You've likely encountered roast chicken before, but have you tried it with a pea and tarragon cream sauce? This dish combines the comforting familiarity of a classic roast with the refined touch of French cuisine. It's a perfect example of how a few well-chosen ingredients can transform a simple meal into something extraordinary. The creamy sauce, infused with the anise-like flavor of tarragon, complements the tender chicken while the sweet peas add a burst of freshness. But there's more to this dish than meets the eye – its history and preparation technique hold some interesting surprises.
Key Takeaways
- Combines roasted chicken with sweet peas and a tarragon-infused cream sauce for a blend of comfort and sophistication.
- Requires only five main ingredients: chicken, frozen peas, heavy cream, dried tarragon, and salt.
- Chicken is roasted at 425°F (220°C) for about 45 minutes before adding peas, cream, and tarragon.
- The creamy sauce is added during the last 15 minutes of cooking, preserving the peas' color and texture.
- Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, offering a balance of simplicity and elegance.
History
Tracing the roots of Pea & Tarragon Cream Roast Chicken reveals a blend of classic French and British culinary influences.
You'll find that this dish combines the French love for herbs, particularly tarragon, with the British tradition of roast chicken. Tarragon has been a staple in French cuisine since the 16th century, prized for its unique flavor profile. The addition of cream sauce to poultry dishes gained popularity in France during the 17th century, eventually spreading to other parts of Europe.
The use of peas in this recipe reflects the British fondness for this versatile vegetable, which has been cultivated in England since the Middle Ages. Roast chicken, a Sunday dinner staple in British households, provides the perfect canvas for these flavors to meld.
The combination of these elements into a single dish likely emerged in the mid-20th century, as international cuisine became more accessible and chefs began experimenting with fusion recipes. Today, you'll find Pea & Tarragon Cream Roast Chicken on menus in both upscale restaurants and family kitchens, testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability.
Recipe
Pea and Tarragon Cream Roast Chicken is a delectable dish that combines the rich flavors of roasted chicken with the freshness of peas and the aromatic essence of tarragon. This simple yet elegant meal is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, offering a balance of comfort and sophistication.
With just five ingredients, this recipe proves that sometimes less is more in the kitchen. The creamy sauce, infused with the anise-like flavor of tarragon, perfectly complements the tender roasted chicken and sweet peas, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs or 1.4-1.8 kg)
- 2 cups (300g) frozen peas
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (8g) dried tarragon
- Salt to taste
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Season the chicken generously with salt and place it in a roasting pan. Roast for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the peas, cream, and tarragon to the pan, stirring to combine. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the chicken with the pea and tarragon cream sauce spooned over the top.
For best results, bring the chicken to room temperature before roasting. This ensures even cooking throughout.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can transfer the pea and cream mixture to a saucepan and simmer it for a few minutes after the chicken is done. Remember to baste the chicken occasionally during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
Lastly, feel free to adjust the amount of tarragon to suit your taste preferences.
Cooking Steps
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and generously seasoning the chicken with salt before placing it in a roasting pan.
Roast the chicken for about 45 minutes, then add the peas, cream, and tarragon to the pan, stirring to combine.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before carving to ensure juicy, flavorful meat.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 425°F
Begin your culinary journey by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This crucial step ensures that your oven reaches the optimal temperature for roasting the chicken to perfection.
While the oven heats up, you'll have time to prepare the other ingredients and season the bird. As you wait for the oven to reach the desired temperature, take this opportunity to remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Allowing it to come to room temperature will promote even cooking throughout.
Next, gather your ingredients: frozen peas, heavy cream, and dried tarragon. You'll also need salt for seasoning. While the oven preheats, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help achieve crispy skin during roasting.
Season the chicken generously with salt, making sure to cover both the exterior and interior of the bird. Don't forget to tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine if desired. These steps will help the chicken cook evenly and maintain its shape.
Once your oven has reached 425°F, you're ready to begin roasting your Pea & Tarragon Cream Roast Chicken.
