Speedy Chicken Salad Your Goto Lunchtime Winner
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge at lunchtime? Me too! But, chicken salad recipe easy is the answer.
Honestly, this recipe is about to become your lunchtime MVP. It is creamy, savory, and just a touch sweet.
Quick Chicken Salad Bliss
Think Coronation Chicken salad , but way less faff. This quick chicken salad recipe is inspired by that British classic.
But, it is simplified for everyday life. It’s all about that perfect chicken salad sandwich recipe on a sunny afternoon.
Chicken Salad Deconstructed
The classic chicken salad ingredients in this recipe are simple. It is an easy chicken salad recipe with mango chutney .
Mango chutney adds an amazing flavor. It's ready in about 30 minutes, including cooking the chicken. The recipe makes about four generous servings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This healthy chicken salad recipe packs a protein punch. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic. This is the best chicken salad for sandwiches .
You can also make-ahead chicken salad . And leftover chicken salad recipe becomes even more flavorful the next day. What makes this recipe special? The combo of creamy, savory, and sweet.
It is a creamy chicken salad recipe you'll want to make time and time again.
Time to grab those ingredients, yeah?
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken Salad for Sandwiches
Alright, let's talk ingredients. A chicken salad recipe easy is all about simplicity, right? So we're keeping it straightforward. Remember that one time I tried a chicken salad sandwich recipe that needed like, 20 ingredients? Honestly, never again.
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real
Here's the breakdown. This makes a creamy chicken salad recipe perfect for four hefty sandwiches.
- Chicken: 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Quality matters here.
- Olive Oil: 1 tsp (5ml) .
- Salt: ½ tsp (2.5ml) .
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp (1.25ml) .
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (120ml) . Go for your fave. Full fat for indulgence, light for, you know, being good ish.
- Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup (60ml) . This is the secret weapon! Adds tang and keeps it healthy chicken salad recipe approved.
- Mango Chutney: 2 tbsp (30ml) . Oh my gosh, this is what makes it sing! A nod to coronation chicken salad , but way easier.
- Celery: ¼ cup (30g) , chopped.
- Red Onion: ¼ cup (30g) , chopped.
- Toasted Slivered Almonds: ¼ cup (30g) . Optional, but trust me, DO IT.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp (30ml) , chopped.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, obvi.
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: You
Okay, so the mango chutney is the star. But don't be afraid to play around. A little squirt of lemon juice brightens everything up.
If you don’t have mango chutney, apricot preserves or honey may work. Curry powder would be suitable if you are looking for a quick chicken salad recipe .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Buttercup
You really only need a few things to whip up this make-ahead chicken salad :
- Large skillet: If you're cooking the chicken.
- Mixing bowl: A big one!
- Measuring cups and spoons: Standard fare.
- Cutting board and knife: For the veggies.
Honestly, you probably already have everything. If you don't have a fancy skillet, a regular frying pan works just fine.
This leftover chicken salad recipe is all about using what you've got, the classic chicken salad ingredients are the simplest!
Speedy Chicken Salad: Your Go-To Lunchtime Winner
Want a lunch that's quick, easy, and actually exciting? This chicken salad recipe easy is it! Inspired by Coronation Chicken (but way less fussy), it's creamy, savoury, and a bit sweet.
Perfect for a chicken salad sandwich recipe , crackers, or just shovelling into your mouth straight from the bowl. Honestly, I'm not judging! This is the best chicken salad for sandwiches .
Prep Like a Pro
- Mise en place matters. Chop your celery, red onion, and parsley. Get your mango chutney ready. Having everything prepped makes it super quick chicken salad recipe .
- Save time by using pre-cooked chicken. A rotisserie chicken from Tesco is a lifesaver. Honestly, no one will know you didn't cook it yourself .
- Safety first! Watch your fingers when chopping. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one.
Chicken Salad Magic: step-by-step
- Cook chicken: Season chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook in a pan on medium heat until it hits 165° F/ 74° C .
- Shred chicken: Let the chicken cool a bit. Then, shred or dice it.
- Mix Dressing: In a bowl, whisk mayo, yogurt, mango chutney, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. This is where the easy chicken salad recipe with mango chutney shines.
- Add Goodies: Toss in the chicken, celery, red onion, parsley, and almonds.
- Mix it Up: Gently stir everything together.
- Chill (optional): For maximum flavour, chill for at least 30 minutes. Hello make-ahead chicken salad !
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Don't overcook the chicken! Dry chicken ruins everything. Aim for juicy.
- Toast your almonds! Trust me, it adds amazing flavour and crunch.
