Easy Ina Garten Chicken Salad Recipe That’s Party-Perfect

Ina Garten’s chicken salad transforms an everyday lunch staple into a sophisticated culinary experience that sparkles with unexpected flavors.

Tarragon weaves its delicate herbal magic through this creamy mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Her signature approach elevates simple ingredients into something remarkable and memorable.

The recipe balances richness with bright, fresh notes that dance across your palate.

Tender roasted chicken becomes the canvas for a symphony of complementary ingredients.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of creaminess, herbaceous undertones, and subtle sweetness.

What makes this chicken salad truly special is its ability to surprise and delight without overwhelming the senses: prepare to fall in love.

What Makes Ina Garten’s Chicken Salad So Tasty

• Elevate Your Lunch Game: This chicken salad transforms a simple meal into a gourmet experience with its perfectly roasted chicken and blend of crunchy nuts.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a delightful mix of tender roasted chicken, crispy toasted pecans and walnuts, and juicy burst-in-your-mouth grapes that create an irresistible mouthfeel.
• Foolproof Flavor Fusion: The combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, and fresh tarragon delivers a harmonious taste that makes this recipe both sophisticated and comforting.
• Quick and Elegant Meal Prep: With just over an hour of total time, you can create a restaurant-quality chicken salad that's perfect for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner that impresses without hours of complicated cooking.

Must-Have Ingredients for Ina Garten Chicken Salad

• Chicken Breasts: High-quality, bone-in and skin-on chicken for maximum flavor and moisture. Preferably organic or free-range for better taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the chicken's natural flavor during roasting.

• Pecans, Walnuts: Toasted nuts provide a rich, nutty flavor and delightful crunch to the chicken salad. Fresh, whole nuts are best for optimal taste.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that bind the salad and add rich, tangy flavor. Full-fat versions recommended for best texture.
• Tarragon: Fresh herb that brings a subtle, sophisticated anise-like flavor to the chicken salad. Adds brightness and complexity.
• Grapes: Sweet, juicy element that provides bursts of freshness and balances the creamy dressing.

• Lettuce Leaves: Fresh, crisp base for serving the chicken salad. Adds a light, refreshing texture to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used to help roast the chicken and add moisture during cooking.

Easy Steps to Create Ina Garten Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep The Chicken

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken breasts on a baking sheet with skin facing up. Drizzle with olive oil and generously season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Roast To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast chicken for 35-40 minutes. After cooking, set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Break Down The Chicken

Once cooled, remove skin and bones. Slice chicken into neat 3/4-inch cubes.

Step 4: Toast Nutty Crunch

• Pecans
• Walnuts

Roast in the oven for 7-8 minutes until they turn golden brown. Allow nuts to cool down.

Step 5: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Half of chopped fresh tarragon

• Diced chicken
• Toasted nuts
• Halved grapes

Mix thoroughly. Sprinkle remaining tarragon on top. Serve attractively over crisp lettuce leaves.

Chef’s Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Salad

• Master Flavor Fusion: Blend mayonnaise ingredients slowly to create a creamy, harmonious texture that coats each ingredient perfectly.
• Elevate Herb Dynamics: Fresh tarragon delivers brighter notes compared to dried, so taste and adjust quantity for personal preference.
• Craft Elegant Presentations: Serve atop butter lettuce leaves or nestled between soft bread slices for sophisticated serving styles.
• Prep Like a Pro: Refrigerate chicken salad overnight to allow flavors to develop and intensify deliciously.
• Select Superior Grapes: Pick firm, crisp seedless varieties that provide maximum crunch and natural sweetness to the dish.

How to Store Ina Garten Chicken Salad

• Refrigerator Sealing: Lock in freshness by transferring chicken salad to an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass containers prevent flavor absorption and maintain ingredient integrity better than plastic alternatives.
• Component Separation: Keep dressing and crisp ingredients like chopped celery or nuts separate until serving time. This strategic storage technique prevents sogginess and maintains optimal texture, ensuring each bite remains crunchy and flavorful.
• Temperature Control: Position chicken salad in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf, where temperature remains most consistent. Maintain a steady 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth and preserve food safety, extending the salad's edible window to 3-4 days maximum.

Flavor Twists on Ina Garten Chicken Salad

• Herbaceous Mediterranean Blend: Swap tarragon with fresh oregano and basil. Add crumbled feta cheese and diced cucumber for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cilantro, and replace sour cream with Greek yogurt. Mix in some black beans and corn for extra southwestern flair.
• Summer Citrus Fusion: Introduce orange zest and segments into the chicken salad. Replace walnuts with sliced almonds and add a splash of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Asian-Inspired Crunch: Use rice vinegar instead of mayonnaise, add mandarin oranges, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with a light soy-ginger dressing for an exotic touch.

Summation of Ina Garten Chicken Salad

Ina Garten’s chicken salad whispers elegance through its carefully crafted layers of flavor and texture.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of culinary delight.

Rich pecans and walnuts provide earthy crunch against tender chicken pieces.

Delicate tarragon weaves herbal notes throughout each bite.

Grapes add unexpected sweetness that elevates this classic dish beyond ordinary expectations.

Garten’s recipe promises a luxurious experience that transports palates to gourmet realms – one forkful beckons exploration, connection, and pure gastronomic joy.

Ready to dive into this sensational creation?

Click share to spread deliciousness, drop a comment celebrating culinary artistry, and like this mouthwatering masterpiece!

Ina Garten Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic chicken salad brings Mediterranean charm to lunch tables with creamy, herb-infused elegance. Home cooks can savor this delightful blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and luscious dressing that promises comfort in each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 split chicken breasts (bone-in, skin on, 1 ½ pounds or 680 grams)

Nuts and Produce:

• ½ cup (60 grams) pecan halves
• ½ cup (60 grams) walnut halves
• 1 cup (150 grams) green grapes (cut in half)
• Lettuce leaves (for serving)

Dressing and Seasonings:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh tarragon leaves (chopped)
• Olive oil (as needed)
• Salt (as needed)
• Black pepper (as needed)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange chicken breasts on a baking sheet, positioning them skin side facing upward. Gently drizzle extra virgin olive oil and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from oven and allow to rest and cool completely at room temperature.
3. Once cooled, carefully remove and discard the skin and bones. Slice the chicken into uniform 3/4-inch (2 centimeter) cubes using a sharp chef’s knife.
4. Place pecans and walnuts on a separate clean baking sheet. Toast the nuts in the oven for 7-8 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The nuts should develop a golden color and release a rich, nutty aroma. Allow nuts to cool and become crisp.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. Finely chop half of the fresh tarragon and incorporate into the creamy mixture.
6. Gently fold the diced chicken, toasted nuts, and halved grapes into the creamy sauce. Ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining chopped tarragon on top for additional flavor and visual appeal.
7. Serve the chicken salad chilled, arranged elegantly on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves, creating a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Notes

• Cool completely chicken before mixing to maintain perfect salad texture and prevent mayonnaise separation.
• Experiment with different nut combinations for unique crunch and depth, balancing pecans and walnuts for maximum flavor complexity.
• Roast chicken at home for superior taste, ensuring tender meat that elevates the entire dish’s quality.
• Select seedless grapes to introduce a fresh, sweet element that cuts through the rich, creamy dressing.
• Toast nuts carefully to unlock their intense, nutty essence and create a more sophisticated flavor profile.
• Serve immediately or chill for an elegant lunch that showcases fresh ingredients and careful preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 811 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 495 mg
• Fat: 62 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 43 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 94 mg