French Chicken Tarragon

From the kitchen of Carly

Chicken thighs braise in white wine and broth until they're fall-apart tender, then finish in a silky tarragon cream sauce with shallots and lemon. French bistro cooking at its most approachable, deeply flavored without fuss.

Prep
n/a
Cook
n/a
Total
n/a
Servings
4
Difficulty
medium

Ingredients

4 servings

  • 16 large chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)
  • 1Salt and pepper
  • 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 12 shallots, finely diced
  • 12 garlic cloves, grated or minced
  • 12 teaspoons chopped tarragon, plus whole leaves for garnish
  • 11 cup Blond Chicken Broth
  • 11/2 cup dry white wine
  • 11/2 cup crème fraîche
  • 11/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Let stand for 30 minutes to 1 hour at room temperature.

  2. Heat the oven to 400°F. Put an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the butter and shallots and cook, stirring, until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and chopped tarragon and cook for 1 minute (be careful not to let the garlic brown). Arrange the chicken thighs in the pot in one layer, add the broth and wine, and bring to a simmer.

  3. Put the lid on and place the pot on the middle shelf of the oven. Bake for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 350°F and continue baking for 45 minutes, or until the thighs are tender. Put the thighs on a platter, cover loosely, and keep warm.

  4. Strain the pan juices through a fine sieve into a saucepan and spoon off any rising fat. Place the pan over medium-high heat, add the crème fraîche and lemon zest, and simmer until the sauce is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

  5. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, garnish with tarragon leaves, and serve.