Gusto TV Gourmet Grilled Chicken In A White Wine Tarragon Sauce Recipe

Grilled Chicken In A White Wine Tarragon Sauce Recipe

This grilled chicken with tarragon sauce recipe combines juicy, bone-in chicken breasts marinated in white wine, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and aromatic tarragon with a rich, buttery herb sauce. Featured on License to Grill with host Rob Rainford, this elegant yet easy chicken recipe delivers tender meat, refreshing citrus flavours, and a silky white wine tarragon sauce, making it perfect for family dinners, summer barbecues, and special occasions.

The Inspiration

Grilled chicken is a timeless favourite, appreciated for its versatility, tender texture, and ability to absorb delicious marinades. Whether served at a casual backyard barbecue or an elegant dinner, chicken becomes especially flavourful when paired with fresh herbs, citrus, and carefully prepared sauces.

On License to Grill, Rob Rainford demonstrates how traditional barbecue techniques can be combined with refined culinary flavors. Instead of relying on heavy barbecue sauces or intense spice blends, this grilled chicken recipe highlights fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods.

In French cuisine, tarragon is particularly valued for its distinctive aroma and subtle anise-like flavor. It pairs beautifully with chicken, seafood, and creamy sauces, making it an excellent ingredient for creating sophisticated dishes without complicated preparation. When combined with white wine, shallots, and butter, tarragon produces a balanced sauce that enhances the natural flavor of grilled poultry.

Ingredients

6 Chicken breasts on the bone
2 tablespoons of olive oil (30ml)
Juice of 2 lemons
1 cup of white wine (250ml)
2 tablespoons of tarragon, freshly chopped (30ml)

Sauce

3 tablespoons of shallots, finely diced (45ml)
1 cup of white wine (250ml)
2 tablespoons of tarragon, freshly chopped (30ml)
4 tablespoons of cold butter (60ml)
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Place the chicken breast in a seal-able plastic bag. In a bowl mix the olive oil, lemon juice, wine and tarragon. Pour over the chicken and seal the bag.. Toss to ensure the chicken is well coated. Place in the fridge to marinate for 2 hours.
Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
A half hour prior to cooking time, remove the chicken from the fridge and allow the meat to come to room temperature. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry. Discard the marinade.
Oil the grill liberally to help avoid sticking. Place the chicken breast side down on the grill. Leave to cook for approximately 10 minutes and flip. Continue to cook for another 5-8 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan, sweat off the diced shallots for the sauce. Add white wine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, add tarragon and leave to simmer and reduce for 10-15 minutes. Strain the sauce into a bowl and discard the discoloured tarragon. Add the butter one knob at a time and whisk until it is all incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper and drizzle over finished chicken.

Serving Suggestions

For a classic dinner presentation, serve the chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted baby potatoes. The potatoes absorb the rich white wine tarragon sauce beautifully, creating a comforting combination of flavors and textures. Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or steamed broccoli also make excellent accompaniments, adding freshness and color to the plate.

This recipe also works beautifully for outdoor entertaining. Arrange the grilled chicken breasts on a large platter, drizzle with the warm sauce, and garnish with a few fresh tarragon leaves and lemon wedges. Serve alongside grilled seasonal vegetables and crusty bread to create an inviting family-style presentation.

For beverages, sparkling water with lemon, chilled herbal iced tea, or a crisp nonalcoholic white wine alternative can complement the dish’s citrus and herbal flavors. Whether you’re entertaining friends or preparing a relaxed family dinner, the combination of tender grilled chicken, aromatic tarragon, and buttery white wine sauce creates a satisfying dining experience.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken in White Wine Sauce Recipe brings together the bold appeal of outdoor grilling and the refined flavors of French-inspired cooking. With its lemon and tarragon marinade, tender bone-in chicken breasts, and smooth white wine butter sauce, this dish transforms a familiar barbecue favorite into an impressive main course.

Find more recipes from License to Grill here!