Sautéed Chicken with Tarragon Mustard Cream Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a silky tarragon mustard cream sauce that balances tangy and herbaceous flavors. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, unsalted butter, small, finely minced shallots 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 420 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each), season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken breasts and sauté for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add 2 finely minced shallots and sauté for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, and simmer for 3 minutes until the wine reduces by half.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1/2 cup heavy cream, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, then return the chicken breasts to the pan and spoon sauce over them for 1 minute to rewarm. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Tarragon Mustard Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Chicken with Tarragon Mustard Cream 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 Sautéed Chicken with Tarragon Mustard Cream 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 Sautéed Chicken with Tarragon Mustard Cream Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sautéed Chicken with Tarragon Mustard Cream Sauce?

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.

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