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Tarragon Chicken with Anchovy Cream

This elegant tarragon chicken with anchovy cream is a sophisticated take on grilled skewers, combining aromatic herbs with a deeply savoury dipping sauce. The chicken is marinated in lemon and fresh tarragon to ensure the meat remains succulent and fragrant, while the addition of salty anchovies and tangy crème fraîche creates a luxurious finish. It is a brilliant option for those seeking a high-protein meal that does not compromise on complex flavours.

Ideal for both casual midweek dining and weekend entertaining, these skewers can be prepared well in advance to allow the flavours to develop. The sauce is particularly versatile and can be made a day ahead to save time. Serve these skewers warm from the grill for a comforting dinner, or enjoy them cold as part of a summer buffet or healthy packed lunch.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Tarragon Chicken with Anchovy Cream

  • 350g , about 2 boneless chicken breasts

  • 2 tablespoons chopped tarragon

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 4 chopsticks, lacquered for colour

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 anchovy fillets in oil

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 120ml crème fraîche

  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

  • 1 pinch tarragon

  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to make Tarragon Chicken with Anchovy Cream

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes. Place in a Ziploc bag and add the rest of the ingredients. Seal and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

  2. Turn your oven to grill and skewer the cubes on the chopsticks. If the chopsticks are not lacquered then place them in water for an hour before use, so they won't char in the oven.

  3. Grill the skewers in the top of your oven for about 12 minutes or until completely cooked through. Turn after half the time.

  4. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan. Add the anchovy fillets and stir them until they melt.

  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the rest of the ingredients. Salt and pepper to taste. Add more lemon juice if you want.

The skewers can be served both warm and cold.

The sauce tastes better the longer it gets to absorb the flavours, so it can easily be prepared the day before. The same goes for the marinated skewers. Prepare and marinate the day before and just grill before the guests arrive.

If you have access to a grill, then of course that adds to the flavour. Don't forget to soak nonlacquered skewers beforehand so that they don't catch fire.

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.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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