Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched kitchens of France with just one bite - a perfectly grilled chicken breast infused with bright, herbaceous tarragon and zesty lemon, accompanied by beautifully charred vegetables that sing with flavor. This isn't just another chicken recipe; it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary, impressing even the most discerning food lovers with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 200g assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Prepare the marinade by combining chopped fresh tarragon, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Place chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let marinate for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Wash and slice assorted vegetables (bell peppers and zucchini) into uniform pieces, approximately 1-inch thick, to ensure even grilling.
- Preheat char grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C).
- Brush vegetables with remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Grill vegetables first, turning occasionally, until they have nice char marks and are tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), creating beautiful grill marks.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
- Plate by arranging grilled vegetables as a base and placing chicken breast on top, garnishing with additional fresh tarragon if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry, tough meat.
- Marination Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 15-20 minutes allow the tarragon and lemon to deeply penetrate the chicken, creating layers of flavor.
- Grill Like a Pro: Ensure your grill is preheated to the right temperature (400°F) for those perfect, Instagram-worthy grill marks.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Sear: Remove excess marinade and pat chicken dry to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Rest and Redistribute: Let your chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender.
- Vegetable Uniform Cutting: Slice vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Fresh Herb Finish: A final sprinkle of fresh tarragon just before serving can elevate the entire dish's aroma and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 251kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
