High Protein | Weight Watchers Friendly
Grilled Chicken with Fresh Tomato Tarragon Sauce is a fast chicken dinner that feels fresh without being hard to make. You start with boneless skinless chicken breasts, then serve them with a warm tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh tarragon.
The tarragon gives the sauce a light herb taste that’s a little different from the usual basil or oregano. It works well with tomatoes and keeps the chicken from feeling plain. A few red pepper flakes add a little heat, and the lemon juice helps the sauce taste brighter.
This recipe is ready in 22 minutes, so it works for a weeknight dinner, a summer grilling meal, or a healthy chicken recipe when you want something with protein that still feels fresh. Serve it with rice, potatoes, pasta, a side salad, or grilled vegetables.
A grill or grill pan works well for the chicken. A small saucepan and an immersion blender are helpful for the tomato tarragon sauce if you want a smoother texture.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken with Fresh Tomato Tarragon Sauce
Ready in 22 Minutes
This recipe works well when dinner needs to be done fast. The chicken cooks while the sauce comes together, so the whole meal stays manageable.
High Protein Main Dish
Each serving has 26 grams of protein, making it a strong option for healthy chicken recipes and weeknight dinners.
Fresh Tomato Sauce
The sauce uses crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh tarragon. It’s warm, light, and not heavy.
Works with Many Sides
Serve this chicken with rice, roasted potatoes, pasta, grilled vegetables, or a green salad.
Great for Grilling Season
This is a nice option for summer grilling recipes, but it also works indoors with a grill pan.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken Breasts
Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. Cook until they reach 165 degrees F in the thickest part.
Fresh Tarragon
Fresh basil or parsley can be used if you don’t have tarragon. The taste will change, but the sauce will still work.
Crushed Tomatoes
Tomato sauce can be used for a smoother sauce. Diced tomatoes can be used for a chunkier sauce.
Lemon Juice
White wine vinegar can be used in a small amount if you don’t have lemon juice.
Red Pepper Flakes
Leave them out for no heat, or use a small pinch of cayenne pepper instead.
Sugar
Sugar is optional. Use it only if the tomatoes taste too sharp.
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Grilled Chicken with Fresh Tomato Tarragon Sauce
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 (6 ounces each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for brushing the chicken
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper divided
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon leaves chopped, plus extra whole leaves for garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- sugar (optional, to taste)
- kosher salt to taste
- red pepper flakes to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Brush both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Let the chicken rest while the grill heats.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes without moving it.
- Flip the chicken. Cook the chicken for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165 degrees F in the thickest part.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent the chicken loosely with foil.
- In a small saucepan, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring often, until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan. Add kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and sugar if needed.
- Stir the sauce with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat, simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Stir in the chopped fresh tarragon and lemon juice.
- Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed.
- (Optional) For a smoother sauce, pulse it once or twice with an immersion blender.
- Spoon the warm tomato tarragon sauce over the grilled chicken. Garnish with whole tarragon leaves.
Notes
Storing and Reheating
Store in the Refrigerator – Place leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store Separately – If possible, store the chicken and sauce in separate containers. This helps the chicken keep a better texture. Reheat in the Microwave – Place one serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover loosely and heat in short intervals until warmed through. Reheat on Stovetop – Place the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Warm the chicken in the sauce until heated through. Reheat in the Oven – Place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish. Cover with foil and warm at 325 degrees F until heated through.Nutrition
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