The Ultimate Homemade Chicken Salad Classic Comfort Elevated Flavors

Recipe Introduction: Nan's Never Made it This Good!

Ever wonder how to make homemade chicken salad that's both comforting and exciting? This recipe ticks all the boxes. It's a modern take on a classic. Think sunshine on a plate!

Brief Overview: A Classic Gets a Glow-Up

Chicken salad has a rich history. It's a staple at picnics and family gatherings. My version is easy peasy. It will take around 45 minutes and serves 4-6 people.

This classic chicken salad is ready in no time.

Benefits: Healthy and Delicious

This homemade chicken salad recipe is packed with protein. It will keep you full and energized. It’s perfect for a quick lunch.

Serve it at your next garden party. The crunch of the almonds and the tangy dressing make it extra special.

Okay, this is going to be your new favourite!

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Honestly, the quality of the ingredients makes a huge difference. Fresh herbs are always better. Good mayo is a must!

Let's Get Cooking: Easy Peasy Steps

Ready to learn how to shred chicken for salad and turn it into a masterpiece?

Poaching the Chicken: The Secret to Tender Chicken

First, poach the chicken. Combine water, salt, peppercorns, and a bay leaf in a pot. Simmer, then add the chicken.

Cook until it reaches 165° F/ 74° C . Shred with two forks. Crikey! This step is crucial.

Making the Dressing: Tangy and Creamy Perfection

Next, whisk together mayo, sour cream, Dijon, lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust. You know? That's how my nan used to do it.

Assembling the Salad: Time to Mix and Mingle

Now, combine the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, almonds, parsley, and cranberries (if using) in a bowl. Add the dressing. Gently stir.

Chill and Serve: Patience is a Virtue

Finally, chill for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld. Serve on sandwiches, crackers, or straight from the bowl.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Salad Ever

• Don't overcook the chicken!
• Toast your nuts for extra flavour.
• Adjust the dressing to your liking.
• Chill before serving.
• Don't overmix!

Variations: Spice It Up!

• Curry chicken salad: Add curry powder to the dressing.
• Apple chicken salad: Add diced apple.
• Avocado chicken salad: Substitute mashed avocado for sour cream.

This best chicken salad is a game changer. It's so versatile. You can make it your own. Enjoy!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk ingredients. Crikey! This is how to make homemade chicken salad. We're not messing around here. A great chicken salad starts with great ingredients.

It's like my nan used to say: "Rubbish in, rubbish out".

Main Ingredients for Chicken Perfection

• Chicken Breasts: You'll need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for chicken that is plump and pink. Avoid any with a greyish tinge. This is key for poached chicken salad .
• Water: 4 cups (950ml) for poaching. Tap water is fine.
• Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon . Adds flavor.
• Black Peppercorns: 1/2 teaspoon . Whole is best for depth.
• Bay Leaf: 1 leaf . Aromatic boost.
• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (113g) . Go full fat or light, your call. I prefer full fat for that creamy richness, just like classic chicken salad .
• Sour Cream: 1/4 cup (60g) . Greek yogurt works too. Adds tang.
• Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons . For a bit of zip.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon . Freshly squeezed, always. Brightens things up.
• Celery Seed: 1/2 teaspoon . That classic chicken salad flavour.
• Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon . Adjust to taste.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Freshly ground is best.
• Celery: 1 cup (110g) , finely diced. Crispness is crucial.
• Red Onion: 1/2 cup (50g) , finely diced. Adds a bite.
• Toasted Sliced Almonds: 1/2 cup (57g) . Pecans are great too. Toasting is a must for flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (30g) , chopped. Adds freshness.
• Dried Cranberries: 1/4 cup (30g) , optional. Sweet and chewy. Quick tip: Make sure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Safety first, folks!

Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!

Essential spice combos? Celery seed is a must. It screams " chicken salad recipe ". Dijon mustard and lemon juice provide the perfect tangy counterpoint to the richness of the mayonnaise.

For flavor enhancers, try a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder. A dash of hot sauce can also be a game changer.

Running low on celery seed? A pinch of dill or even a tiny bit of caraway seed can work in a pinch. Don't tell Nan, though.

