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Whole-Grain Mustard Tarragon Chicken

The Washington Post, February 22, 2006
  • Cuisine: French
  • Course: Main Course
  • Features: Healthy, Fast

Summary:

Tarragon contributes subtle fragrance to the broth and a burst of color and flavor to the dressing of this easy poached chicken favorite. Don't toss that broth: After poaching (and discarding the tarragon stems), it can be cooled, covered and reserved for soup or a sauce. It'll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 1 month.

Serve the chicken, meanwhile, with rustic bread.

4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 large sprigs tarragon, stems separated from leaves
  • 2 quarts chicken or vegetable broth (may substitute low-sodium broth)
  • 4 (1 to 1 1/4 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, flattened to 1/2 inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon whole-grain mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups salad greens

Directions:

Place the tarragon stems and broth in a large saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low so the broth is barely bubbling. Add the chicken and gently poach for about 15 minutes or until firm to the touch and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it cool briefly before cutting into thin diagonal strips.

Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. A mini-blender is preferable: coarsely chop the tarragon leaves and puree with the mustard, lemon juice, oil and salt and pepper to taste. Or chop the tarragon finely and whisk in a small bowl with the other dressing ingredients.

Divide the salad greens among individual plates. Fan the chicken slices on top of the greens and drizzle with the dressing. Serve immediately.

Recipe Source:

Adapted from a recipe by Lesley Waters in "The Newlyweds' Cookbook" (Ryland Peters & Small, 2006).

Tested by Marcia Kramer for The Washington Post.
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size: Per serving (with low-sodium broth)
Calories: 209
% Daily Values*
Total Fat: 15g 23
Saturated Fat: 2g 10
Cholesterol: 43mg 14
Sodium: 144mg6
Total Carbohydrates: 1g 0
Dietary Fiber: 1g 4
Sugar: n/a
Protein: 18g
*Percent Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Total Fat: Less than65g
Saturated Fat: Less than20g
Cholesterol: Less than300mg
Sodium:Less than2,400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 300g
Dietary Fiber: 25g

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