Whole-Grain Mustard Tarragon Chicken

The Washington Post, February 22, 2006

• • Cuisine: French
• • Course: Main Course
• • Features: Gluten-Free, Fast, Healthy

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).

209 calories, 15g fat, 2g saturated fat, 43mg cholesterol, 144mg sodium, 1g carbohydrates, 1g dietary fiber, n/a sugar, 18g protein.