Joanna Gaines Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of recreating the beloved Joanna Gaines chicken salad from Magnolia Table, you’re in for a treat. This copycat Joanna Gaines chicken salad recipe captures the fresh, herbaceous flavors that made this dish a fan favorite.

With tender poached chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy almonds, and a secret ingredient-fresh tarragon-this Magnolia chicken salad recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for the best chicken salad recipe for lunch or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this homemade chicken salad recipe checks all the boxes with its creamy, perfectly balanced flavor profile.

What is Joanna Gaines Chicken Salad and How Does It Taste?

Joanna Gaines creamy chicken salad is a signature dish from her popular Magnolia Table restaurant in Waco, Texas. This Magnolia table chicken salad stands out from ordinary chicken salads thanks to its thoughtful combination of textures and fresh herb-forward flavor.

The taste is bright and zesty from fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard, while sweet quartered grapes provide bursts of juiciness. Toasted almonds add a delightful crunch, and celery brings a refreshing snap. The star of this Joanna Gaines salad recipe is fresh tarragon-an aromatic herb with a subtle anise-like flavor that elevates the entire dish.

The result is a creamy, well-balanced quick chicken salad recipe with mayo that’s simultaneously comforting and sophisticated, never heavy or bland.

Joanna Gaines Chicken Salad Recipe Ingredients

For the Poached Chicken (yields about 4 cups):

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium-large breasts)
• Cold water (enough to cover chicken by 1 inch)
• 1 tsp salt
• Optional aromatics: parsley sprigs, ½ onion (quartered), 1–2 garlic cloves, lemon slices, peppercorns

For the Chicken Salad:

• 4 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup seedless grapes (red or green), quartered
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced (about ¾–1 cup)
• 3 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
• ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp fresh tarragon, finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon (2–3 Tbsp)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Extra parsley or tarragon leaves
• Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
• Bread, lettuce, and microgreens for sandwiches

Kitchen Utensils

1. Large pot with lid
2. Instant-read thermometer
3. Cutting board
4. Sharp knife
5. Dry skillet (for toasting almonds)
6. Large mixing bowl
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Wooden spoon or spatula

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Chilling Time: 30 minutes (recommended)

Total Time: 65 minutes

Servings: 6–8 servings

How to Make Joanna Gaines Chicken Salad Step by Step

Step 1: Poach the Chicken

Place the 2 lbs chicken breasts in a large pot and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Add 1 tsp salt and any optional aromatics like parsley, onion, garlic, lemon slices, or peppercorns for extra flavor depth.

Step 2: Simmer Gently

Set the pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer-avoid vigorous boiling to keep the chicken tender and juicy. As it warms, skim off any white foam that rises to the surface for clearer broth.

Step 3: Cook to Perfect Temperature

Once simmering, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 8–12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160–165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Remove chicken to a plate and refrigerate to cool completely.

Step 4: Toast the Almonds

While the chicken cools, heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add ½ cup sliced almonds and toast for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool completely to prevent wilting the salad.

Step 5: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Dice the celery into small, uniform pieces by slicing each stalk lengthwise into strips, then chopping crosswise. Thinly slice the green onions (both white and green parts), quarter the grapes into four pieces each, and finely chop the fresh parsley and tarragon.

Step 6: Dice the Cooled Chicken

Once fully chilled, dice the chicken into small ½-inch pieces for even texture and easy eating in sandwiches or lettuce wraps.

Step 7: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, quartered grapes, diced celery, sliced green onions, cooled toasted almonds, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley and tarragon, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until creamy and evenly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Transfer to a serving bowl and optionally garnish with extra tarragon or parsley leaves. For best flavor development, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, though it’s delicious immediately.

Customization and Pairing for Serving Ideas

1. Classic Chicken Salad Sandwich

Serve this best chicken salad recipe on toasted sourdough, whole wheat, or croissants with crisp butter lettuce and sliced tomatoes. The creamy salad pairs beautifully with hearty bread textures, making it perfect for lunch boxes or picnics.

2. Lettuce Wraps for Low-Carb Options

For a lighter approach to this Joanna Gaines chicken salad recipe, spoon generous portions into butter lettuce cups or romaine leaves. This gluten-free serving method highlights the fresh flavors while keeping the meal refreshing and crisp.

3. Stuffed Avocado Halves

Scoop the Magnolia chicken salad into halved, pitted avocados for an elegant presentation. The creamy avocado complements the tangy dressing beautifully, and this option works wonderfully for brunch gatherings or sophisticated luncheons.

4. On a Bed of Mixed Greens

Transform this chicken salad recipe with Dijon mustard and dill (tarragon variation) into a composed salad by serving it over spring mix, arugula, or spinach. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette drizzle for a complete meal.

5. Crackers and Crudité Platter

Present the salad as a dip surrounded by artisan crackers, sliced baguette, celery sticks, and carrot chips. This quick chicken salad recipe with mayo works beautifully as an appetizer for parties or casual entertaining.

6. Grilled Cheese Upgrade

Spread the chicken salad between two slices of cheese-topped bread and grill until golden. The warm, melty cheese contrasts wonderfully with the cold, creamy salad for a gourmet twist on comfort food.

