If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and a little elevated for your lunch game, Tarragon Chicken Salad is about to become your go-to. It’s creamy, herby, and has just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re scooping it onto toasted sourdough, stuffing it in lettuce cups, or serving it picnic-style with crackers, this salad brings serious main character energy.

Why Tarragon?

This is the perfect Spring recipe because tarragon is thriving in my kitchen garden right now, and I’m leaning all the way in. If you’ve never cooked with tarragon before, this is your sign. Its delicate licorice-like flavor brings a bright, unexpected twist that totally transforms a classic chicken salad into something a little more elevated and French-inspired.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe:

Meal Prep Friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for days.
Elevated Flavor: Tarragon + Dijon = dreamy.
Versatile: Serve it in a sandwich, wrap, or on greens.
Better-for-You: Packed with lean protein and can easily be made with Greek yogurt or avocado mayo.

Pro Tips to Make It Even Better:

Use rotisserie chicken for a fast, flavorful shortcut.
Add crunch with sliced almonds.
Want it extra creamy? Half mayo, half Greek yogurt keeps it light but luscious.
Make it meal-prep magic: Portion into glass containers for grab-and-go lunches all week.

Let’s Talk Serving Ideas:

On a croissant with lettuce for brunch.
In butter lettuce cups with avocado slices.
As a protein-packed snack with seed crackers (big fan of Mary’s crackers).
Rolled into a wrap with cucumber ribbons and spinach.

Kitchen Tools I Love For This Recipe

Glass meal prep containers – chic + eco-friendly.
Gold measuring spoons set – because details matter.
Stainless Mixing bowls – perfect for tossing and storing.
Avocado Oil Mayo – clean and creamy with no seed oils.
Indoor herb garden kit – for growing your own fresh tarragon.

Tarragon Chicken Salad is one of those recipes that feels like something you’d order at a chic café, but it’s so easy to whip up at home. Want more delicious recipes? Follow me on Instagram @most.hearted for kitchen inspo!

Gina

Ingredients

2-3 cooked chicken breasts shredded
salt and pepper
2 whole lemons
4 whole sprigs of tarragon fresh tarragon leaves minced
1/4 cup mayonnaise preferably homemade, plus more to taste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard plus more to taste
1 tablespoon parsley leaves minced
1 tablespoon chives minced
1/2 cup red onion finely diced
1/2 cup celery finely diced
1 garlic minced (about 1 teaspoon)

Instructions

In a large bowl, add 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp zest lemon, mayonnaise, mustard, tarragon, parsley, chives, red onion, celery, and garlic and mix with a rubber spatula.
Stir in additional lemon juice to taste.
Add the shredded chicken to bowl with mayonnaise and mix until combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add more mayonnaise, mustard, or lemon juice if desired.
Serve and enjoy!