French Chicken Salad

This French Chicken Salad is inspired by the bright floral, citrus, and herbaceous flavors prevalent in Provençal French cuisine. Featuring tender chicken, crisp celery, juicy green grapes, and crunchy almonds. This quick and easy chicken salad is tossed with a creamy mayo-based dressing that includes French Dijon mustard, verdant tarragon and chives, Herbs de Provence, and a generous sprinkle of fresh orange zest. This light and refreshing chicken salad recipe can be assembled in as little as 15-minutes, thanks to the time-saving magic of rotisserie chicken.

Jump to:

• Ingredients for French Chicken Salad
• Unlock the Essence of French Flavors with Herbs de Provence
• Dijon Mustard: A Secret Weapon for Elevating French Chicken Salad
• Tips for Making the Perfect French Chicken Salad
• Step-by-Step Instructions for French Chicken Salad
• How to Serve French Chicken Salad: Creative Serving Ideas
• Storage Guidelines for French Chicken Salad: How Long Does It Keep?
• Essential Tools for Making French Chicken Salad
• Explore More French Recipes
• French Chicken Salad

Ingredients for French Chicken Salad

• Chicken (rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken)
• Celery
• Green Grapes
• Green Onion
• Sliced Almonds
• Mayonnaise (I prefer Dukes!)
• Dijon Mustard (I prefer Edmond Fallot or Maille)
• Fresh Chives
• Fresh Tarragon
• Fresh Orange Zest
• Dried Herbs de Provence

Unlock the Essence of French Flavors with Herbs de Provence

This French Chicken Salad is elevated with the distinctive blend of Herbs de Provence. This iconic French herb mixture captures the essence of the Provence region in southeast France, where a symphony of herbs is an indispensable part of French culinary traditions, amidst picturesque lavender fields.

Make your own Herbs de Provence

While Herbs de Provence is commonly available in grocery stores, you might already possess the essential components in your pantry. Herbs de Provence is typically composed of dried basil, fennel, marjoram, parsley, rosemary, lavender, tarragon, and thyme, creating a medley of aromatic flavors.

If you prefer a personalized blend, crafting your own Herbs de Provence is super easy and allows you to tailor the herb ratios to your taste preferences. Experiment with generous notes of green herbs like thyme, tarragon, and marjoram, balanced by a delicate hint of floral lavender -- Remember, even a small amount of lavender can make a significant impact on your dish, so use it sparingly!

Dijon Mustard: A Secret Weapon for Elevating French Chicken Salad

An essential ingredient that deserves a place of distinction in your French Chicken Salad recipe is the often underestimated Dijon mustard. Far too often lumped together with the commonplace yellow squeeze bottles found in refrigerator doors, a good-quality Dijon mustard has the power to elevate a simple dish like chicken salad into something spectacular.

In its essential form, Dijon mustard is a paste crafted from finely ground brown mustard seeds combined with verjuice (the juice of unripe grapes) or white wine, sometimes with the addition of complementary spices. It boasts a spiciness that surpasses its milder yellow mustard counterparts, owing to the robust nature of brown mustard seeds and the low acidity of verjuice or white wine.

How Does Yellow Mustard Differ from Dijon Mustard?

In contrast, the familiar bright yellow squeeze bottle mustard, often seen at ballparks and barbecues, derives its vivid hue from a blend of yellow mustard seeds and turmeric, mixed with vinegar, water, and other spices. This mustard variety is generally mild, as the spice level of yellow mustard seeds is lower and the vinegar's acidity mellows any potential heat.

Choosing the Right Mustard for French Chicken Salad

By incorporating a small amount of good-quality Dijon mustard, you can infuse this gourmet chicken salad with a bit of delightful complex spiciness without overpowering its inherent flavors with excessive acidity. In contrast, classic yellow mustard offers a milder spice level and a tangy, vinegary taste. For a well-balanced French Chicken Salad, I strongly recommend opting for a good Dijon mustard to avoid the overpowering vinegar flavor that could overshadow the dish's other fantastic elements. My preferred Dijon mustard brands are Edmond Fallot and Maille.

Tips for Making the Perfect French Chicken Salad

By following these tips, you can elevate your French Chicken Salad to perfection, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and a satisfying dining experience. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile chicken salad recipe!

