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A dish of creamy tarragon sauce.

Creamy Tarragon Sauce

A French inspired Creamy Tarragon Sauce that has the subtle flavor of anise.  This rich creamy sauce pairs well with poultry, fish or vegetables for a deliciously aromatic dish.
4.71 from 57 votes
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 Cups
Calories: 176kcal
Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter divided
  • 1 garlic clove grated or minced
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1-½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon

Instructions

  • In a saucepan set over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and add the garlic.  Cook for 30 seconds, do not brown.  Add the wine and cook for 30 seconds to burn off the alcohol; then add the chicken broth, bring to a boil and reduce by half. 
  • Adjust the heat to medium and stir in the cream, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Simmer for 5-8 minutes or until thickened slightly.  
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining butter and the chopped tarragon.  Transfer the sauce to a pitcher or small dish. 

Notes

  • The sauce will thicken a little more as it cools.
  • To hold the sauce, set the pitcher/dish into a dish of hot tap water.
  • The white wine can be subbed with an equal amount of chicken broth.  
  • Freshly ground black pepper can be subbed for the white pepper if you don’t mind the black specks in the finished sauce.
  • Pairs well with poultry, fish, rice, and veggies.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 162mg | Sugar: 3g