat tender and the sauce clear and light in color before adding the cream.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount of cornstarch as flour).
If using dried tarragon, use 1 teaspoon instead of 1 tablespoon. Fresh tarragon is preferred for its delicate flavor.
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans.
