Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon and Tarragon

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

Seared until golden, finished with a tangy Dijon-tarragon sauce that elevates simple weeknight cooking. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 ounces each) chicken breast, teaspoon salt, teaspoon black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 French cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Add 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon, cooking for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to skillet and cook for 1 minute to coat with sauce, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon and Tarragon take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon and Tarragon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep teaspoon salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon and Tarragon?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon and Tarragon 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon and Tarragon?

French 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

Related recipes