Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Tarragon Sauce
Tender chicken breasts coated in a fragrant herb crust, served with a bright lemon-tarragon sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes blends finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, lemon zest 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each), pounded to 1/2-inch thickness chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh tarragon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, mix 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, then press into the herb mixture until fully coated.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
- Step 3: Pour 1/2 cup chicken stock into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes until reduced by half. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp chopped tarragon. Return chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Cook for 1 minute more to heat through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Tarragon Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Tarragon 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Tarragon 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Tarragon 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon-Tarragon 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
