
Then you just have to mix it all together - the chicken, tarragon, fennel, mayo, pecans, lemon zest and juice, and spices. Fennel has a bit of a core at the bottom like a head of cabbage would, so just cut that part out. Cut off the big leafy stems and dice the bulb like you would an onion. Next, chop your fresh tarragon until you have a tablespoon full, and finely dice the fennel bulb. You can also use a hand mixer - it really makes short work of shredding, which can otherwise seem like a chore.ĭicing will work too but I really love the texture that shredded chicken gives this chicken salad! You can use two forks to shred your chicken or try my favorite shortcut of throwing it in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment/flat beater attached. You can make your own just for this recipe (this is a great method for making flavorful, juicy shredded chicken!) or you can use up leftover rotisserie chicken! Salt, pepper, and onion powder - Rounds out the flavor!įirst, you’ll start with some cooked, shredded chicken.Lemon zest - We’ll use fresh lemon zest along with a little of the juice to add some brightness.You can use walnuts instead if you’d like. Pecans - Adds an earthy, nutty crunch.Like tarragon, this has an anise-like flavor. Fennel bulb - Instead of celery or raw onion, you get a more subtle and flavorful crunch from diced raw fennel bulb.Tarragon has an anise-like flavor (like licorice) and pairs well with lemon, chicken, or seafood. Tarragon - Fresh is best here but you can use dried in a pinch.Mayonnaise - Adds moisture and creaminess.Cooked chicken - Make perfect shredded chicken just for this recipe, or use leftover rotisserie chicken! You can also use diced chicken if you’d rather.Like tarragon, fennel also has an anise-like undertone, so it really adds to the cohesive flavor of the chicken salad. In this recipe, rather than adding crunch with celery or raw onion, we add a little crunch with some finely diced raw fennel bulb.įirst, the crunchy texture is a little less harsh than that of celery or onion (I always feel like too much crrrrunnnch detracts from a chicken or tuna salad), but it also pairs perfectly with tarragon. Tarragon classically pairs well with lighter foods like fish, chicken, or vegetables that are associated with spring and summer. For those (like me) who dislike black licorice candy, this may sound unappealing, but its use in a chicken salad is as different as a peppermint stick is from mint in a roasted leg of lamb. If you’re not familiar with the flavor of tarragon, it’s an herb with sort of a licorice- or anise-like flavor. Yes, this recipe has pecans in it, but paired with a sophisticated and delicate tarragon flavor instead of a sweet fruity component.

This shredded chicken salad is a little different from your typical chicken salads - a classic chicken salad with basic spices and celery or onion, or a Waldorf chicken salad with grapes and pecans. I use shredded chicken for this easy recipe - leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this! About tarragon chicken salad You’ll love this simple chicken salad on a croissant or in a wrap, whether you’re bringing it to a picnic lunch or having a casual meal at home! It also makes an excellent tea sandwich filling. This tarragon chicken salad with pecans is a refreshing option with bright, summery flavors from fresh herbs and lemon. I wrote this recipe several years ago but just revisited it for a rewrite, and holy moly, I forgot just how stinkin’ GOOD this tarragon chicken salad is! This might be my new favorite summer sandwich filling, because I will definitely be making a LOT more of this this season. And food-wise, it’s time to swap out hearty meals like pot roast and turkey chili for things on the lighter side - grilled salmon, homemade refrigerator dill pickles, and chicken salad sandwiches. It’s springtime! Time for walks through parks, farmers’ markets, picnics, and flowers. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

That means if you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Lemon Tarragon Shredded Chicken Salad with Pecans.
Chicken salad recipe with tarragon how to#
How to use lemon tarragon chicken salad.
