Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken breasts infused with fresh lemon and tarragon, finished with a rich garlic butter sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes blends lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh tarragon leaves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken breasts from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks form.
  3. Step 3: While chicken grills, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Remove garlic butter from heat and spoon generously over grilled chicken breasts before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (35 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Lemon-Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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