The Queens Chicken Salad
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Fit for Royalty!
Fancy a spot of lunch that's both posh and proper? Ever wondered how to elevate your everyday chicken salad? I have you covered!.
This homemade chicken salad recipe is not just any old chicken salad; it's the Queen's Chicken Salad!
A Right Royal Recipe
This classic chicken salad recipe is inspired by a timeless deliciousness, but with a little something extra. It's the type of chicken salad with grapes and almonds you find at a fancy picnic.
It's easy to make and requires about an hour to cook, prepare and chill, yielding 4-6 servings. This creamy chicken salad takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 25- 30 minutes of cooking.
Why This Chicken Salad is Simply the Best
Honestly, you just can't beat how healthy this recipe is. Chicken is packed with protein, and adding Greek yogurt makes it even better.
So, this easy chicken salad recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or even a party.
I reckon this best chicken salad recipe is special because of the balance of flavors and textures. You know? It's creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory all at once.
This recipe is easily made ahead. It is great for a party or a simple chicken salad sandwich recipe .
Ready to get started? First let's gather all the simple chicken salad ingredients .
Right, let's talk about what you actually need to make this homemade chicken salad recipe . Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have knocking about.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Alright, here's the lowdown on what you need to make this classic chicken salad recipe :
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs (680g). This is the star of the show, right?
- Red Grapes: 1 cup (115g), halved or quartered, depending on size.
- Celery: 1 cup (115g), finely diced. We want that crunch .
- Toasted Slivered Almonds: 1/2 cup (60g), roughly chopped. I told ya we were making chicken salad with grapes and almonds .
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup (30g), finely chopped (optional).
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml). Go for a good brand. It makes all the difference!
- Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup (60ml). This adds that tangy flavour, making it a super creamy chicken salad.
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30ml).
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml), or to taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml), or to taste.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Chicken broth: 1 cup (240ml)
For the chicken, quality matters. If you can get organic, great! Look for chicken breasts that are plump and pink. For the mayonnaise, go for full fat. low-fat just doesn't cut it here.
Seasoning Notes
Here’s the spice sitch for this best chicken salad recipe :
- We’re keeping it simple. Salt and pepper are your best mates here. Celery seed is optional , but a nice touch.
- Dijon mustard adds a bit of tang that mayo alone can't provide. Honestly, don't skip it.
- Lemon juice? Essential! It brightens everything up and stops the salad from being too heavy.
- Don't like dijon? Try brown or mustard powder!
Equipment Needed
Right, what's in your cupboards? If you want to make this easy chicken salad recipe , you'll need:
- Large Skillet or Pot: For cooking the chicken.
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Obvious, but worth mentioning!
- Large Mixing Bowl: To bring it all together.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: So you don’t go overboard.
- Toasting Pan or Skillet for Almonds: Toasting is key. You can do them in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) , or in a dry pan on the hob. Just keep an eye on them!
Don’t have a fancy skillet? A normal saucepan will do. No toasting pan? A baking sheet is perfect. The point is, you don't need loads of posh equipment to make this simple chicken salad ingredients shine.
This is make-ahead chicken salad at it's most approachable. Let's get cooking, shall we?
Alright, gather 'round, you lovely lot! Let's talk homemade chicken salad recipe the kind that whisks you straight back to Sunday picnics.
Forget boring sarnies! We're doing something special. Ready to learn a fantastic classic chicken salad recipe ? Let's get cracking, shall we?
The Queen's Chicken Salad: Prep Like a Pro
Right then, before we start mucking about with ingredients, let’s get prepped! That's the chefy word mise en place for having everything ready.
It's all about getting your ducks in a row. Dice your celery, halve those grapes, and roughly chop those toasted almonds.
Honestly, getting this done first makes the whole process so much smoother! Plus, nobody wants to be faffing about with chopping when they should be scoffing.
Don’t forget safety! Keep those knives sharp and your fingers out of the way. I once nearly chopped the tip of my finger off trying to rush.
Learn from my mistakes, please!
The Royal Process: step-by-step
- Season your 1.5 lbs chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper .
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan. Brown the chicken for 2- 3 minutes each side.
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth . Simmer, covered, on low heat for 15- 20 minutes . The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) . This is crucial!
- Let the chicken cool completely. Then, shred it.
- In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise , ¼ cup Greek yogurt , 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard , and 1 tablespoon lemon juice . Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is your creamy chicken salad base!
- Add the shredded chicken, 1 cup halved grapes , 1 cup diced celery , and ½ cup toasted almonds to the dressing. Fold gently.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes . This lets the flavours get to know each other.
