Poulet à l'Estragon
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This classic Poulet à l'estragon is a sophisticated French bistro favourite that celebrates the distinctive, anise-led flavour of fresh tarragon. The dish features succulent chicken pieces slow-cooked in a refined sauce of tarragon vinegar, chicken stock, and sweet pearl onions. By using fresh tomatoes and two stages of simmering, the sauce achieves a wonderful depth of flavour that perfectly complements the tender poultry. It is a fragrant, savoury meal that brings a touch of Parisian elegance to your kitchen.
As a high-protein main course, this recipe is as nourishing as it is delicious. Served alongside a light, aromatic basmati rice pilau and buttery yellow wax beans, it offers a well-balanced dinner for family gatherings or weekend entertaining. The combination of herbaceous notes and bright acidity from the vinegar makes it a refreshing yet comforting choice for any season. For the best results, use high-quality farm-raised chicken to ensure the meat stays juicy and flavourful throughout the braising process.
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Ingredients for Poulet à l'Estragon
Salt
15 golf ball-size tomatoes
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 (2- to 3-pound) farm-raised chickens, each cut into 8 pieces
Freshly ground white pepper
4 large shallots, sliced
275g pearl onions
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 tablespoons flour
120ml tarragon vinegar
475ml chicken stock
1/2 bunch tarragon
350ml basmati rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 shallot, minced
2 tablespoons butter
600ml chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs thyme
2 sprigs tarragon
Salt
450g yellow wax beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons butter
Freshly ground white pepper
1/2 bunch tarragon, leaves chopped
How to make Poulet à l'Estragon
Back to contentsBring a large pot of salted water to a boil and set a bowl of ice water on the side. Score an X on the bottoms of the tomatoes. Boil them for 5 seconds, or until the skins loosen on the bottoms. Strain and peel under cold running water; set aside.
In a 5-quart braising pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the oil. Season the chicken on all sides with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the pan skin side down and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Transfer the chicken to a platter, set aside, and strain all but 1 tablespoon fat from the pan.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the shallots and onions to the pan. Cook, stirring, until the shallots are soft. Add the tomato paste and flour and cook, stirring, for another minute. Add the vinegar, bring to a simmer, then stir in the chicken stock. Bring to a simmer, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan. Return the chicken to the pan with half of the tomatoes and the tarragon. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the remaining tomatoes, cover, and simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Rinse the rice with cold water until it runs clear. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the shallot and cook, stirring, until translucent. Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the butter, chicken stock, salt, bay leaf, thyme, and tarragon and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook undisturbed over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the beans and boil for 4 minutes, or until tender. Strain, return the beans to the pan over medium-low heat, and toss with the butter. Season with salt and pepper and toss in the tarragon leaves just before serving.
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.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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