Julie Goodwin’s Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Tarragon
Introduction
Creamy, comforting, and full of rich flavor, Julie Goodwin’s Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Tarragon is a wonderful family dinner. Tender chicken is paired with earthy mushrooms and a silky cream sauce infused with fragrant tarragon. It’s an elegant dish that feels special enough for entertaining while remaining simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy and comforting
Tender, flavorful chicken
Rich mushroom and tarragon sauce
Easy one-pan preparation
Perfect for family dinners
Delicious served with rice, potatoes, or pasta
Ingredients
For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 small onion, finely sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
250 g mushrooms, sliced
For the Creamy Sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
1 teaspoon dried tarragon, optional
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
Fresh tarragon leaves
Chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced onion and mushrooms to the same skillet.
5. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden and the onion is tender.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. Pour in the chicken stock and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
8. Stir in the cream, Dijon mustard, and tarragon.
9. Return the chicken to the skillet and gently simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
10. Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
11. Spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh tarragon or parsley.
12. Serve immediately.
Tips
Don’t overcrowd the skillet when browning the chicken.
Fresh tarragon gives the sauce a beautiful aromatic flavor.
Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker, juicier meat.
Let the sauce simmer gently rather than boiling vigorously to keep it smooth.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy mushroom chicken over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, buttered noodles, pasta, or creamy polenta. Add steamed green beans, asparagus, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom Chicken with Tarragon is the perfect combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luxurious herb-infused cream sauce. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner while still being impressive enough for guests.