Pui cu Tarhon (Chicken with Tarragon)
A flavorful Moldovan chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a creamy sauce infused with the distinct aroma of fresh tarragon.
🧂 Ingredients
- 800 g Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 400 ml Chicken broth
- 200 ml Heavy cream
- 3 tbsp Fresh tarragon(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- 2
Melt butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 3
Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 5
Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- 6
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 7
Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- 8
Stir in the heavy cream and chopped fresh tarragon. Heat gently until the sauce is warmed through, but do not boil.
- 9
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Fresh tarragon is key for the authentic flavor; dried tarragon can be used but use less and add earlier in the cooking process.
- ✓Ensure the sauce doesn't boil after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
- ✓Serve with mămăligă (polenta), mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the broth for extra depth of flavor.
- Include sliced mushrooms along with the onions for added texture and taste.