Nothing makes me happier than having a healthy, pre-made lunch ready to go in the fridge. What that says about me I’m not sure. But seriously, to have to think up two separate lunch ideas for the boys then turn around and decide what I’m going to make myself gives me a major case of decision fatigue.
That’s why I always aim to have leftovers, egg salad, or chicken salad in the fridge to grab and gobble for lunch, and this fall-inspired Apple Tarragon Chicken Salad is a new lunch time favorite!
A Twist on Classic Chicken Salad
Baked chicken, crisp apples, green onions and fresh tarragon are mixed with mayo and lemon juice for a seriously quick and easy chicken salad recipe that’s fresh and filling. I like to roll mine inside a GF wrap (love Mission GF tortillas!) though it’s also fantastic scooped into mason jars then topped with mixed greens for an instant healthy salad when lunch time rolls around. Just dump, mix, and eat.
I have a ton of Honeycrisp apples on hand so that’s what I’ve been using in this recipe, but of course use whatever apple you love. And if you’ve never tried tarragon, it’s a wonderful fresh herb. Every time I eat it I think, why don’t I use this more often?? You’re going to love this fresh and updated twist on classic chicken salad!
How to Make This Recipe
Start by cooking 2 chicken breasts (14oz) any way you like – you could even use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken. My favorite, easy cooking method is to pound the chicken to an even thickness, season both sides with salt and pepper, then place on a silpat or nonstick sprayed foil-lined half sheet pan. Spray or mist the tops with extra virgin olive oil or cooking spray then bake for 15-17 minutes, or until cooked through. Chop into cubes or shred once cool. EASY. You can even do this a day ahead of time.
Add the cooled chopped chicken to a large bowl with 1 chopped red apple, 2 chopped green onions, 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon, salt, and pepper.
Next add 1/3 cup mayonnaise and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice then mix to combine. Taste then add more mayo, lemon juice, salt and/or pepper if needed. I really think the addition of lemon juice makes this chicken salad taste more like a chicken salad with dressing versus chicken mixed with mayo. You’ll see what I mean!
That’s all she wrote! Like I said, I usually scoop the Apple Tarragon Chicken Salad on top of greens or use it to make a wrap, though chicken salad is of course great as a sandwich or stuffed inside a pita. Plus, don’t forget about that handy mason jar idea! However you eat it – enjoy!
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Apple Tarragon Chicken Salad
Description
Apple Tarragon Chicken Salad is an easy lunch recipe that's full of fresh flavors. Serve with lettuce or in between slices of bread.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (14oz), pounded to an even thickness
- salt and pepper
- 1 red apple, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
- squeeze fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- salt and pepper
- bread, wraps, or lettuce, for serving
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees then line a half sheet pan with a silpat or nonstick sprayed foil. Season chicken on both sides with salt and pepper then place on prepared sheet pan and spray or mist tops with extra virgin olive oil or nonstick spray. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through, then let cool. Once cool, chop into bite-sized pieces. Can be done a day ahead of time.
- To a large bowl add chopped chicken and remaining ingredients then stir to combine. Taste then add more lemon juice, salt, and/or pepper to tate then refrigerate until chilled. Serve between bread slices, in a wrap, or on a bed of lettuce.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken would be a great substitute in here.
- This chicken salad makes a great mason jar meal. Scoop the chicken salad into the bottom of a mason jar then top with the lettuce of your choice. Will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Nick Smithy 12.20.2018
looks so tasty! mmm
Sarah C 10.04.2017
Decision Fatigue! Yaaassssss! Now I have a name for it! Thank-you!
I feel the same way about lunch. This is definitely going on my meal plan for myself next week.
Spanish to English 10.02.2017
This looks so delicious! Love your recipe!
EM 09.23.2017
Delicious recipe…made it for tonight’s dinner to go on a sandwich with a bowl of soup.
Kristin 10.02.2017
Sounds like a match made in heaven. Thanks for your review, EM!
misty 09.20.2017
Can’t wait to try this! I love the idea of apples in chicken salad!
Lynn 09.20.2017
I made this yesterday for lunches this week. Sooooo good! And super easy to put together! Loved the tarragon, really added a unique flavor. Will add this to my rotation, and btw, I love your crockpot chicken and wild rice soup, I make it several times a year, it freezes very well. Also a huge fan of your chic fil a bites…they are in a regular rotation around here!
Kristin 10.02.2017
Thanks so much for your feedback, Lynn! Love to hear what you’re loving. :)
Elise 09.19.2017
Oh. My. Gosh! This is incredible! The tarragon adds the most delicious flavor. I used Pink Lady apples. We’ll eat this tonight on Mission GF tortillas. I could just smear it all over my head.
Kristin 10.02.2017
HAHA, love it!!! Love those tortillas, too. Thanks for your review, Elise!
Isadora Guidoni 09.19.2017
Wow, this chicken salad looks sooo delicious! I’m going to have to try it myself. Can’t wait!
Janice 09.18.2017
I just made this chicken salad and it’s delicious! Love your recipes Kristin!!
Kristin 09.18.2017
So glad you loved the chicken salad, Janice! Thanks so much for your feedback!