7. Paired with Fresh Fruit and Soup

Serve a scoop of this homemade chicken salad recipe alongside seasonal fresh fruit (melon, berries, or apple slices) and a cup of tomato soup or gazpacho for a balanced, satisfying meal that covers all taste and texture preferences.

Essential Tips for the Best Magnolia Chicken Salad

1. Don’t Skip the Tarragon

Fresh tarragon is the secret ingredient that sets this copycat Joanna Gaines chicken salad recipe apart from standard versions. Its delicate, slightly anise-like flavor creates the signature Magnolia Table taste. Dried tarragon won’t provide the same bright, fresh impact, so seek out fresh herbs at your grocery store or farmers market.

2. Chill the Chicken Completely Before Dicing

Warm chicken will make your mayonnaise-based dressing thin and greasy. Always refrigerate poached chicken until it’s completely cold before chopping. This step ensures the Joanna Gaines creamy chicken salad maintains its thick, luxurious texture and prevents food safety issues.

3. Toast Almonds for Maximum Flavor

Raw almonds taste flat compared to toasted ones. Taking just 4–5 minutes to toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet transforms their flavor, adding nutty depth and aromatic complexity to this Magnolia table chicken salad. Watch them carefully-they can burn quickly.

4. Cut Grapes into Quarters

Halving grapes might seem sufficient, but quartering them distributes the sweet, juicy bursts more evenly throughout every bite of your best chicken salad recipe for lunch. Smaller pieces also prevent the salad from becoming watery as the grapes release less juice.

5. Adjust Seasoning After Chilling

Flavors mellow when chilled, so this Joanna Gaines salad recipe may need a seasoning boost after refrigeration. Taste your chicken salad both before and after the 30-minute chill, adding more lemon juice, salt, black pepper, or Dijon mustard to brighten the flavors.

6. Use Quality Mayonnaise

Since mayo is the base of this chicken salad recipe with Dijon mustard and dill (tarragon variation), its quality significantly impacts the final taste. Choose a full-fat, high-quality mayonnaise-avoid reduced-fat versions, which can taste thin and lack richness.

7. Make Ahead for Better Flavor Development

While this quick chicken salad recipe with mayo tastes great immediately, the flavors meld beautifully when made 2–4 hours ahead or even the night before. The herbs infuse the dressing, the seasonings distribute evenly, and the overall taste becomes more cohesive and restaurant-quality.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store this homemade chicken salad recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The salad tastes best served cold, so no reheating is necessary. If the salad seems dry after storage, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to refresh the creamy texture.

Common Queries and FAQs

When you give this Joanna Gaines Chicken Salad Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poaching?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this Joanna Gaines chicken salad recipe. You’ll need about 4 cups of diced rotisserie chicken meat. Keep in mind that rotisserie chicken is pre-seasoned, so taste your salad and adjust salt accordingly.

What can I substitute for fresh tarragon?

While fresh tarragon is the signature ingredient in this Magnolia chicken salad recipe, you can substitute fresh dill or basil if tarragon is unavailable. The flavor profile will differ-dill provides a fresh, pickled note while basil adds sweetness-but both create delicious variations.

Can I make this chicken salad dairy-free?

Yes! This copycat Joanna Gaines chicken salad recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses mayonnaise rather than sour cream or Greek yogurt. Just ensure your mayonnaise brand is dairy-free (most are, but always check labels).

How do I prevent the chicken salad from getting watery?

Ensure your poached chicken is completely cooled and well-drained before dicing. Pat it dry with paper towels if needed. Quarter the grapes instead of halving them, and dice celery finely so it releases less moisture. Chilling the salad also helps it set properly.

Can I freeze Joanna Gaines chicken salad?

Freezing isn’t recommended for this Joanna Gaines creamy chicken salad because mayonnaise-based dressings separate and become grainy when frozen and thawed. The grapes and celery will also lose their crisp texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh within 3–4 days.

What’s the best bread for chicken salad sandwiches?

This best chicken salad recipe pairs wonderfully with croissants, sourdough, whole grain bread, or butter-toasted white bread. For a Southern twist like Magnolia Table might serve, try it on flaky biscuits or between slices of Texas toast.

Can I reduce the mayonnaise for a lighter version?

You can reduce the mayo to ¾ cup and substitute ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt for a lighter quick chicken salad recipe with mayo. This maintains creaminess while reducing calories. However, the texture and tanginess will change slightly from the original Magnolia version.

This Joanna Gaines chicken salad recipe brings the beloved flavors of Magnolia Table right to your kitchen. The combination of tender poached chicken, sweet grapes, crunchy almonds, and fresh tarragon creates a best chicken salad recipe for lunch that’s anything but ordinary.

Whether you’re serving it on sandwiches, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl, this Magnolia chicken salad recipe delivers satisfying, wholesome flavor in every bite. The simple preparation and make-ahead convenience make it perfect for busy weekdays, weekend gatherings, or meal prep. Give this homemade chicken salad recipe a try, and you’ll understand why it’s become a signature dish!

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