Tarragon-Raisin Chicken Salad
A flavorful chicken salad featuring tender poached chicken, sweet raisins, and aromatic tarragon, perfect for light lunches or elegant picnics. Bright, savory, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine chicken breasts, salt, onion, carrot, and peppercorns.
- Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Strain the broth and set aside the chicken to cool slightly.
- Cut the cooked chicken into large chunks and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, yogurt, tarragon, and raisins.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and mix until the chicken is well coated with the dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and tarragon before cooking. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the cooked chicken breast. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of nonfat yogurt for a creamier texture. Adjust the amount of raisins based on your sweetness preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Tarragon-Raisin Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing lunch. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or crackers for a light meal or snack. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a side of Mixed Squash Casserole for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken salad in the microwave, or enjoy it cold. If the salad appears dry, consider adding a splash more of yogurt or mayonnaise to refresh it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tarragon-Raisin Chicken Salad contains roughly 1132 calories, with 8g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value), potassium (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2412mg per serving (105% 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 other types of chicken for this salad?
Yes, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken if you prefer. This makes the prep even quicker while still maintaining delicious flavors. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it with the dressing.
Is it possible to make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken salad a day ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it taste even better the next day.
What can I serve with this chicken salad?
This chicken salad goes well with a variety of sides. Consider pairing it with a light soup like a lemony vegetable broth or a fresh fruit salad. For a more filling option, you could serve it with a side of Cheesy Tomato Chicken Breasts for a hearty meal.
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).