Chicken Salad Pro Tips
Want to really elevate your chicken salad sandwich recipe ? Here are my top tips. Toasting the almonds is a game changer! It adds amazing flavour.
Be careful, though they burn easily. Watch them like a hawk. Another tip, don't overcook the chicken. Dry chicken ruins the whole thing.
Trust me, I've been there! For a make-ahead party chicken salad recipe , prepare everything the day before, but don't add the almonds until just before serving.
They'll stay nice and crunchy that way. And for a lighter twist, try using homemade chicken salad with Greek yogurt!
So there you have it, you now know how to prepare the best chicken salad recipe . This easy chicken salad recipe guarantees a spot-on success. So, it's time to start cooking!
Recipe Notes That'll Make You A Homemade Chicken Salad Legend
Right then, let's dive into some tips and tricks that'll elevate your homemade chicken salad recipe from "Alright" to "Absolutely brilliant!" I've learned a few things over the years, and I'm sharing all my secrets.
Plating Perfection and Perfect Partners
Okay, so you've got the best chicken salad recipe ever made, now what? Presentation matters, my friend! For a fancy lunch, pile it high on a buttery croissant.
Or, for a light bite, try serving it in crisp lettuce cups. Chicken salad sandwich recipe is a classic for a reason.
Think about sides! A simple green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. And don't forget the drinks! A glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling elderflower cordial would be just the ticket.
Storage Savvy: Keep it Fresh
Refrigerate your homemade chicken salad in an airtight container. It'll keep for about 3-4 days . Nobody wants dodgy chicken!
Freezing? I wouldn't recommend it. The mayonnaise can separate and become a bit weird. Honestly , it's best to make it fresh.
If you need to reheat it, well... you don't! Chicken salad is a cold dish. Just take it out of the fridge a bit before serving so it's not too chilly.
Mixing It Up: Variations to Suit Every Palate
Fancy a change? Go curry crazy ! Add a teaspoon or two of curry powder to the dressing for a warmer flavor.
Chicken salad with grapes and almonds is amazing, but sometimes you want to spice things up, you know ?
Watching your waistline? Swap some of the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter option . This is the homemade chicken salad with Greek yogurt trick! You won't even notice the difference.
Nutrition Nuggets: The Good Stuff
Let's get down to brass tacks. This easy chicken salad recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the mayo and almonds.
It's also a good source of vitamins and minerals.
However, mayo can be calorie dense, so bear that in mind. Everything in moderation , eh? If you prefer something lighter classic chicken salad recipe usually do.
There you have it. Now go forth and create some party chicken salad recipe magic! Don't be afraid to experiment and put your own spin on it. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop my homemade chicken salad recipe from being watery?
Nobody wants a soggy sarnie! To prevent a watery chicken salad, make sure your chicken is completely cooled and patted dry after cooking. Also, chopping the celery and grapes into smaller pieces can release moisture, so consider dicing them closer to serving time or patting them dry too.
Greek yogurt in the dressing also helps to cut down on too much liquid compared to using only mayo.
Can I make this homemade chicken salad recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can! In fact, making chicken salad ahead of time often improves the flavor as the ingredients have a chance to meld together, a bit like a good stew. I recommend making it up to 24 hours in advance and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What are some tasty variations I can try with this chicken salad?
Fancy jazzing things up a bit? Go for it! A spoonful of curry powder transforms it into a Curry Chicken Salad, perfect with mango chutney. You could also try adding chopped apples, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for a more modern twist.
A cheeky little hit of sriracha never hurt anyone either!
How long does homemade chicken salad last in the fridge?
For food safety, homemade chicken salad is best consumed within 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Make sure it's in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing any fridge odors, you don't want it tasting like last night's leftovers.
Always give it a sniff and a good look before digging in, just to be on the safe side.
What's the best way to cook the chicken for chicken salad so it's not dry?
Dry chicken is a crime against chicken salad! Poaching or simmering the chicken in broth or water ensures it stays nice and moist, think of it like a lovely, gentle bath. As the recipe states, sear the chicken breasts in a pan first, then simmer in broth for added flavor, and ALWAYS use a meat thermometer.
Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and you'll be golden.
Is there a healthier way to make this homemade chicken salad recipe?
Looking after the old waistline, eh? Using Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the mayonnaise drastically cuts down on the fat and adds a tangy zing, a real win-win. You can also load up on the veggies like celery and grapes to add more volume and nutrients.
Swapping out almonds for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds will reduce the fat content and is a great option.
The Queens Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |