Let’s chat about chicken salads! Chicken makes a fantastic neutral canvas for adding whatever flavors you prefer. We searched for the best chicken salad recipe for years, and this one is our hands-down favorite! The foundation is a highly-rated Food Network recipe, but we ended up making quite a few alterations. The result is loaded with incredible savory flavor and texture. We make this regularly around here, especially when the weather is warmer.

NOTE: We’re not big fans of sweet elements in chicken salad, so this recipe steers away from fruit, like grapes. However, they could be added easily, if you prefer.

TIP: While most chicken salads call for chicken breast meat, we also like using chicken thighs. The dark meat raises the fat content, but fat is flavor! Finally, don’t skip the tarragon; it makes this dish!

Tarragon Chicken Salad with Bacon
(Original recipe: Food Network)

3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 green onion, diced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/3 cup your favorite mayonnaise
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 tsp fresh chives, chopped
1/4 cup sliced almonds
Salt and pepper to taste

Toss all ingredients into a large bowl and mix gently until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.