Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil or other neutral oil
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 sprig thyme (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (100g) celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup (50g) red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup (30g) fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup (40g) seedless grapes, halved or quartered
- 1/4 cup (30g) toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts
- 8 slices of your favourite bread
- Softened butter or mayonnaise (optional)
- Lettuce leaves, spinach, or sprouts (optional)
Instructions:
- Poach, bake, or pan-fry chicken until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). If poaching, consider adding aromatics like bay leaf and thyme to the water.
- Let the cooked chicken cool slightly, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, celery salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, parsley, grapes, and almonds (or walnuts).
- Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- Spread butter or mayonnaise (optional) on the bread slices. Layer lettuce (optional) on the bottom slice, then top with a generous scoop of chicken salad. Place the other slice of bread on top and cut in half.