Tarragon Chicken Salad in Endive Boats is a sophisticated yet easy-to-make appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a light lunch, or looking for a refreshing low-carb snack, this dish has it all. With the delicate, herbaceous flavor of tarragon, the creamy richness of chicken salad, and the crisp, refreshing crunch of endive, this recipe delivers a burst of flavors and textures in every bite.

Endive, with its boat-like shape, is the perfect vessel for holding chicken salad, making this dish not only tasty but also visually appealing. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create this elegant appetizer step-by-step, with tips on variations and serving suggestions.

Why Tarragon Chicken Salad is a Winner

Chicken salad is a classic dish, but adding fresh tarragon takes it to the next level. Tarragon, with its slightly sweet, licorice-like flavor, complements the richness of chicken and mayonnaise while adding a subtle herbal note. When paired with the crisp, slightly bitter flavor of Belgian endive, this combination creates a perfect balance of flavors.

This dish is light, fresh, and elegant, making it perfect for gatherings where you want to impress your guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Benefits of Using Endive

Endive is a type of leafy vegetable that’s popular in salads and appetizers. Its slightly bitter taste pairs well with rich, creamy fillings like chicken salad. In addition to its flavor, endive is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for serving appetizers.

Endive’s unique boat-like shape also makes it the ideal serving vessel for finger foods like chicken salad, allowing for a beautiful and mess-free presentation.

Ingredients for Tarragon Chicken Salad in Endive Boats

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a delicious, elegant appetizer. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped (or 1 tsp dried tarragon)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Endive Boats:

  • 2 heads of Belgian endive, separated into individual leaves
  • Fresh tarragon leaves for garnish (optional)
  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Salad

Begin by cooking and shredding the chicken breast. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or poached chicken for this recipe. In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped tarragon, lemon juice, lemon zest, diced celery, and chopped shallot.

Mix the ingredients together until well combined, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The lemon juice and zest add a fresh, citrusy brightness that enhances the herbal tarragon, while the celery adds a delightful crunch.

2. Separate the Endive Leaves

Belgian endive has a crisp, slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the creamy chicken salad. Carefully separate the endive leaves, rinse them, and pat them dry with a paper towel. The larger leaves make excellent “boats” for holding the chicken salad, while the smaller leaves can be used for garnishing or as extra servings.

3. Assemble the Endive Boats

Spoon a generous amount of chicken salad into each endive leaf, filling them neatly without overstuffing. Arrange the filled endive boats on a serving platter in a decorative pattern, ensuring they are evenly spaced for a visually appealing presentation.

4. Garnish and Serve

For a finishing touch, garnish the chicken salad boats with extra fresh tarragon leaves and serve them with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon adds a burst of freshness when squeezed over the top just before eating.

Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp, refreshing bite of the endive paired with the creamy, flavorful chicken salad.

Tips for Success

  • Cook the Chicken Ahead of Time: To save time, cook and shred the chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Use Fresh Tarragon: Fresh tarragon is the key to the bright, herbal flavor in this recipe. If you don’t have fresh tarragon on hand, you can substitute with dried tarragon, but the flavor will be slightly milder.
  • Keep It Cold: This dish is best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before assembling the endive boats. The chilled chicken salad contrasts beautifully with the crisp endive.
  • Lemon for Brightness: Adding lemon juice and zest to the chicken salad adds a light, refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the mayonnaise. Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon based on your personal taste.
  • Don’t Overfill the Endive: When assembling the boats, be careful not to overfill the endive leaves. This keeps the presentation clean and prevents the filling from spilling out when eaten.

Variations and Add-Ons

One of the great things about Tarragon Chicken Salad in Endive Boats is how versatile it is. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to customize this dish:

1. Add Fruit: For a touch of sweetness, add halved grapes or diced apples to the chicken salad. The fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy, savory flavors.

2. Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a delicious crunch and additional flavor to the chicken salad.

3. Swap the Mayo: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will add tanginess and reduce the fat content while maintaining the creaminess.

4. Spice It Up: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad.

5. Serve with Crackers: In addition to endive boats, you can serve the tarragon chicken salad with a selection of crackers or crostini for guests to scoop.

Nutritional Benefits

Tarragon Chicken Salad in Endive Boats is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

  • Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps to keep you full and satisfied.
  • Endive is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for a light and healthy appetizer.
  • Tarragon is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also aids in digestion and adds a fragrant, herbal flavor to the dish.
  • Celery and Shallots add crunch, flavor, and extra nutrients, including vitamins A and C, which promote good health.

For a low-carb, gluten-free appetizer option, these endive boats fit the bill perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Tarragon Chicken Salad in Endive Boats is versatile enough to be served as an appetizer, light lunch, or snack. Here are a few serving ideas:

  • For Dinner Parties: Serve as an elegant appetizer at a dinner party, alongside a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
  • For Brunch: Include this dish in a brunch spread along with fresh fruit, quiche, and pastries.
  • For Lunch: Enjoy as a light lunch on a warm day. Pair with a simple side salad or fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.

A Fresh and Elegant Appetizer

Tarragon Chicken Salad in Endive Boats is a delightful, refreshing appetizer that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With its blend of creamy chicken salad, fresh tarragon, and crunchy endive, this dish offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a party, serving lunch, or simply enjoying a snack, these elegant endive boats are sure to impress.