Creamy Dijon-Tarragon Chicken with Rice Pilaf
Dijon and tarragon seasonings give a French flair to this satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/3 cup broken spaghetti pieces
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- Salt and pepper
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1/4 pound haricots verts (thin green beans), stemmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), divided
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each piece)
- 2 large shallots, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/4 cup creme fraiche
- 3-4 tablespoons fresh tarragon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Preparation
In a medium size saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the pasta; cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in the rice; season. Stir in 2 1/4 cups stock, cover, lower the heat and simmer until tender, about 18 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring an inch or two of water to a boil. Add the haricots verts and cook until crisp-tender, 2-3 minutes. Drain and let cool.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons EVOO over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper; add to the pan and cook, turning once, until golden, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a platter and keep warm.
To the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon EVOO and the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Cook over medium-high heat until foaming, then add the shallots and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in the wine and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining 3/4 cup stock and the creme fraiche, tarragon and mustard.
Slice the chicken and add to the sauce in the pan. Stir in the green beans. Serve with the pilaf.
