Chicken Salad with Fresh Herbs

By boscobojo

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 Tbl. olive oil
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp. dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery stalks, plus 1/4 cup chopped celery leaves
• 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
• 3 Tbl. chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley and tarragon)
• 1/2 tsp. celery seeds
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Rinse the chicken briefly under cool running water, then pat dry with paper towels. Season on both sides with 2 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper.

Heat the olive oil in a 12 inch oven proof saute pan over high heat. Add the chicken and cook 2 minutes. Turn the chicken over and immediately place the pan in the oven. Roast 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees when tested with a thermometer. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic, mustard, celery, celery leaves, red onion, herbs, celery seeds and cayenne pepper. Mix well.

When chicken is cool enough to handle, cut it into 1/2 inch dice, add it to the mayonnaise mixture and mix well. If not serving immediately, transfer to the refrigerator to chill.