Darjeeling-Poached Chicken Sandwich Filling

Classic chicken salad tea sandwiches are given a bit of a twist when poached in Darjeeling tea.


3 quarts water

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

3/4 cup loose Second Flush Darjeeling black tea leaves

3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

½ cup chopped celery

½ cup quartered red grapes

¼ cup diced red onion

1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

10 thin slices whole wheat bread

In a large stockpot, bring 3 quarts water to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken, tea leaves, and 2 teaspoons salt; cover and simmer until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of chicken registers 165°, approximately 10 minutes. Remove chicken from liquid and let cool completely. Strain tea leaves from liquid.

Using a sharp knife, chop and reserve 2 tablespoons steeped tea leaves. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, parsley, 2 tablespoons reserved steeped tea leaves, and lemon juice. Using a sharp knife, finely chop chicken. Add to mayonnaise mixture, stirring well. Add celery, grapes, onion, chives, pepper, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt, stirring well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Spread a thick layer of chicken salad onto 5 bread slices. Top with remaining bread slices. 

Using a serrated knife in a gentle sawing motion, trim and discard crusts from all sides of sandwiches. Cut each sandwich diagonally into 2 triangles. Serve immediately, or cover with damp paper towels, place in a covered container, and refrigerate until serving time.

Comments