Chicken With Bacon Tarragon Food

TARRAGON CHICKEN

Steps:

• Heat the garlic oil in a frying pan or Dutch oven that has a lid and in which the chicken breasts will fit pretty snugly. Add the scallions, stir, then sprinkle in the freeze-dried tarragon, stir again and cook them in the garlic oil for a minute, stirring some more as they cook.
• Put the chicken fillets into the pan, curved side down, and cook for 5 minutes, watching the scallions don't burn. If they look like they're beginning to, scrape them from the pan and let them sit on the chicken pieces.
• Turn over the breasts, and add the vermouth (or white wine). Let the vermouth bubble up, then add the salt. Put the lid on, turn the heat down low and leave it to simmer gently for 10 minutes. Check the chicken is cooked through by making a small cut into the thickest part and ensuring the juices run clear - if not, simmer for a few minutes longer and check again.
• Remove the chicken breasts to warmed plates. Bring the remaining liquid to a boil, add the cream and stir well, then sprinkle in the fresh tarragon, stir again and give a good grind of white pepper.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts, and give a final scattering of tarragon to serve.

TARRAGON CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• The day before, gently fry the bacon in a large non-stick frying pan for 30 minutes, until the fat turns golden. Lift on to kitchen paper to absorb excess fat, and leave to cool and crisp. Crumble into pieces and chill.
• Put the oil, vinegar and 1⁄2 tsp each salt and freshly ground black pepper into a screw-top jar. Put the lid on securely and shake the dressing, then keep in a cool place (not the fridge or it will go cloudy).
• Half an hour ahead, add the tarragon to the dressing, and shake until well mixed. Tip into a bowl and toss with the chicken, radishes and bacon.
• Tear the lettuce roughly and arrange on a platter. Snip the cress with scissors and sprinkle over, then top with the chicken.

TARRAGON CHICKEN WRAPPED WITH BACON

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425°.
• Season chicken with salt, pepper and tarragon.
• Wrap a slice of bacon around each piece of chicken and place in one layer in baking dish.
• Cook for 15 minutes at 425° then reduce heat to 375°.
• Continue cooking until juices run clear when you pierce chicken with a fork (about 35 minutes). Variations: For a change of pace, try other herbs such as sage, rosemary or thyme.

30 MINUTE CHICKEN & TARRAGON PASTA

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in boiling water for 8-10 minutes, or according to packet instructions, until just tender.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil and fry the chicken over a high heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring, until golden and cooked. Add the garlic, cream, tarragon and 3 tbsp of the pasta cooking liquid. Gently heat through.
• When the pasta is cooked, stir in the spinach (it will immediately wilt in the hot water). Drain well, then toss into the creamy chicken. Season with salt and pepper and serve with lemon for squeezing.

CHOPPED TARRAGON, BACON & CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat until very hot. Add the bacon and cook until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on kitchen paper until it's crisp enough to crumble easily.
• To make the dressing, mix all the ingredients with a pinch of sea salt in a bowl. Blanch the peas in boiling salted water for 30 secs. Drain, running under cold water for a few mins, and set aside.
• Put the avocado, chicken, celery slices and leaves, tarragon, spring onions, peas, and bacon in a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and gently toss to combine.

BACON-GARLIC CHICKEN

Steps:

• Pound chicken with a meat mallet to 1/2-in. thickness; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Lightly coat both sides with flour; shake off excess. , In a nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. With a slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towels; reserve 1 teaspoon drippings., In same pan, heat butter and drippings over medium heat. Add chicken; cook until no longer pink, 4-6 minutes per side. Remove from pan., Add garlic, rosemary and pepper flakes to pan; cook and stir until garlic begins to color, 1-2 minutes. Stir in broth and lemon juice; bring to a boil, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Cook until slightly thickened, 3-4 minutes., Return chicken and bacon to pan; heat through, turning chicken a few times to coat.