Equipment Needed

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks with equipment.

• Large Pot: For poaching the chicken.
• Cutting Board & Chef's Knife: For chopping veggies.
• Mixing Bowls: You'll need a few.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate measurements.

Don't have a fancy chef's knife? No worries! A good paring knife will do the trick. No measuring cups? Eyeballing it is fine, too. Just taste as you go and adjust.

Pro Tip: My nan always used two forks to shred chicken. It works like a charm! To how to shred chicken for salad it is one of the best methods.

Making homemade chicken salad should be fun, not stressful. Use what you have and don't be afraid to experiment. Just remember the key is perfectly cooked chicken and a balanced dressing.

The result is the best chicken salad and a delicious chicken salad sandwich. You're on your way to chicken salad variations .

Cooking Method: How to Make Homemade Chicken Salad Like Nan!

Okay, crikey! Let's get down to brass tacks and explore how to make homemade chicken salad ! Honestly, it's easier than you think.

I remember my nan always made the best classic chicken salad . This recipe takes inspiration from her, but with a little modern twist.

We are trying to make it SEO friendly by using chicken salad recipe on many occasions through the entire article.

This will also benefit the chicken salad sandwich .

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic

First, let's get organized. This is what chefs call mise en place . Basically, have everything prepped before you start cooking.

Dice your celery, red onion, parsley and measure all your ingredients. For safety, always use a clean cutting board when handling raw chicken.

Time saving tip: you can toast your almonds in advance! This means it can be used as a make-ahead options .

step-by-step Process: Building the Salad

1. Poach the chicken: Simmer water, salt, peppercorns, and bay leaf. Gently add the chicken breasts.
2. Poach: Reduce heat and cook covered, to 165° F ( 74° C) , about 15- 20 minutes . Visual cue: the chicken should be firm but still tender.
3. Shred the chicken: Let it cool slightly, then shred with two forks. Don't burn your fingers, mate!
4. Make the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice, celery seed, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble: Combine the shredded chicken, celery, red onion, almonds, parsley, and cranberries (if using). Pour the dressing over and gently stir.
6. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial for the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips: Nailing the Chicken Salad

Don't overcook the chicken! This is the number one mistake I see. Perfectly poached chicken makes all the difference. Instead use a meat thermometer! Another tip: adjust the dressing to your liking.

Want more tang? Add more lemon juice! Feel free to add the chicken salad variations .

Common mistake: overmixing the salad. This makes it mushy. Gently fold the ingredients together. This recipe is fantastic because you can easily make-ahead options . Prepare it a day in advance!

Now that you know how to shred chicken for salad you can improve your homemade chicken salad preparation.

Recipe Notes

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. Crikey! There are a few things to keep in mind when you how to make homemade chicken salad .

This ain't just slapping ingredients together. It's about layering flavors. You know, like your nan used to do!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters, right? Dollop your chicken salad recipe on a bed of crisp lettuce. A sprig of parsley adds a touch of class.

Got some fancy crackers? Perfect! Want a full-on meal? A simple side salad does the trick. Think a crisp green salad.

Or maybe some juicy tomato slices. Evenings go lovely with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

This classic chicken salad tastes even better the next day, honestly. Keep it in an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge.

It'll happily sit there for up to 3 days. Freezing homemade chicken salad ? Not the best idea. The mayo gets a bit weird.

To reheat, just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before digging in.

Variations: Getting Creative

Fancy a change? Go wild! Add some curry powder to the dressing for a chicken salad variations . Or some diced apple for a sweet crunch in this Chicken salad with grapes .

dairy-free? No problem! Swap the sour cream for mashed avocado. Boom! Adaptations for everyone. For your diet, adjust the mayonnaise, sour cream, chicken ratio to have less fat per serving.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken. It contains healthy fats from the mayo and nuts. Celery and onions offer vitamins and fiber.

Remember, moderation is key, even with good food. And it depends if you use poached chicken salad or pan-fried.

There you have it! Everything you need to know about how to make homemade chicken salad and make it shine.

Now go on, give it a go. It's easier than you think, and oh-so-delicious. You'll be making the best chicken salad in no time.