Fresh & Fun Ina Garten Chicken Salad Recipe for Any Occasion

Ina Garten’s chicken salad unleashes a culinary symphony that transforms mundane midday meals into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure.

Delicate tarragon whispers elegant herbaceous notes through a luxurious creamy landscape, elevating humble ingredients to sublime heights.

Her masterful technique weaves rich, complex flavors into every silky forkful.

Roasted chicken becomes a canvas painted with vibrant, harmonious ingredients that sing together.

Subtle sweetness and herbal undertones create a dance of textures that tantalize the taste buds.

Each carefully crafted bite promises a sensory journey that transcends ordinary lunch expectations.

This chicken salad isn’t just a recipe, it’s a gourmet revelation waiting to seduce your palate and redefine your lunch experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 4

Key Ingredients in Ina Garten Chicken Salad

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for tender, juicy results.
• Pecans: Choose whole, unbroken nuts with rich golden color and no dark spots.
• Walnuts: Look for crisp, firm nuts without any musty or rancid smell.

• Mayonnaise: Select full-fat version for richer, smoother texture.
• Sour Cream: Opt for thick, tangy variety with smooth consistency.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more intense, vibrant flavor.

• Fresh Tarragon: Pick bright green leaves with no wilting for maximum herbal punch.
• Grapes: Select firm, plump grapes with glossy skin and no bruising.
• Lettuce Leaves: Choose crisp, bright green leaves for clean, fresh presentation.

Tools You’ll Want for Ina Garten Chicken Salad

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting chicken and toasting nuts.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining creamy dressing and ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for slicing chicken into neat cubes.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tools for adding salt and seasoning.
• Oven: Essential for roasting chicken and toasting nuts to perfection.
• Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for gently folding ingredients together.

How to Assemble Ina Garten Chicken Salad Easily

• Prepare Tasty Chicken

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken breasts on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes until fully cooked, then let cool completely.

• Transform Chicken

Strip away skin and bones, then slice chicken into bite-sized cubes. Meanwhile, toast pecans and walnuts in the oven until golden brown and fragrant.

• Blend Creamy Salad

Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasonings in a large bowl. Gently fold in diced chicken, crunchy nuts, and sweet grapes. Sprinkle fresh tarragon across the top for a burst of herbal flavor.

• Serve with Style

Arrange the chicken salad elegantly over crisp lettuce leaves. The combination of tender meat, nutty crunch, and creamy dressing creates a delightful meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Variation Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Salad

• Boost Your Chicken Salad Mastery: Tips and Twists
• Customize Chicken Selection: Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep or swap with leftover grilled turkey for a different protein punch.
• Elevate Nut Crunch: Lightly toast nuts in a dry skillet for deeper, more intense flavor. Watch carefully to prevent burning, stirring frequently.
• Dress Up Texture Play: Replace grapes with diced green apples or dried cranberries for a tangy twist. Each option brings unique sweetness and crisp texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare chicken and nuts one day ahead. Store separately in airtight containers to maintain maximum freshness and crispness. Mix dressing and combine ingredients just before serving to keep everything perfectly crisp and vibrant.

Creative Serving for Ina Garten Chicken Salad

• Serve Atop Fresh Greens: Arrange the chicken salad on a bed of crisp romaine or butter lettuce for a light, refreshing presentation.
• Create Sandwich Perfection: Spread the creamy mixture between two slices of toasted whole grain bread for a delightful lunch option.
• Elevate With Cracker Companions: Pair the salad with gourmet crackers or crostini for an elegant appetizer that impresses guests.
• Pack For Picnic Pleasure: Portion the chicken salad into individual containers for a delicious outdoor meal that travels well.

Storing and Planning Ina Garten Chicken Salad Efficiently

• Smart Storage Solutions: Seal the chicken salad in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Moisture control matters.
• Freezing Finesse: Avoid freezing this salad as mayonnaise and sour cream separate and lose creamy texture when thawed. Fresh is always best.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop chicken, toast nuts, and mix dressing separately. Store components individually in sealed containers, combining just before serving to maintain optimal crunch and texture.
• Serving Suggestion: Keep ingredients chilled until ready to assemble. Serve over crisp lettuce leaves immediately for maximum flavor and textural delight, preventing soggy disappointment.

Elegant Ina Garten Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic chicken salad blends tender poached chicken with crisp celery and creamy mayonnaise. Fresh herbs and crunchy almonds elevate this simple yet elegant dish you will want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 split chicken breasts (bone-in, skin on, 1 ½ lbs or 680 g)
• ½ cup (60 g) pecan halves
• ½ cup (60 g) walnut halves
• 1 cup (150 g) green grapes (halved)
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh tarragon leaves (chopped)
• Olive oil (as needed)
• Salt (as needed)
• Black pepper (as needed)
• Lettuce leaves (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Roasting Chicken: Preheat oven to 350°F. Position chicken breasts skin-side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
2. Preparing Ingredients: After chicken cools completely, discard skin and bones, then cube into uniform pieces. Toast pecans and walnuts in the oven for 7-8 minutes until golden and fragrant, allowing them to crisp while cooling.
3. Creating Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Finely chop half the tarragon and blend into the creamy base.
4. Combining Components: Fold diced chicken, toasted nuts, and halved grapes into the creamy mixture, ensuring even coating. Garnish with remaining chopped tarragon for enhanced flavor and visual presentation.
5. Serving: Chill the chicken salad and serve atop fresh lettuce leaves, creating an elegant and refreshing dish that balances creamy, nutty, and herbal notes.

Notes

• Perfectly Roast Chicken: Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe, juicy meat without drying out.
• Toast Nuts Carefully: Watch nuts closely during toasting; they can burn quickly and turn bitter, ruining the salad’s delicate flavor profile.
• Achieve Creamy Consistency: Whisk mayonnaise and sour cream thoroughly to create a smooth, even coating that binds ingredients perfectly.
• Chill for Enhanced Flavor: Refrigerate chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg