Classic Chicken Salad the Easiest Most Delicious Recipe Youll Ever Make
Classic Chicken Salad: The Easiest, Most Delicious Recipe You'll Ever Make!
Fancy a proper sandwich filling? Ever wondered how to make a cracking chicken salad? This easy chicken salad recipe is your answer. It's quick, simple, and oh-so-tasty.
What's the Deal with This Chicken Salad?
This recipe is inspired by the humble but ever popular American classic. Forget dry, tasteless mixtures. This creamy chicken salad is full of flavour and texture.
It takes only 15 minutes, assuming you've got cooked chicken.
We're aiming for a light lunch or a brilliant addition to any picnic. This make-ahead lunch option is an absolute winner.
Why This Recipe is a Game Changer
It's not just another chicken salad sandwich recipe . The best chicken salad recipe boasts the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy.
The lemon juice is key! It lifts all the flavors. Plus, it is great for leftover chicken recipes .
This classic chicken salad is packed with protein and healthy fats. Perfect for a quick boost. Serve it at your next garden party, or as a super easy picnic food .
You'll be the star. I find the easy chicken salad recipe a good all around food, because it can be changed and chicken salad variations adapted depending on the event and theme.
Let's get started!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken Salad Recipe
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. This easy chicken salad recipe is all about simple ingredients. No need for fancy bits and bobs.
We are making a classic, the classic chicken salad .
Main Ingredients: The Star Players
Cooked Chicken: 2 cups (250g) . Honestly, leftover roast chicken is boss here. It adds so much flavour. You can use poached, but roast is king.
A good indicator? It should smell delicious!
Mayonnaise: ½ cup (75g) . Go for full fat. Trust me. None of that light stuff. It makes all the difference for a creamy chicken salad .
Celery: ¼ cup (30g) , finely diced. It should be crisp and fresh.
Red Onion: ¼ cup (30g) , finely diced. Not too much. You want a bit of a bite, not tears!
Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , fresh. Bottled just won't do.
Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , chopped.
Salt: ½ teaspoon (2g) .
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) .
Seasoning Notes:
I love a simple seasoning blend. The lemon juice is key. It cuts through the richness of the mayo. Salt and pepper are essential.
They bring out the flavours. You can add a pinch of garlic powder. Want a chicken salad variation ? Try adding a pinch of curry powder, really lifts the flavor
If you're out of parsley, chives can work as a sub. Just saying.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You really don't need much for this easy chicken salad recipe .
- A big mixing bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A chopping board.
- A knife.
- A fork (for shredding the chicken, if needed).
You know what? You probably already have all this. No need to buy anything fancy.
This chicken salad sandwich recipe is perfect for a quick lunch idea . Also great for using leftover chicken recipes . It's brilliant easy picnic food and a fab make-ahead lunch .
Classic Chicken Salad: The Easiest, Most Delicious Recipe You'll Ever Make!
This ain't your nan's dry, gloopy chicken salad! This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced creamy chicken salad , creamy and flavourful.
It's so easy, it's practically foolproof. This classic chicken salad uses simple ingredients and techniques. Ready in minutes and perfect for sandwiches, salads, or crackers, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
I am super excited to share this with you.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row!
Essential mise en place is key here. Get everything chopped and measured before you start. It will be easier. It is always good to keep things organized.
I like to pre-chop my celery and onion while the chicken is cooling. Also, remember, safe food handling practices. Wash those hands!
step-by-step: Nail the Chicken Salad
Here’s how to make the best chicken salad recipe , lickety split!
- Shred 2 cups (250g) of cooked chicken. I like using two forks to get nice, even shreds. Sometimes, I'll use leftover chicken recipes for this!
- In a large bowl, chuck in the chicken, ½ cup (75g) mayonnaise, ¼ cup (30g) diced celery, and ¼ cup (30g) diced red onion.
- Squeeze in 2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice, add 1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped parsley, ½ teaspoon (2g) salt, and ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) black pepper.
- Mix it all up gently until everything's nicely coated. Don't over mix!
- Have a taste and adjust the seasonings. More salt? A bit more lemon? Up to you!
Cover it and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let those flavours get acquainted. Serve chilled, this is the easiest easy picnic food .
Pro Tips: Secrets to Chicken Salad Success
Want to take your chicken salad variations up a notch?
