Tarragon Chicken Salad
A creamy, flavorful chicken salad featuring tarragon, walnuts, celery, and a rich mayo-sour cream dressing, perfect for light lunches or elegant picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in a large jelly roll pan.
- Spread evenly with heavy cream and bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Allow the chicken to cool.
- Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a bowl.
- Whisk together sour cream and mayo in a small bowl and pour over the shredded chicken.
- Add diced celery, shelled walnuts, dried tarragon, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.
- Refrigerate the salad, covered, for at least 4 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the mayo and sour cream mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor. This salad is versatile; feel free to use leftover chicken from recipes like Oven Roasted Chicken And Potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tarragon Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing lunch or as a filling sandwich between slices of whole grain bread. It pairs wonderfully with a light vinaigrette or alongside a bowl of fresh fruit. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with Cornmeal Stuffing or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Tarragon Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding any additional ingredients until you're ready to serve. If you need to serve it warm, gently reheat the chicken in a microwave or skillet, but be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tarragon Chicken Salad contains roughly 621 calories, with 16g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1140mg per serving (50% 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 use cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred the chicken and follow the remaining steps as outlined. This way, you can whip up the salad even faster, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This Tarragon Chicken Salad is inherently gluten-free as it doesn't include any gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check the labels on your mayo and sour cream to ensure they haven't been processed with gluten. Serve it with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps for a delicious gluten-free meal.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, the flavors of the Tarragon Chicken Salad improve as it sits. It's best to prepare it at least 4 hours ahead, but you can make it a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or for serving at gatherings.
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).