My last book-inspired recipe was my new summer drink obsession. This time, I’m bringing you me new summer lunch obsession: Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad.
It’s going to be a delicious few months, Tartlets.
Why is Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad the book-inspired recipe for Atmosphere?
I can’t give too many details away, but main character Joan goes on a lovely first date with someone in Atmosphere. The date involves stargazing and a picnic, and said picnic includes homemade lemon tarragon chicken salad sandwiches.
Joan’s impressed, both by her date’s culinary prowess and thoughtfulness, and the recipe for the salad is even discussed a little bit.
The date goes well, and thus begins the (wonderful, beautiful, and emotional) romance in Atmosphere. I’d like to think it was because of the food, but I’m sure that was only a small part of it.
Why I love Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad
I seriously think I’m going to make Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad Sandwiches at least once a month this summer. The recipe is just so gosh-darn easy. And delicious.
As we all know, I’m not a mayo fan, so my chicken salad calls for Greek yogurt to bind everything together. I love the herby pops of fresh tarragon and chive, and then how creamy and zingy the lemon yogurt sauce is.
Joan’s date mentions that the chicken sandwiches are made with “dry poached” chicken, which is what gives it such incredible taste and tenderness.
It’s very sweet that Date Person went through all that trouble. But I don’t always have that kind of time, or patience.
This is where my tried-and-true culinary companion steps is: store-bought rotisserie chicken comes in.
It’s the perfect shortcut for getting tender, juicy, and flavorful chicken without having to turn on your stove.
Make the chicken salad at beginning of the week and let sit in the fridge to really come together. Great for easy lunches all week long.
What do you serve with Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad?
I’m a sandwich person, so I love to scoop Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad onto some toasted bread for a quick and delicious lunch. Serve with a side of watermelon cubes and homemade lemonade, or with a Mixed Berry Spinach Salad or Arugula, Watermelon, and Feta Salad.
If you have leftover fresh tarragon, use it in Creamy Tarragon Chicken, Baked Sea Scallops, or Lobster Tortellini Salad.
Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste to taste
Instructions
PREP INSTRUCTIONS
- Shred rotisserie chicken and set meat aside.
- Zest and juice lemon, then set aside.
- Chop the chives and tarragon, then set aside.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
- Add yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, chives, tarragon, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper in a large bowl and stir to combine.
- Toss shredded chicken in the lemon tarragon yogurt sauce.
- Serve Lemon Tarragon Chicken Salad over lettuce or as a sandwich on bread of your choice.
