Chicken Almond Tarragon
A creamy chicken salad with crunchy water chestnuts, almonds, and fresh tarragon, perfect for light lunches or picnics, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the chicken for about 45 minutes or until cooked.
- Cool the chicken and tear into bite-sized pieces.
- Add chopped celery, water chestnuts, scallions, and tarragon to the chicken and combine.
- Mix in mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add sliced almonds just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, which will add a refreshing tang. If you don't have tarragon, dill or parsley can be good substitutes. To save time, you can use a rotisserie chicken instead of boiling one. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste, especially if using a seasoned chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish chilled or at room temperature for a delightful salad. It pairs excellently with a light green salad or crusty bread. For a more substantial meal, consider serving alongside roasted vegetables or a grain like quinoa. This dish also complements other American recipes well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Almond Tarragon contains roughly 190 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 524mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Chicken Almond Tarragon a day in advance. Just combine the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. Adding the sliced almonds just before serving will help maintain their crunch.
What can I substitute for water chestnuts?
If you don't have water chestnuts, you can use diced apples or jicama for a similar crunch. While the flavor will differ slightly, these alternatives will still provide a nice texture to the dish.
Is it safe to eat leftover chicken after a few days?
As long as the leftover chicken has been stored properly in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days, it should be safe to eat. Always check for any off smells or signs of spoilage before consuming.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).