The Quintessential Chicken Salad Perfectly Balanced Flavors

Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Ever find yourself craving something comforting and familiar? Me too! That's why I'm sharing my best chicken salad recipe . It's creamy, packed with flavour, and surprisingly easy to whip up.

The Story Behind My Chicken Salad

This isn’t just any chicken salad recipe . It's inspired by countless picnics and Sunday lunches. The classic chicken salad gets a modern update.

I think of it as the easy chicken salad recipe you'll ever need. This homemade chicken salad is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Chicken salad has a rich history. It evolved from using leftover chicken. It is elevated with creamy dressings and fresh additions.

It became a staple in delis and homes. This version is my ode to that history. It is an easy chicken salad recipe , ready in minutes.

The aim is that it can turn lunch into something special. This deli chicken salad recipe will wow you.

Why You'll Absolutely Love This

This recipe's highlight? It's packed with protein. So, it will keep you feeling full and satisfied. It's also incredibly versatile.

Perfect for a chicken salad sandwich recipe , or served atop a bed of lettuce. The healthy chicken salad recipe will suit any healthy option.

It's amazing for picnics, lunchboxes, or even a quick dinner. The creamy chicken salad is something out of this world.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance of flavours. The sweetness of the grapes. The crunch of the celery.

The tang of Dijon mustard. It all comes together perfectly. Plus, using leftover rotisserie chicken salad makes it even quicker!

Ingredients & Equipment

So, you're ready to make the best chicken salad recipe ever, huh? Honestly, it's easier than ordering take away. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need, from the chicken itself to the trusty chopping board.

This easy chicken salad recipe will quickly become your go-to!

Main Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts or Cooked Chicken: 1 ½ pounds (680g) . Quality matters. If using raw chicken breasts, get free range, if possible. This makes all the difference, I swear! If you are going for a rotisserie chicken salad , a store-bought rotisserie chicken will work perfectly, just remove the skin.
• Water: Enough to cover the chicken for cooking.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) .

The Dressing Deets

• Mayonnaise: ¾ cup (170g) . Use your fave! Full fat, light. I like Hellman's but any creamy chicken salad lover knows you have to pick what your momma made.
• Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds a little zing.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it, does it?
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Celery Salt: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) .
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) .

Mix-Ins That Pop

• Celery: 1 cup (115g) , finely diced. Crunch factor is key.
• Red Grapes: ½ cup (75g) , halved or quartered. Gotta have that sweetness, the chicken salad with grapes is simply great!
• Red Onion: ¼ cup (30g) , finely diced (optional, but I dig the bite).
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup (15g) , chopped. Because we’re fancy.

Seasoning Notes

My secret is a dash of smoked paprika, honestly. For a healthy chicken salad recipe , try using avocado oil mayo.

Classic chicken salad uses simple ingredients like celery salt. If you are aiming for a deli chicken salad recipe , use a bit more salt and pepper! The homemade chicken salad is much more satisfying!.

Equipment Needed

• Large Pot: For cooking the chicken, if needed.
• Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: You know, for chopping.
• Mixing Bowl: Big enough for all the goodness.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Gotta be precise.
• Fork: for shredding the chicken.
• Wooden Spoon: Best to combine all ingredients together.

Honestly, you can get away with using a butter knife if you're in a pinch. But, do yourself a favor and get a good chef’s knife.

I’ve had mine for like, forever! Ready to dive into this chicken salad sandwich recipe now?

Cooking Method: Perfecting the Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Seriously, who doesn't love a good chicken salad? It's like the ultimate comfort food. But, honestly, some chicken salads are just… bleh.

We're aiming for something special here, a truly memorable dish. This isn't just any easy chicken salad recipe ; it's the best chicken salad recipe you'll ever make!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first: mise en place. Fancy French, I know. It just means getting everything prepped before you start. Chop your celery, halve those grapes, and dice that red onion (if you're feeling adventurous).

Honestly, this is the key to a stress free cooking experience. Time saving tip? Chop your veggies while the chicken cooks. BOOM.

step-by-step: The Quintessential Chicken Salad

Alright, let's get into it!

1. Cook that Chicken: If you're not using a rotisserie chicken, pop those chicken breasts in a pot. Cover with water, add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15- 20 minutes , until the internal temperature hits 165° F ( 74° C) .
2. Shred or Dice: Once it's cool enough to handle, shred or dice the chicken. I prefer dicing, but that's just me.
3. Whip Up the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, celery salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens.
4. Combine: Toss the chicken, celery, grapes, red onion (if using), and parsley into the dressing.
5. Mix Gently: Fold everything together until it's nicely coated. Avoid overmixing, so the chicken maintains its texture.
6. Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . Seriously, don't skip this step! It allows the flavors to meld together. Chill for 30 minutes.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve it your way!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Salad

Here’s a secret. The key to a fantastic classic chicken salad is all about balance. Don’t overdo it with the mayonnaise.

You don't want it swimming. Dice everything uniformly. This ensures you get a little bit of everything in each bite.

Common mistake? Overcooking the chicken. Dry chicken is a crime against chicken salad. Keep it juicy! For a healthier twist, try substituting half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthy chicken salad recipe .

Serving Suggestions

Chicken salad is super versatile. I grew up eating a creamy chicken salad and deli chicken salad recipe served on toasted sourdough, but you can get creative. Here's some serving suggestions:

• Serve your homemade chicken salad on croissants for a posh sandwich.
• Spoon it over a bed of lettuce for a lighter meal.
• Use it as a dip with crackers or veggies.

So there you have it, folks! My take on the best chicken salad recipe . This chicken salad sandwich recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Honestly, give it a whirl and let me know what you think. And hey, feel free to experiment with some chicken salad variations , that's what cooking's all about!

Recipe Notes for Your Epic Chicken Salad Adventure

Alright, you've got the recipe for the best chicken salad recipe now, but let's chat about some extra bits to make it truly yours .

Think of this as the "choose your own adventure" section! Honestly, I've made this classic chicken salad a million times, and I'm still tweaking it.

Serving It Up in Style

Okay, so you've got this amazing creamy chicken salad , right? Don't just slap it on some bread! We need to think presentation.

For a fancy lunch, serve scoops of your homemade chicken salad on crisp lettuce cups. How posh is that? Or, for a super casual thing, chicken salad sandwiches .

Simple, but always a winner. Some sweet potato fries on the side never hurt anyone. I also love this with a cold glass of rose.

Storing Your Chicken Salad Like a Pro

So you've made a massive batch of this easy chicken salad recipe go you! Here's the deal: fridge is your friend.

Keep it covered in an airtight container and it'll happily chill for up to 3-4 days. Freezing, though, is a no-go.

Mayonnaise doesn't like being frozen. Honestly, it gets all weird and separates, and nobody wants that. When reheating, stir it well and maybe add a dollop of fresh mayo to revive that creamy texture.

Chicken Salad Remix: Variations for Every Mood

Fancy switching things up? I get it! Maybe you are on a diet, so try swapping half the mayo for Greek yogurt for a healthy chicken salad recipe with a tang.

Or maybe add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch. For a seasonal twist, try adding diced apple in the fall or use dried cranberries instead of grapes in winter.

It keeps things interesting.

Nutrition De-Stressed

Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the lowdown on this rotisserie chicken salad . It's packed with protein from the chicken, which is great for keeping you full.

Also, Celery and grapes add fiber and vitamins. Of course, there's mayonnaise, so it's not exactly a "diet" food, but hey, everything in moderation, right?

So there you have it, the best chicken salad recipe with all my tips and tricks. Now go forth and create the chicken salad sandwich recipe of your dreams! Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

You got this!