Step 2. Season Chicken With Salt
Proper seasoning is crucial for a flavorful roast chicken. When it comes to salt, don't be shy. You'll want to generously season the entire surface of the bird, including the cavity.
Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the salt adheres well. Then, sprinkle salt evenly over the skin, using your hands to gently massage it in. Don't forget to lift the wings and legs to season underneath.
For a 3-4 pound chicken, you'll need about 1-2 tablespoons of salt. If you're using kosher salt, you might need a bit more due to its larger crystals.
Make sure to season the inside of the cavity as well, as this will help flavor the meat from within. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a pinch of black pepper or other dried herbs to the salt for extra flavor.
Step 3. Roast Chicken for 45 Minutes
The chicken's journey to golden perfection begins in a preheated oven set to 425°F (220°C). Place your seasoned bird in a roasting pan, ensuring it's centered for even heat distribution.
As you slide the pan into the oven, set your timer for 45 minutes. During this time, the chicken's skin will start to crisp and take on a beautiful golden hue.
While it roasts, you'll notice enticing aromas filling your kitchen. Resist the urge to open the oven door frequently, as this can lead to temperature fluctuations and uneven cooking.
Instead, use your oven light to check on the progress. At the 30-minute mark, you may want to rotate the pan to ensure all sides brown evenly. If you see any areas browning too quickly, loosely cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Remember, this 45-minute period is just the initial roasting phase. You'll be adding the peas, cream, and tarragon later, so don't worry if the chicken isn't fully cooked yet.
The goal here is to develop flavor and color, setting the stage for the final, delicious result.
Step 4. Add Peas and Cream
Anticipation builds as you approach the final stage of creating this delectable dish.
With about 15 minutes left on the timer, it's time to introduce the peas and cream to your roasting chicken. Carefully open the oven door and pull out the roasting pan, being mindful of the hot surfaces. You'll notice the chicken's skin has turned a beautiful golden brown, a sign that you're on the right track.
Now, pour two cups of frozen peas into the pan, surrounding the chicken. Don't worry if some peas land on top of the bird; they'll settle as you add the cream.
Next, gently pour one cup of heavy cream over the peas, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Sprinkle two tablespoons of dried tarragon over the cream and peas, then use a spoon to stir the mixture gently, incorporating the herb throughout.
Carefully slide the pan back into the oven, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly as the chicken finishes cooking.
This final step transforms your simple roast chicken into a luxurious, creamy masterpiece that's sure to impress.
Step 5. Rest Chicken Before Carving
As the timer chimes, signaling the end of the cooking process, resist the urge to immediately carve your beautifully roasted chicken. Instead, allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
During the resting period, cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm. This gentle insulation allows the internal temperature to stabilize without overcooking the exterior.
As you wait, take this time to prepare your serving platter and gather any additional sides or garnishes.
When you're ready to carve, use a sharp knife to separate the legs from the body first. Then, carefully slice the breast meat against the grain for optimal tenderness.
Don't forget to spoon the delicious pea and tarragon cream sauce over the carved pieces, enhancing their flavor and presentation.
Final Thoughts
Every aspect of this Pea & Tarragon Cream Roast Chicken recipe showcases simplicity and elegance.
You'll find that the combination of tender roasted chicken, sweet peas, and aromatic tarragon creates a harmonious blend of flavors that's both comforting and sophisticated. The creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch, elevating this dish to something truly special.
As you prepare this meal, remember that timing is crucial.
Adding the peas and cream mixture towards the end of cooking ensures that the vegetables retain their vibrant color and texture.
Don't forget to let the chicken rest before carving, as this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful bird.
If you're looking to experiment, consider adding other herbs like thyme or rosemary to complement the tarragon.
You can also substitute chicken pieces for a whole bird if you prefer.
Regardless of how you choose to customize it, this recipe's simplicity and delicious results make it a versatile option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