Robyn 09.15.2017
I live in Breckenridge, but we love to go to Steamboat – we camp near there every year. Lots of great suggestions above! I would add, if you have time, a detour to Strawberry Park Hot Springs. The in-town springs are great (really good for kids), but Strawberry Park is just magical. Also, check out Lyon Drug (across from Fuzziwigs) – they have an old-fashioned soda fountain there and make the BEST milkshakes. It’s become a family tradition to stop there on our way home from camping. There’s a great taco place right around the corner from (the name is escaping me at the moment). You’ll find lots of great places to eat, though – can’t really go wrong. Have a great trip!
Corinne 09.15.2017
I just made your tarragon vinaigrette last week! Delicious! I love tarragon too and need to use up the rest that I have.
We spent a week in Steamboat about a month ago with my 10 month, 4 and 6 yr olds. It was challenging, but fun. Fish Creek Falls is great. You can probably do the entire hike with the kids. I wouldn’t recommend taking the stroller though, if you have a good baby carrier. The trail along the Yampa River is nice and there are a ton of hikes just outside Steamboat in Routt National Forest. Rabbit Ears pass was nice and has good photo ops not too far from the road.
ally 09.15.2017
This looks so delicious! I have been thinking about whipping up some chicken salad recently and this will be great.
Kristin 09.15.2017
Yeah! I hope you love it, Ally!
Donna 09.15.2017
Looks DELICIOUS and I totally agree about having lunch ready to go! Makes life so much easier.
Also, as a super long-time reader, I CANT believe your son is already 1! The year flies double-fast with the 2nd one, for sure? (And I don’t blame you…the internet makes me paranoid about kid stuff too❤❤)
Kristin 09.15.2017
I think the feels are hitting me harder because he’s our last child, which means everything we put away after he’s grown out of it, or doesn’t need anymore means it’s gone FOREVER. ?
Donna 09.16.2017
Giiirrrllll…same❤ It’s such a unique heartbreak that takes your breath away.
BUT just wait till Cameron is REALLY playing with Lincoln. NO greater joy than watching the 2 together❤❤. Motherhood is a TRIP of indescribable emotions?
Denise Perich 09.15.2017
Hello! Colorado native here! We go to Steamboat at least 1-2 times a year. If they still have the rodeo going on Friday and Saturday nights, that’s always fun. Our favorite Italian restaurant is Mambo Italiano. They have a great patio. Favorite breakfast place is Winona’s. Taking the gondola up the mountain is fun. You can then hike around, bike back down, hang out, and eat up at the top – Oasis Sundeck!!!!!! The view will blow your mind. Enjoy your trip!
Kristin 09.15.2017
Thanks for the insider info, Denise! Thinking a meal at Oasis Sundeck definitely needs to happen. :)
Brianna 09.15.2017
This chicken salad looks so yummy. I hope you have a blast in steamboat springs next month- I second renting bikes! Most shops will also rent trailers for your boys to ride in too. My tip for flying with little ones is snacks. Seriously, you can not have enough.
Promise me you will stay in Breckenridge next time you are in CO. It’s my favorite mountain town and is much cheaper than Vail.
Kristin 09.15.2017
We love Breck! We’ve stayed a few times – love the main street area. :)
Tom 09.15.2017
Hi Kristin! Had a chance to visit Steamboat Springs two years ago on a ski trip, but I hear it’s beautiful any time you visit! The hot springs are the big non-mountain attraction, but even just the old town main street is super fun to stroll and window shop. Had a great steak at E3 chophouse too. I’m heading to Denver myself in a few weeks…can’t wait!
Kristin 09.15.2017
I’m hearing the hot springs and downtown are must sees, so we’ll plan on it. Thanks Tom!!
Stephanie 09.15.2017
Oh my goodness, I adore tarragon! Making this ASAP! Good luck on your flight, don’t worry… most people understand babies will be fussy on a plane. :)
Kristin 09.15.2017
Right?? It’s so good! I think the flights are harder with Cameron bc Lincoln never made a peep! Oh well – short flight. ;)
Erin 09.15.2017
Fellow Iowan in CO! Steamboat is so great! Fish Creek Falls is definitely a great spot and hopefully the leaves will be turning. Emerald Mountain off of Yampa downtown offers some nice paths that you can hike as little/as much as you want with great views of Steamboat.
Best breakfast/lunch-Winona’s, Creekside. Great local shops and food places all along Lincoln in downtown. Enjoy!!
Kristin 09.15.2017
Thanks Erin!! Getting so excited with all these great suggestions!
Gail 09.15.2017
We did a family vacation this past summer in Steamboat, I was just reminiscing about it this morning. It was SO FUN.
I second Fish Creek Falls, good hike for little legs. We rented bikes and biked along the Yampa River (we were able to rent a bike trailer and everything). The alpine slide was a fun idea but didn’t go very fast. Maybe we got duds. The rodeo was fun but not sure if that’s only a summer event. They also had a cute Farmers Market that we went to in downtown.
Kristin 09.15.2017
Fuuuun! Were you able to rent helmets for the kids?
Lara 09.15.2017
On the Steamboat to-do list (we were just there in July): Fuzziwigs Candy store on LINCOLN Avenue. Jam-packed full of bulk candy and super-inexpensive ice cream (we got two double-dips for about $6 total!). Nature thing to do – Fish Creek Falls. Short (1/4 mile?) paved path leads to pretty falls. Park in the upper lot. Small fee for parking. Drive up Rabbit Ears Pass to Dumont Lake for a picnic. Beautiful drive up and back!
Kristin 09.15.2017
Thank you! All of these sound right up our ally!