- Don't Over Mix: Over mixing can make the creamy chicken salad watery. Mix just until combined. No one likes a watery salad, you know?
- Quality Mayonnaise Matters: Use a good quality, full fat mayonnaise for the best flavour and texture. Avoid light or low-fat mayonnaise as they can make the salad taste bland. This is really important.
- make-ahead Magic: This is a brilliant make-ahead lunch . The flavours actually improve overnight. Just give it a good stir before serving.
- I am always lookig for quick lunch ideas and this easy chicken salad recipe is one of my staples. You can get a chicken salad sandwich recipe from here if you serve in bread.
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Classic Chicken Salad
Right, so you've got the easy chicken salad recipe . Sorted! But let's chat about making it your best chicken salad recipe . Little tweaks can make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions: From Humble Sarnie to Fancy Platter
Honestly, presentation matters. Even with an easy picnic food like this. A simple chicken salad sandwich recipe is elevated with crusty bread and crisp lettuce.
Or, dollop it on a bed of rocket with a sprinkle of paprika. I once served it in mini filo pastry cups at a garden party.
Ooh la la! For drinks, try a crisp white wine or even an iced tea if you wanna make it a make-ahead lunch .
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh, Keep It Safe
Right, listen up, this is important. Pop your creamy chicken salad in an airtight container, pronto. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Anything longer than that, and you're playing Russian Roulette with your tummy. Freezing isn't recommended. It messes with the mayo and makes it all watery.
Reheating? Nah, this is a cold dish, darling. Just grab it straight from the fridge.
Chicken Salad Variations : Spicing Things Up
Fancy a change? Swap the celery for some chopped grapes for a bit of sweetness. For dietary needs, you can use a plant based mayonnaise to make it vegan, and add some vegan chicken style pieces.
Or, try swapping in seasonal ingredients! Roasted butternut squash in autumn makes a fab addition. These chicken salad variations are endless.
I made a batch of curry chicken salad using this easy chicken salad recipe last week using curry powder and it was a massive hit!
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff Inside
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but let's keep it real. This easy chicken salad recipe provides protein. The chicken is lean and gives you energy for the day.
The mayo is fatty, but hey, everything in moderation. The celery and onion give you vitamins, of course. If you want something healthier, try adding some leftover chicken recipes in.
Alright, there you have it. My take on serving, storing, varying, and understanding the nutritional goodness in an easy chicken salad recipe .
You know what? Go ahead, make it your own , try all the simple chicken recipes that you want and don't be afraid to experiment.
It's all about having a bit of fun in the kitchen, isn't it?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to cook the chicken for this easy chicken salad recipe?
You've got options, mate! Poaching chicken breasts is great for a tender, neutral flavor. Roasting a whole chicken (and using the leftovers!) adds a richer, more savory taste. Even a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket works a treat saves time and effort.
Just remember to let the chicken cool completely before shredding it.
Can I make this easy chicken salad recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it's even better if you do. The flavors really meld together after a bit of time in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it'll be good for up to 3-4 days. Perfect for meal prepping those sarnies for work!
What kind of mayonnaise should I use for the best easy chicken salad recipe?
Alright, listen up! This is where you don't want to scrimp. Go for a good quality, full fat mayonnaise. It makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. Avoid the low-fat stuff, it just doesn't have the same richness or binding power. A decent brand will give you that creamy, delicious base we're after.
I'm not a fan of celery what can I substitute in this easy chicken salad recipe?
No worries, we all have our dislikes! Diced cucumber provides a similar crunch and freshness. You could also try using some finely chopped apple for a touch of sweetness. Water chestnuts, though not a common choice, would also provide a crunch, but with a very mild flavour.
Is this easy chicken salad recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Chicken salad can be part of a balanced diet, but it depends on the ingredients and portion size. It's relatively high in protein, thanks to the chicken. To make it healthier, consider using half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
Adding plenty of vegetables, like celery and red onion, also boosts the nutritional value. And remember, everything in moderation!
Can I add any nuts or fruits to jazz up this easy chicken salad recipe?
Crikey, yes! That's where you can really put your own spin on it. Adding some chopped walnuts or pecans gives a lovely nutty crunch. Dried cranberries or grapes offer a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors nicely. If you are feeling adventurous, try adding some chopped apple.
Classic Chicken Salad The Easiest Most Delicious
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
