Tarragon Chicken Fricassée
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 17 Jan 2026
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This elegant tarragon chicken fricassée is a sophisticated take on a French classic, offering a beautiful balance of rich cream and the distinct, aniseed notes of fresh tarragon. By browning the chicken on the bone first, you ensure a depth of flavour that carries through into the silky white wine sauce. It is a wonderful choice for a weekend dinner, providing a sense of comfort while remaining light enough for any season.
As a versatile chicken dish, it pairs perfectly with steamed seasonal greens and buttery new potatoes or a simple crusty baguette to soak up the sauce. While traditionally a creamy recipe, using a dairy-free cream alternative makes this an accessible option for those following a dairy-free diet without compromising on the luxurious texture of the final plate.
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Ingredients for Tarragon Chicken Fricassée
3 1/2 to 1.8kg chicken pieces with skin and bone
3/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoons black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
120ml finely chopped shallots
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
120ml dry white wine
240ml double cream
120ml reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon
1/4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
How to make Tarragon Chicken Fricassée
Pat chicken dry and sprinkle all over with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté chicken in 2 batches, skin side down first, turning over once, until browned, 10 to 12 minutes total per batch. Transfer to a plate.
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons oil from skillet, then cook shallots, garlic, and bay leaf over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until shallots are softened, about 2 minutes. Add wine and bring to a boil. Stir in cream, broth, and 1 tablespoon tarragon, then add chicken, skin side up, and simmer, covered, until just cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer chicken with tongs to a platter and keep warm, loosely covered. If necessary, boil sauce until thickened slightly.
Stir in lemon juice, remaining 1/2 tablespoons tarragon, and salt and pepper to taste. Discard bay leaf; pour sauce over chicken.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
17 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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