Go Back
one flaky croissant sandwich with butter lettuce and a creamy filling of small chicken pieces, tiny pale apple cubes with red skin, chopped toasted hazelnuts and finely chopped tarragon
Melissa Hart

Tarragon Apple Chicken Salad Croissants

Tarragon and apple give this chicken salad a fresh, slightly anise-like flavor that doesn't need dried fruit or a sweet dressing. Poach the breast gently, chill it thoroughly and cut it into small pieces so the filling sits comfortably between the curved croissant halves. Toasted hazelnuts provide a firm crunch, but cool them before mixing or they'll warm the yogurt and mayonnaise. Dice the apple just before folding it into the dressing, where the lemon juice will help keep the pieces from browning while the sandwiches wait in the refrigerator. A dry lettuce leaf underneath the salad gives the pastry a little protection without making the sandwich feel packed with greens.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into two even thick pieces
  • 4 cups water for poaching
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt divided
  • 1/3 cup chopped blanched hazelnuts
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 small crisp red apple cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 4 large plain croissants about 3 oz each, split
  • 4 butter lettuce leaves washed and thoroughly dried

Method
 

  1. Bring poaching water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a gentle simmer in a saucepan. Add chicken, partly cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the thickest centers reach 165°F.
  2. Drain chicken, cut into small pieces and spread in a shallow container. Refrigerate promptly for about 60 minutes until 40°F or colder; this chilling time is included in preparation.
  3. Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, then transfer to a plate and cool completely.
  4. Mix mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, tarragon, pepper and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Fold in cold chicken, diced apple and cooled hazelnuts.
  5. Put one dry lettuce leaf on each croissant bottom and divide the salad over the leaves. Replace the tops without pressing.
  6. Serve cold or refrigerate at 40°F or below until serving, transporting with ice packs if taking the sandwiches out.