Tarragon Chicken Salad: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Lunch

Tarragon Chicken Salad: Prepare to elevate your lunchtime routine with a dish that’s both sophisticated and incredibly satisfying! Forget everything you thought you knew about chicken salad; this isn’t your grandma’s mayo-laden concoction. We’re talking about a vibrant, herbaceous delight that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Chicken salad, in its simplest form, has been a staple in American cuisine for generations, evolving from a way to use leftover chicken to a beloved sandwich filling and light meal. But the addition of tarragon takes it to a whole new level. Tarragon, with its subtle anise-like flavor, adds a touch of French elegance to this classic dish. It’s a flavor profile that has been enjoyed for centuries, often paired with poultry in French cuisine, bringing a certain “je ne sais quoi” to the table.

What makes this Tarragon Chicken Salad so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of creamy texture, tender chicken, and the bright, refreshing taste of tarragon. It’s incredibly versatile – enjoy it on a croissant, in a lettuce wrap, or simply scooped up with crackers. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a delightful weekend brunch. I find that people love this dish because it feels both comforting and refined, a truly winning combination!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup mayonnaise (I prefer a good quality, full-fat mayo for the best flavor)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
• 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds for added crunch
• Optional: 1/4 cup halved red grapes for sweetness
• Bread, croissants, lettuce cups, or crackers for serving

Cooking the Chicken:

The foundation of any great chicken salad is, of course, perfectly cooked chicken! Here’s how I ensure mine is tender and flavorful every time:

1. Poaching the Chicken: I find poaching to be the best method for achieving moist and tender chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add about 1 teaspoon of salt to the water. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chicken poach for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Checking for Doneness: The best way to check if the chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the breast; the juices should run clear, and there should be no pinkness.
3. Cooling the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the chicken in a bowl of ice water for a few minutes. This also helps to prevent the chicken from drying out.
4. Shredding the Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it using two forks. I like to shred it into bite-sized pieces, but you can adjust the size to your preference. Alternatively, you can dice the chicken into small cubes if you prefer that texture.

Preparing the Tarragon Chicken Salad Dressing:

The dressing is what brings all the flavors together in this salad. Fresh tarragon is the star, so don’t skimp on it!

1. Combining the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped fresh tarragon, chopped celery, chopped red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Mixing Well: Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Tasting and Adjusting: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste. Remember that the flavors will meld and intensify as the salad sits, so don’t over-season it initially.

Assembling the Tarragon Chicken Salad:

Now for the fun part – putting everything together!

1. Combining Chicken and Dressing: Add the shredded chicken to the bowl with the dressing.
2. Mixing Gently: Gently fold the chicken into the dressing until it is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
3. Adding Optional Ingredients (if using): If you’re using toasted slivered almonds and/or halved red grapes, gently fold them into the chicken salad. The almonds add a lovely crunch, and the grapes provide a touch of sweetness that complements the tarragon beautifully.
4. Chilling the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour, to allow the flavors to meld and develop. This chilling time is crucial for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This Tarragon Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Sandwiches: Serve the chicken salad on your favorite bread, croissants, or rolls. I love it on toasted sourdough or a flaky croissant.
• Lettuce Cups: For a lighter option, serve the chicken salad in crisp lettuce cups. Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce work well.
• Crackers: Serve the chicken salad with crackers for a quick and easy appetizer or snack.
• Salad: Serve a scoop of chicken salad on top of a bed of mixed greens for a complete salad.
• Stuffed Tomatoes or Avocados: Hollow out tomatoes or avocados and fill them with the chicken salad for an elegant and flavorful presentation.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Just make sure the chicken is not overly seasoned, as this could affect the overall flavor of the salad.
• Add Different Herbs: While tarragon is the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other herbs, such as dill, parsley, or chives.
• Add Different Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the chicken salad, such as chopped cucumber, bell peppers, or green onions.
• Use Greek Yogurt: For a healthier option, you can substitute some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will reduce the fat content and add a tangy flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little kick.
• Make it Ahead: This chicken salad can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve as it sits.
• Toast the Almonds: Toasting the slivered almonds before adding them to the salad enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. To toast them, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. Watch them carefully, as they can burn easily.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dressing for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter chicken salad, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing.

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover Tarragon Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to consume it within this timeframe for the best quality and flavor.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Tarragon Chicken Salad recipe is a winner because it strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken is complemented by the creamy dressing, the fresh tarragon adds a unique and aromatic flavor, and the celery and red onion provide a satisfying crunch. The optional additions of toasted almonds and red grapes take it to the next level, adding both crunch and sweetness. The lemon juice brightens up the flavors and prevents the salad from being too heavy. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for lunch, brunch, or a light dinner.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on serving size and optional ingredients)
• Fat: 25-35g
• Protein: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 5-10g

Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Tarragon Chicken Salad!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another chicken salad recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The bright, herbaceous notes of tarragon elevate the humble chicken salad to something truly special. The creamy base, punctuated by the subtle sweetness of grapes and the satisfying crunch of celery, creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this Tarragon Chicken Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their lunch routine or impress guests at their next gathering.

But what truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. It’s not just about following the instructions to the letter; it’s about making it your own. Feel free to experiment with different types of grapes – red grapes offer a slightly tart contrast, while green grapes provide a burst of sweetness. If you’re not a fan of celery, try substituting it with chopped apples for a similar crunch and a hint of sweetness. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Sandwich: Spread the Tarragon Chicken Salad on your favorite bread – croissants, sourdough, or even whole wheat work beautifully. Add a layer of crisp lettuce and a slice of tomato for a complete and satisfying sandwich.
* Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, healthier option, serve the chicken salad in crisp lettuce cups. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors without the added carbs.
* Crackers and Crostini: Serve the chicken salad as an appetizer with an assortment of crackers, crostini, or even toasted baguette slices.
* Stuffed Avocado: Halve an avocado, remove the pit, and fill each half with the Tarragon Chicken Salad. This makes for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
* Salad Topper: Add a scoop of the chicken salad to your favorite green salad for a protein-packed and flavorful meal.
* Picnic Perfect: This recipe is ideal for picnics and potlucks. It travels well and can be made ahead of time. Just be sure to keep it chilled.
* Elevated Tea Sandwiches: Cut crusts off white bread and spread with a thin layer of butter. Top with the Tarragon Chicken Salad and cut into triangles for a sophisticated tea sandwich.
* Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped Kalamata olives and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
* Curry Chicken Salad: For a warmer, more exotic flavor profile, add a teaspoon of curry powder to the mayonnaise mixture.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it.

Once you’ve made this delicious Tarragon Chicken Salad, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and variations on social media using [Your Hashtag] or leave a comment below. I’m always eager to see how you’ve made the recipe your own and to hear your feedback. Happy cooking!

---