Ekani Ella Nigel Slater’s Chicken Tarragon is a classic dish that showcases tender chicken pieces infused with the delicate, aromatic flavor of fresh tarragon. Simmered in a creamy white wine sauce, this dish is both elegant and comforting, making it perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal. With its rich, velvety texture and subtle herbaceous notes, this recipe is a timeless favorite.
What is Nigel Slater’s Chicken Tarragon?
Nigel Slater’s Chicken Tarragon is a French-inspired dish featuring pan-seared chicken cooked in creamy white wine and tarragon sauce. The fragrant tarragon perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a sophisticated yet simple dish.
Other Yummy Recipes
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Simple Yet Elegant: Easy to make, yet impressive for special occasions.
- Aromatic Flavor: Tarragon adds a fresh and unique taste.
- Versatile Dish: Pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
- Comforting and Satisfying: Creamy sauce makes it a rich and indulgent meal.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh herbs.
Ingredients Needed for Nigel Slater Chicken Tarragon
- Chicken thighs or breasts: 4, skin-on and bone-in for extra flavor
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, for searing
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, to prevent butter from burning
- Shallots: 2, finely chopped
- Garlic clove: 1, minced
- Dry white wine: 150ml, for deglazing
- Chicken stock: 200ml, for the sauce
- Double cream: 100ml, for richness
- Fresh tarragon leaves: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Knife and chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cup
Instructions to Make Nigel Slater Chicken Tarragon
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken thighs or breasts.
- Heat the butter and oil: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
- Sauté the shallots and garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped shallots and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan:
- Add the white wine: Pour in the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Make the Sauce:
- Incorporate the stock: Stir in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cream: Stir in the double cream, mixing until smooth and well combined.
Finish the Dish:
- Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.
- Add the tarragon: Sprinkle the chopped tarragon over the dish and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve:
- Plate and garnish: Serve hot, garnished with extra tarragon leaves if desired.
What to Serve With Nigel Slater Chicken Tarragon
- Steamed Rice: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic, comforting side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adds color and nutrition to the meal.
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping into the rich sauce.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Tarragon
- Use fresh tarragon: Fresh leaves provide the best flavor compared to dried ones.
- Deglaze properly: Scrape the pan well to incorporate the browned bits into the sauce.
- Adjust the sauce consistency: Add more stock for a thinner sauce or simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
- Don’t rush the simmering: Allow the chicken to cook slowly to absorb the flavors.
- Experiment with wine: Choose a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for the best results.
What are Variations of Nigel Slater Chicken Tarragon?
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms make a delicious addition to the sauce.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of double cream for a non-dairy version.
- Incorporate mustard: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra depth of flavor.
- Use chicken breasts: Substitute thighs with skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
How Do I Store Nigel Slater Chicken Tarragon?
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
How Do I Reheat Nigel Slater Chicken Tarragon?
- On the stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of stock if the sauce has thickened.
- In the microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
More Delicious Recipes
- Nigel Slater Vegetable Stew
- Nigel Slater Quince Tart
- Nigel Slater Stilton Puffs
- Nigel Slater Mushroom Stilton
Nigel Slater Chicken Tarragon
Nigel Slater’s Chicken Tarragon is a French-inspired dish featuring pan-seared chicken cooked in creamy white wine and tarragon sauce. The fragrant tarragon perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a sophisticated yet simple dish.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing and simmering
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or breasts: 4, skin-on and bone-in for extra flavor
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, for searing
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, to prevent butter from burning
- Shallots: 2, finely chopped
- Garlic clove: 1, minced
- Dry white wine: 150ml, for deglazing
- Chicken stock: 200ml, for the sauce
- Double cream: 100ml, for richness
- Fresh tarragon leaves: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Salt and pepper: To taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the chicken thighs or breasts.
- Heat the butter and oil: In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics:
- Sauté the shallots and garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped shallots and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan:
- Add the white wine: Pour in the wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Make the Sauce:
- Incorporate the stock: Stir in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer.
- Add the cream: Stir in the double cream, mixing until smooth and well combined.
Finish the Dish:
- Return the chicken: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.
- Add the tarragon: Sprinkle the chopped tarragon over the dish and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve:
- Plate and garnish: Serve hot, garnished with extra tarragon leaves if desired.
Final Words
Nigel Slater’s Chicken Tarragon is a beautifully simple yet luxurious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and aromatic tarragon makes it a recipe worth adding to your repertoire. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy the comforting elegance of this classic recipe!
