Flavorful Barefoot Contessa’s Chicken Salad Recipe Magic

The classic chicken salad recipe leaps to new heights with ina garten’s touch, delivering a mouthwatering blend of tender chicken and fresh ingredients.

Her approach turns a simple dish into a culinary delight that sings with flavor.

Succulent chunks of chicken mingle with crisp celery and a creamy dressing that dances on your palate.

The secret lies in selecting premium ingredients and treating each component with care.

Garten’s method ensures every bite is packed with rich, harmonious flavors that complement each other perfectly.

Herbs and seasonings add depth and complexity to this beloved lunchtime favorite.

Grab your apron and get ready to wow everyone at the table with this irresistible chicken salad that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 6

Full Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein foundation for the salad, selecting fresh, plump breasts ensures tender and juicy meat.
• Pecans, Walnuts: Crunchy nutty companions adding rich texture and healthy fats to elevate the chicken's flavor profile.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy dressing agents creating smooth, tangy cohesion that binds ingredients deliciously.
• Grapes: Sweet, juicy bursts that introduce refreshing moisture and subtle fruity contrast to the savory components.

• Tarragon Leaves: Delicate, slightly peppery herb that introduces elegant aromatic notes and brightens the entire salad composition.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning warriors balancing and enhancing the overall taste spectrum with their fundamental flavor-boosting powers.
• Olive Oil: Silky lubricant that helps roast chicken beautifully and adds subtle Mediterranean undertone.
• Lettuce Leaves: Crisp, fresh base providing a light, green foundation for serving the chicken salad with visual appeal.

Essentials for Preparing Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad

• Baking Tray: Essential for roasting chicken and toasting nuts evenly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining chicken, nuts, grapes, and dressing.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for dicing chicken and chopping tarragon leaves.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Used for preparing the creamy dressing.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing and tossing salad ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure salt, pepper, and other seasonings accurately.

How to Assemble Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad

Chicken Salad Adventure

• Chicken Preparation Oven magic transforms plain chicken into a flavor-packed delight. Season chicken with love and roast until golden and tender.
• Nutty Crunch Gently toast mixed nuts in the oven, releasing their rich, warm essence. Let them cool and develop a satisfying crunch.
• Creamy Dream Whip together a silky smooth sauce that will make taste buds dance. Blend tangy and rich ingredients for the perfect coating.
• Salad Symphony Lovingly combine roasted chicken, crunchy nuts, and sweet bursts of fruit. Drizzle the dreamy sauce and gently fold everything together.
• Herbal Finale Sprinkle fresh herbs on top, adding a bright, fresh note that elevates the entire dish. Serve on a bed of crisp greens for a stunning presentation.

Twists & Upgrades for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad

• Poach or grill chicken instead of roasting for a different flavor profile and moisture level. Experiment with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for richer taste.
• Replace pecans and walnuts with almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds for unique crunch and nutritional variety. Toast alternative nuts carefully to prevent burning.
• Substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-calorie dressing. Add fresh lemon juice to brighten the overall taste.
• Mix in fresh chives, dill, or parsley alongside tarragon for a more complex herb blend. Chop herbs finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
• Prepare chicken salad up to two days in advance, storing in an airtight container. Keep dressing and nuts separate until serving to maintain optimal texture and crispness.

Serving Styles for Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad

• Serve on Crisp Lettuce Beds: Spread fresh, crisp lettuce leaves as a delightful base for the chicken salad, adding a refreshing crunch and vibrant green backdrop.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Accompany the salad with warm, toasted artisan bread or soft dinner rolls to create a satisfying and complete meal that balances textures.
• Elevate with Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped tarragon or a few whole pecans on top for an elegant presentation that adds visual appeal and extra nutty flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and create a cool, refreshing dish perfect for lunch or light dinner.

Keeping Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad Fresh

• Maximize Freshness: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavors crisp and ingredients vibrant.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Cook chicken and chop ingredients in advance, allowing you to quickly assemble the salad when hunger strikes or guests arrive unexpectedly.
• Smart Chilling Technique: Cool the roasted chicken completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent soggy texture and maintain the salad's delightful crunch.
• Portion and Protect: Separate dressing from salad ingredients if planning to store for multiple days, preventing soggy nuts and keeping everything perfectly textured until serving time.

Tangy Barefoot Contessa Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken salad recipe brings Mediterranean flavors to classic comfort cuisine. Fresh herbs and roasted chicken combine for a delightful lunch that delights palates and satisfies hunger.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 split (1 whole) chicken breasts, bone in, skin on (680 g / 24 oz)
• 75 g (2.6 oz) pecan halves
• 75 g (2.6 oz) walnut halves
• 150 g (5.3 oz) green grapes, halved
• 120 g (4.2 oz) mayonnaise
• 120 g (4.2 oz) sour cream
• 30 mL (1 fl oz) olive oil
• 15 g (0.5 oz) chopped fresh tarragon leaves
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Lettuce leaves, for serving

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Instructions

1. Roasting Preparation: Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit), positioning rack in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Chicken Preparation: Place chicken breasts on a baking tray, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 74 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit), ensuring thorough cooking.
3. Nut Toasting: Simultaneously spread pecans and walnuts on a separate baking sheet, toasting for 7-8 minutes until golden and aromatic. Cool completely at room temperature.
4. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Fold in half of the chopped tarragon leaves, creating a smooth, herb-infused dressing.
5. Chicken and Salad Assembly: Once chicken cools, remove meat from bones, discarding skin. Dice into uniform cubes. In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, toasted nuts, and green grapes. Drizzle with prepared dressing, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
6. Final Presentation: Garnish with remaining tarragon, sprinkle with additional seasoning if desired. Serve chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for an elegant, refreshing chicken salad.

Notes

• Precise Roasting: Ensure chicken reaches exactly 74°C (165°F) for safe, perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Toasting Technique: Golden-brown nuts enhance flavor dramatically; watch carefully to prevent burning during the 7-8 minute toasting window.
• Chilling Advantage: Refrigerate salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop more complex taste profile.
• Texture Balance: Cut chicken and chop ingredients uniformly to guarantee consistent bite and even dressing distribution throughout the salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg