Her Majestys Chicken Salad

Recipe Introduction: Her Majesty's Chicken Salad!

Fancy a bite of something seriously tasty? Ever wondered what the royals chow down on for a light lunch? Well, I can't say for sure about the Queen, but my chicken salad recipe is fit for a queen.

It is a classic chicken salad recipe , it's so good it is almost treason not to share this with your family

Quick Hook

Honestly, I've always been a bit "meh" about chicken salad . You know? Until I created this. It's my take on a classic chicken salad recipe , packed with flavour, it's both creamy and crunchy.

The grapes add a burst of sweetness.

Brief Overview

The humble chicken salad has roots stretching back centuries, evolving from simple meat salads to the creamy, delicious concoction we know and love.

My version is super easy; ready in under an hour. It makes about 4-6 servings, perfect for lunch, picnics, or a posh chicken salad sandwich.

Main Benefits

It’s a lighter option, packed with protein. The healthy chicken salad recipe is easily customisable to suit your needs. This chicken salad is special because it's a blend of textures and flavours.

The chicken salad with grapes bring a touch of sweetness. It tastes incredible!

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks and talk ingredients. You'll need cooked chicken, of course. You can poach it, bake it, or even use leftover roast chicken.

I'm a big fan of poaching as it keeps the chicken super moist. Then you'll need celery for crunch, grapes for sweetness, and walnuts for a bit of nutty goodness.

The secret ingredient? A touch of Dijon mustard in the dressing. Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Of course, you can adjust the recipe to suit your taste. If you're not a fan of walnuts, you can swap them out for pecans or almonds.

And if you're feeling adventurous, you can add a pinch of curry powder to the dressing for a bit of warmth.

It’s all about experimenting and finding what you love.

The joy of this homemade chicken salad lies in its simplicity. It's quick, easy, and requires no fancy cooking skills.

It's perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend brunch. I love serving it on croissants for a truly indulgent treat.

Or, if I'm feeling virtuous, I'll pile it on top of a bed of mixed greens.

This creamy chicken salad recipe can become your go-to. My husband says it’s the best chicken salad ever! Give it a go, and let me know what you think!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken Salad Ever!

Alright, mate! Let's get down to brass tacks. You want to make the best chicken salad , right? Well, you need the right stuff.

I'm talking proper ingredients and gear. This classic chicken salad recipe is pretty straightforward, but quality counts. Let's dive in!

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Salad

Here's what you'll need to whip up this easy chicken salad recipe . No need to overcomplicate things!

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken. Now, quality is key here. Free range is always better, if you can swing it. The difference in flavour is unreal!
• Red Grapes: 1 cup (115g) , halved. Go for the plump, juicy ones. Nobody likes a sad, shrivelled grape.
• Celery: 1 cup (115g) , finely diced. Make sure it's crisp, not limp.
• Walnuts: 1/2 cup (55g) , toasted and chopped. Toasting brings out the flavour, trust me.
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup (30g) , finely diced (optional). This adds a bit of zing!
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (6g) , chopped. Adds freshness and a pop of colour.

For the dressing, we've got:

• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Full fat is the way to go for a really creamy chicken salad recipe , but light works too.
• Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . This gives it a bit of a kick!
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff just isn't the same.
• Honey: 1 teaspoon . Or maple syrup, if you're feeling fancy.
• Salt and Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon each, or to taste. Seasoning is everything!
• Curry Powder: A pinch (optional). This is my secret weapon for a bit of warmth.

I remember once, I was making this for a picnic, and I forgot the walnuts. Disaster! I had to make a quick detour to the shop. Lesson learned: always double check your ingredients!

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

The magic's in the mix! A good deli chicken salad is all about flavour.

• Essential Combo: Salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard are your base.
• Flavour Boosters: Lemon juice brightens it up, while honey adds a touch of sweetness. The curry powder is just chef's kiss .
• Quick Swaps: No Dijon? Use English mustard, but go easy! Not a fan of honey? A tiny bit of maple syrup works wonders.

Honestly, the balance is key. Too much of one thing, and it's ruined. So taste as you go!

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen to make this homemade chicken salad .

• Large Pot or Baking Sheet: For cooking the chicken.
• Large Bowl: For mixing everything together.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Essential for chopping.
• Whisk: For the dressing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy.

That's it! If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. And if you're feeling lazy, you can even buy pre-cooked chicken.

But honestly, cooking it yourself tastes so much better! This is the healthy chicken salad recipe you deserve, enjoy!

The Secret to the Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Alright, let's talk chicken salad . Not that gloopy, bland stuff your auntie makes, but proper homemade chicken salad , the kind that makes you wanna slap your knee and shout "Cor blimey, that's good!".

This easy chicken salad recipe is about to become your new go-to. Honestly, it's so simple, even I can't mess it up!

My grandma used to make the classic chicken salad recipe , and this is my take on it. Think tender chicken, juicy grapes, and a dressing that’s creamy but not too heavy.

It's the best chicken salad for a reason!

Prep Steps: Sorted!

• Essential Mise en Place : Get everything chopped and measured before you start. You know? Like a proper chef! It makes life so much easier. Dice your celery, halve your grapes, chop your walnuts, and measure out all your dressing ingredients.
• Time Saving Organization : Cook your chicken a day ahead! Saves loads of time. Also, pre-chopped celery is your friend if you're in a rush. I won't judge!
• Safety First : Wash your hands and work surfaces! You don’t want any unwanted extras in your chicken salad sandwich . Raw chicken can be a bit dodgy, so be careful!

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step

1. Cook the Chicken : Poach or bake your chicken until it hits 165° F ( 74° C) . I like poaching. It keeps it super moist.
2. Shred It : Once it's cool enough to handle, shred that chicken! Not too fine, you want some texture.
3. Chop, Chop, Chop : Roughly chop your grapes and celery. Get those walnuts ready too. I like to toast mine for extra flavor, but it's up to you.
4. Dressing Time : Mix your mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. The secret ingredient? A tiny pinch of curry powder. Trust me on this one.
5. Mix It All Up : Gently fold everything together in a bowl. Don't overmix!
6. Chill Out : Cover it and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial! It lets all the flavors get to know each other.
7. Serve & Enjoy : Slap it on some bread, pile it on lettuce, or just eat it straight from the bowl. You do you!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Chicken Salad

• Toast those Walnuts : It adds a lovely nutty flavour.
• Don't Overdress It : You don't want a soggy mess. Add a little dressing at a time until it's just coated.
• make-ahead : You can totally make this a day or two in advance. In fact, it's even better the next day! But don't add the walnuts until just before serving, or they'll go soggy.

Honestly, this creamy chicken salad recipe is a winner. It's perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even a fancy tea party.

Give it a go, and let me know what you think! The chicken salad with grapes are always a crowd pleaser and makes a great deli chicken salad alternative

Recipe Notes Fit for a Queen (or You!)

Right then, let's talk about making this Her Majesty's Chicken Salad absolutely spot on . This isn't just any chicken salad recipe ; it's got potential to become your go-to, you know? Honestly, I've messed up a fair few chicken salad batches in my time, so I've got a few nuggets of wisdom to share.

How to Serve it Up, Like a Pro

Presentation matters, even if you're scoffing it down in your pyjamas! For a proper presentation, I reckon serving this classic chicken salad recipe in a fancy bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of parsley, adds a touch of class.

Or, for something a bit different, try stuffing it into a ripe avocado half proper posh. Think beyond the chicken salad sandwich , yeah?

On the side, some crisp crackers or even a simple green salad works a treat. And a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio? Oh my gosh, yes, please! It's a match made in heaven.

Storing Like a Pro

This homemade chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh. But life happens, right? So, if you've got leftovers, shove it in an airtight container in the fridge.

It'll happily keep for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't really recommended for this creamy chicken salad recipe . The mayo tends to separate and the texture goes a bit weird.

Reheating? Just give it a good stir and maybe add a tiny splash of lemon juice to brighten it up.

Twists and Turns (Variations)

Fancy a bit of a change? I get it. For a healthy chicken salad recipe , swap out half the mayo for Greek yogurt.

Adds a bit of tang and cuts down on the calories. Win-win!

Feeling festive? Chuck in some dried cranberries instead of the grapes. And you can always use other nuts instead of walnuts in this chicken salad with grapes , pecans or almonds add a different flavor.

And for a warm kick, this deli chicken salad with a pinch of curry powder in the dressing is just scrummy.

Quick Nutritional Nitty Gritty

Okay, so you might be wondering about the healthy bits. This easy chicken salad recipe packs a decent punch of protein, thanks to the chicken.

The celery and grapes add some fibre and vitamins, and the walnuts are good for your heart. I have made this chicken salad with celery multiple times and is delicious.

Calories will depend on how much mayo you use. A little lighter on the mayo makes it even healthier, you know? I reckon it is the best chicken salad !

Right then, off you pop and give it a go! Let me know how it turns out. You got this!