Tasty Tarragon-Infused Chicken Salad Recipe
A French Twist on Chicken Salad: Tarragon Tingle
Elevate your chicken salad game with this delectable French-inspired recipe! Starting with roasted bone-in chicken pieces, we shred it and mix it with tangy tart apples, crunchy celery, a creamy blend of mayo, and the anise-y tarragon. A dash of red onion, softened with champagne vinegar, ties it all together. Serve this elegant salad atop fresh greens for a light lunch or cozy up with it in a flaky croissant along with a tantalizing cocktail!
What's Cooking: For a time-saving approach, swap out the roasted chicken pieces with juicy rotisserie chicken. Additionally, give our homemade Mayonnaise a spin; you won't be disappointed!
- Serving Size: Approximately 6 cups
- Difficulty Level: Beginner
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (with 1-hour chilling time)
Ingredients (11)
- 2 bone-in chicken breasts (approx. 2 pounds)
- 2 whole chicken legs (thigh and drumstick, around 1 ½ pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (kosher)
- Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 cup small-dice red onion
- 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
- 1 cup small-dice tart apple (such as Braeburn, Granny Smith, or Gravenstein)
- 2/3 cup small-dice celery (from about 2 medium celery stalks)
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and position a rack in the middle. Coat the chicken with olive oil and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet and cook until a thermometer inserted reads 160°F, which should take around 45 to 50 minutes.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it cool until you can handle it, approximately 20 minutes. After that, remove the meat from the bones, discarding the skin and fat, and tear into bite-sized pieces. Transfer the meat to a large bowl (you'll have around 4 cups).
- Combine the red onion and vinegar in a small, nonreactive bowl and set aside.
- Add the prepped onion-vinegar mixture and remaining ingredients to the bowl with the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and mix to ensure even distribution. Sample and adjust the seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, around 1 hour.
Ideas for a Suitable Companion:
For a delightful cocktail pairing to accompany your French-inspired chicken salad, consider these refreshing options:
- Kir Spritz: Combining a dry white wine (such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) with a splash of Cassis blackcurrant liqueur and lemon-lime soda creates a pleasing balance for the herbal notes of tarragon.
- Sparkling Rosé Spritzer: Mixing sparkling water with a dry Rosé adds a crisp dimension that complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
- Pamplemousse: This invigorating grapefruit cocktail, made with grapefruit juice, dry white wine, and a touch of grenadine, brings a zesty touch that harmonizes with the fresh flavors of tarragon.
- French 75 with a Twist: Traditionally made with Champagne, gin, lemon juice, and sugar, this classic cocktail could be upgraded by adding a splash of fresh mint or basil, complementing the herbal flavors of the tarragon.
Enhance your meal with these wine cocktails that provide the perfect dance between sophistication and complementarity, ensuring a delightful dining experience!
Behind the Scenes (Additional Tips):
- Wine Selection: A dry White Burgundy or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc goes well with herbal flavors without overpowering them[2].
- Bitters Experiment: Adding a small amount of citrus or herbal bitters to your cocktails can intensify the complexity of the drink, harmonizing beautifully with the fresh flavors of tarragon.
- This chicken salad recipe, titled 'A French Twist on Chicken Salad: Tarragon Tingle,' yields approximately 6 cups of the delicious, French-inspired dish.
- The nutritional values of the salad may vary depending on factors such as the types and quantities of ingredients used, but the prominent ingredients include mayonnaise and tarragon.
- The homemade mayonnaise, as suggested in the 'What's Cooking' section, can elevate the taste of the salad, adding an extra layer of richness to the dish.