- Avoid common mistakes: Don't use too much mayo! It should be creamy chicken salad recipe , not a mayo explosion.
Leftover chicken? This is the perfect leftover chicken salad recipe ! Want a healthy chicken salad recipe ? Use light mayo and lots of veggies.
For classic chicken salad ingredients , you can't go wrong with celery, onion, and a little mustard. It reminds me of the coronation chicken salad my Gran used to make, but easier.
Recipe Notes
Honestly, this chicken salad recipe easy is so forgiving. You can totally adjust it to your taste. I always say cooking is more art than science, you know? This is the best chicken salad for sandwiches , I'm telling you.
Serving Suggestions
Picture this: a sunny afternoon, crusty bread, and your incredible creamy chicken salad recipe . Plating it is simple. Just pile it high on your favourite bread! Get that chicken salad sandwich recipe nailed! Presentation? A sprig of parsley always adds a nice touch.
I like to serve mine with some crispy lettuce leaves, too. It looks fancy but is totally easy. A glass of chilled lemonade or even a light white wine goes perfectly with this quick chicken salad recipe .
Think coronation chicken salad vibes but way easier!
Storage Tips
You'll probably devour this immediately. But, if you have any leftover chicken salad recipe , store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It's good for about 3-4 days. I honestly never freeze it because it's so quick to make. But, theoretically, you could freeze it in small portions.
Just be aware that the texture might change a bit when it thaws the mayo can separate. If you do freeze it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
This is also a great make-ahead chicken salad .
Variations
Fancy a twist? You could totally add some curry powder for a coronation chicken salad feel. Or, for a healthy chicken salad recipe , swap out some of the mayo for mashed avocado.
It adds creaminess and good fats! Seasonally, you could swap the celery for some chopped apple in the autumn for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes! This easy chicken salad recipe with mango chutney is so adaptable.
Nutrition Basics
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. Chicken is packed with protein, which is great for keeping you full and building muscle.
The Greek yogurt adds a bit of extra protein and calcium. The mango chutney does add some sugar. But, hey, everything in moderation, right? Plus, this recipe has lots of the classic chicken salad ingredients .
So it's still a reasonably healthy and balanced meal.
Alright, that's it! This chicken salad recipe easy is a total winner, I promise! It’s easy peasy and so delicious.
Go on, give it a go. I bet you'll be making this again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest way to cook the chicken for this chicken salad recipe easy? I'm a bit of a beginner!
No worries, cooking the chicken can be super simple! You can poach it gently in simmering water for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through, or pan-fry it as the recipe suggests. However, the absolute easiest method is to use leftover cooked chicken (like from a Sunday roast!) or even rotisserie chicken from the supermarket a real time saver.
Remember to let your chicken cool completely before shredding so it is safe to handle.
Can I make this chicken salad recipe easy ahead of time, like the night before a picnic?
Absolutely! In fact, this Speedy Chicken Salad is often even better the next day. The flavors have a chance to meld together, giving it a richer, more developed taste it's a bit like a fine wine. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before serving.
Bear in mind that the ingredients can sweat as it sits so adjust your seasonings accordingly.
My kids are picky eaters what variations can I make to this easy chicken salad recipe to get them to try it?
Ah, the age-old battle of picky eaters! Try omitting the red onion, as its sharpness can be off-putting to some kids. You could also add a touch of sweetness with some finely diced apple or grapes, or even a dollop of mild sweet pickle relish.
Cutting the ingredients very small and serving it as a sandwich cut into fun shapes (think cookie cutters!) can also make it more appealing.
How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge, and are there any signs it's gone off?
Your homemade Speedy Chicken Salad should last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, provided it's stored in an airtight container. Always use your senses! If it smells sour or "off," or if the texture becomes slimy, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Food safety first, like your nan used to say.
I'm trying to eat healthier. Can I lighten up this chicken salad recipe easy?
Definitely! Swapping full fat mayonnaise for a light version, or using Greek yogurt as we’ve done here, is a great start. You can also add more vegetables, like chopped bell peppers or cucumbers, to bulk it up and increase the nutritional value.
Swapping to wholemeal bread or rice cakes also keeps the carbs lower than if using white sliced bread.
Can I freeze this chicken salad?
While you can freeze chicken salad, it's not generally recommended. The mayonnaise and yogurt can separate upon thawing, resulting in a watery, less appealing texture a bit like soggy bottom on the Great British Bake Off. It's always best to enjoy it fresh or make it a day or two in advance instead.
Speedy Chicken Salad Your Goto Lunchtime Winner
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |
