The Best Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe Ever

Tarragon chicken salad brings unexpected elegance to familiar comfort food, transforming ordinary ingredients into something remarkable.

Delicate herbs and tender protein create a harmonious blend that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Subtle French-inspired seasonings elevate this classic dish beyond standard picnic fare.

Rich, creamy textures promise satisfaction in every delightful bite.

Balanced flavors dance between tangy and smooth, making each spoonful a culinary adventure.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together without complicated techniques.

The magic lies in combining quality ingredients with thoughtful proportions: get ready to impress.

Why Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad Stands Out

• Burst with Herbal Freshness: The combination of fresh tarragon and parsley transforms this chicken salad from ordinary to extraordinary, infusing each bite with bright, aromatic herbs that dance on your taste buds.
• Enjoy Incredible Versatility: This recipe offers multiple serving options, from a quick snack with crackers to a hearty sandwich or a light salad topping, making it perfect for lunch, picnics, or casual gatherings.
• Savor Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a simple mixing technique and minimal cooking required, this chicken salad comes together in minutes, providing a delicious meal solution for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Experience Delightful Texture Contrast: The crunchy celery and soft raisins create a wonderful textural interplay, while the creamy mayonnaise binds everything together, delivering a satisfying mouthfeel in every single bite.

Must-Have Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat as the main protein source, best when freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Raisins: Sweet dried fruit that adds texture and subtle sweetness to the chicken salad.

• Tarragon: Fresh herb with a delicate, slightly sweet anise flavor that gives the salad a signature taste.
• Parsley: Fresh green herb that provides brightness and a clean flavor profile.
• Red Onion: Crisp vegetable that adds sharp, tangy flavor and nice color contrast.
• Celery: Crunchy vegetable that provides fresh texture and subtle green flavor.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that holds the ingredients together and adds rich, smooth texture.
• Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the chicken salad.

Creating Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad Step by Step

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

• Shredded chicken
• Red onion
• Celery
• Fresh tarragon
• Parsley
• Mayonnaise
• Raisins
• Black pepper
• Sea salt

Step 2: Mixing Magic

• Gently fold the shredded chicken
• Add chopped red onion
• Mix in diced celery
• Sprinkle fresh tarragon and parsley
• Pour in mayonnaise
• Scatter raisins
• Season with black pepper and sea salt

Step 3: Blend and Taste

Thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined. Take a small taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add extra mayonnaise, salt, or pepper to match your flavor preference.

Step 4: Chill or Serve

• Serve the chicken salad immediately at room temperature
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors

Step 5: Serving Suggestions

• Spread on crusty bread
• Stuff into a soft wrap
• Serve over crisp mixed greens
• Pair with crackers as an appetizer

Step 6: Proper Storage

Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for 3-5 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal option.

Pointers for a Great Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad

• Shred Chicken Perfectly: Warm chicken shreds more easily than cold, so let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before pulling apart with two forks for tender, delicate pieces.
• Balance Creamy Consistency: Fold mayonnaise gently into the chicken to prevent over-mixing, which can make the salad dense and heavy instead of light and fluffy.
• Enhance Herb Intensity: Chop fresh tarragon and parsley right before adding to maintain maximum flavor and vibrant green color in your chicken salad.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerating the salad allows ingredients to mingle and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles, so plan ahead and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
• Customize Texture Brilliance: Experiment with toasted almonds, diced celery, or chopped green onions to add unexpected crunch and elevate the classic chicken salad experience.

Storing Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad

• Vacuum Seal Method: Extract air completely using a vacuum sealer to preserve freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Seal chicken salad in specialized bags, removing oxygen that accelerates spoilage. This technique extends refrigerator storage life up to 7 days while maintaining original texture and flavor.
• Glass Container Strategy: Transfer chicken salad to clean, wide-mouth glass containers with tight-fitting lids. Glass prevents flavor absorption from plastic and provides better temperature control. Ensure container is thoroughly cleaned with hot, soapy water before storing to minimize contamination risks.
• Portion Control Technique: Divide chicken salad into smaller individual serving portions before refrigerating. Use small sealed containers or silicone portion cups. Smaller portions reduce repeated exposure to air and potential bacterial introduction, keeping salad fresher longer and allowing convenient grab-and-go meals.

Variations on Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace raisins with kalamata olives and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cilantro, and swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, then mix in corn kernels and black beans for a zesty southwestern profile.
• Asian Fusion Flavor: Include chopped water chestnuts, green onions, and swap tarragon for fresh ginger and sesame oil, creating a light and refreshing Asian-inspired chicken salad.
• Herb Garden Blend: Expand the herb selection by adding fresh dill, chives, and basil alongside tarragon, providing a more complex and aromatic herb experience that elevates the classic recipe.

A Word on Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad

Mediterranean-inspired chicken salad whispers culinary elegance through Barefoot Contessa’s signature recipe.

Fresh herbs dance with tender chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that transport palates to gourmet realms.

Classic ingredients merge seamlessly, promising a delightful experience for lunch or casual gatherings.

Delicate tarragon provides subtle complexity, elevating this simple dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Homemade comfort meets sophisticated taste in each carefully crafted bite.

Craving this delectable recipe?

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Barefoot Contessa Tarragon Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s tarragon chicken salad brings French countryside elegance to your table with tender chicken, crisp celery, and aromatic herbs. Rich, creamy mayonnaise and delicate tarragon create a luxurious blend that makes dining feel like a gourmet escape.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 450 grams (16 ounces) shredded chicken

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 40 grams (1.4 ounces) red onion, chopped
• 30 grams (1 ounce) celery, chopped
• 10 grams (0.35 ounces) fresh tarragon, roughly chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 10 grams (0.35 ounces) parsley, roughly chopped

Binding and Seasoning:

• 80 grams (2.8 ounces) mayonnaise
• 40 grams (1.4 ounces) raisins
• 0.125 teaspoons ground pepper (a pinch)
• 0.25 teaspoons sea salt (a pinch)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously shred the cooked chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring consistent texture and optimal flavor distribution.
2. Finely dice the red onion and celery, creating delicate, uniform cuts that will provide crisp texture and balanced flavor throughout the chicken salad.
3. Gently chop the fresh tarragon and parsley leaves, releasing their aromatic oils and ensuring even herb dispersion across the mixture.
4. Pour mayonnaise into the bowl, thoroughly coating the chicken and vegetable components with a creamy, smooth binding agent that enhances overall taste and consistency.
5. Sprinkle raisins throughout the mixture, introducing a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken and herbaceous notes.
6. Season the salad with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, carefully balancing the flavors to create a harmonious and delectable profile.
7. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold and blend all ingredients, ensuring each component is evenly distributed and thoroughly incorporated.
8. Conduct a taste assessment, adjusting seasonings as needed by adding additional mayonnaise, salt, or pepper to achieve your desired flavor intensity.
9. For optimal taste development, refrigerate the chicken salad for 30-60 minutes, allowing the herbs and spices to meld and intensify.
10. Serve chilled as a versatile dish: spread on artisan bread, nestled in a crisp lettuce wrap, atop mixed greens, or alongside gourmet crackers.
11. Preserve any remaining salad in an airtight container within the refrigerator, maintaining freshness for 3-5 days.

Notes

• Chill for maximum flavor: Refrigerating the salad allows ingredients to blend and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Customize with herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, chives, or basil to create a unique and personalized chicken salad experience.
• Play with texture: Incorporate crunchy elements such as toasted almonds, diced celery, or crisp apple chunks for an exciting mouthfeel.
• Control creaminess carefully: Start with less mayonnaise and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency and taste.
• Shred chicken strategically: Hand-pull freshly cooked chicken for the most tender, succulent texture that absorbs seasonings beautifully.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 60mg