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Nigel Slater Chicken Tarragon

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.

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.