• Use fresh, ripe produce: Selecting fresh and ripe ingredients is key to enhancing the taste of your French Chicken Salad. Choose crisp celery, juicy and ripe green grapes, and vibrant herbs to bring out the best flavors in every bite.
• Utilize Rotisserie Chicken for Time-Saving Convenience: Take advantage of the time-saving shortcut by incorporating rotisserie chicken into your French Chicken Salad. With its convenient and delicious qualities, rotisserie chicken provides a flavorful foundation for your salad. Alternatively, using leftover cooked chicken is also a great option. Just ensure that the chicken is properly cooked and tender for the best results.
• Adjust the dressing to taste: The provided measurements for mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and herbs are a good starting point. However, feel free to adjust the quantities based on your personal preference. Add more mustard for extra tang or increase the herbs for a stronger herbal flavor.
• Allow the flavors to meld: After combining the ingredients and dressing, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more delicious salad.
• Variations and Customizations: While the base recipe is delightful on its own, you can customize your French Chicken Salad by incorporating additional ingredients. Consider swapping the green grapes for red, the almonds for chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts, or add a sprinkle of shredded Gruyère cheese or crumbled Roquefort cheese for an added burst of sharp and salty flavor.
• Serve with fresh accompaniments: Enhance the presentation and taste of your rotisserie chicken salad by serving it with fresh accompaniments. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, such as tarragon or chives, or a sprinkle of additional orange zest. For a heartier dish, consider adding a side of crusty bread or a bed of salad greens.

Step-by-Step Instructions for French Chicken Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, finely chopped celery, halved or quartered green grapes, chopped green onion, and sliced almonds. Reserve the bowl to the side.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh chives, chopped fresh tarragon, fresh orange zest, and dried Herbs de Provence with a small spatula.
3. Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold in until well combined.
4. You can serve the chicken salad immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes or more before serving to allow the flavors to continue to meld. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more delicious salad.
5. Serve the French Chicken Salad on its own, over a bed of salad greens, as a sandwich filling, or as an appetizer on crostini or crackers. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this delightful French-inspired dish!

How to Serve French Chicken Salad: Creative Serving Ideas

Enjoy the versatility of French Chicken Salad with these creative serving suggestions:

• For a light and refreshing lunch: Indulge in the herbaceous flavors of this healthy chicken salad by serving it on a bed of fresh salad greens, wrapped inside crisp butter lettuce cups, or nestled inside halved avocado, tomato, or bell pepper for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
• As a sandwich filling: Elevate your sandwich game by pairing the chicken salad with soft and fluffy brioche bread or these No-Knead Classic Burger Buns, delicately layered with butter lettuce for a refreshing crunch. Alternatively, savor it in a crusty French sourdough baguette, accompanied by a slice of creamy brie for a luxurious and hearty sandwich experience.
• As an easy and elegant Hors-d'oeuvre: For an easy entertaining bite, serve this creamy French Chicken Salad over crispy crostini or on top of a rustic rosemary cracker for a flavorful bite-sized treat. For an extra touch of sophistication, sprinkle a little bit of additional orange zest and fresh herbs on top, elevating the presentation and adding a burst of vibrant citrus notes.

Storage Guidelines for French Chicken Salad: How Long Does It Keep?

This French Chicken Salad recipe should keep well stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Essential Tools for Making French Chicken Salad

• A cutting board
• A chef’s knife
• A citrus zester or fine grater (see more below)
• A kitchen scale (or measuring cups for less precise measurements)
• Measuring spoons
• A large mixing bowl and a small mixing bowl
• A silicone spatula

Why You Should Own a Citrus Zester: Effortlessly Add Zest to Your French Chicken Salad

Make zesting citrus fruits a breeze with a dedicated citrus zester. Say goodbye to struggling with traditional fine graters and welcome this handy tool into your kitchen. I regularly use mine for zesting oranges, lemons, limes, and even ginger. If you haven't added one to your culinary arsenal yet or prefer not to, the fine side of a box grater can serve as an alternative, although it may require a bit more effort.

Are You Looking to Upgrade Your Cooking Tools or Replenish Your Pantry?

Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.

Explore More French Recipes

Love this French Chicken Salad recipe? Here are some more of my favorite French and French-inspired recipes:

• Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken Salad
• Tuna Nicoise Salad (Salade Niçoise)
• French Tuna Sandwiches (Pan Bagnat)
• Sole Meunière
• Pressure Cooker Beef Bourguignon
• French Chicken Salad
• Chicken Thighs with Orange Dijon Herb Sauce
• Anchovy Chicken Thighs with Green Olives and Potatoes
• Pasta with Olive Tapenade
• Pumpkin Potatoes au Gratin

Print