Pan-Seared Chicken with Dijon and Tarragon
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a tangy Dijon-tarragon sauce, ideal with crusty bread or roasted vegetables. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp, finely chopped fresh tarragon
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon, and 1/4 cup chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk until sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Cook for 2 more minutes to heat through before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Dijon and Tarragon take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken 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 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 with Dijon and Tarragon?
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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