The Absolutely Brilliant Nocompromises Chicken Salad

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a proper lunch that isn't boring? You know? I've got the best chicken salad recipe right here. It's bursting with flavour and crunch, and dead easy to make.

Honestly, this recipe will change your lunch game for good.

Brief Overview

Chicken salad is a classic dish, especially in America, often served at picnics and gatherings. This isn't your average recipe; it’s a step above.

It's easy peasy, needs about an hour including chill time, and makes 4 servings. Perfect for a light meal or sharing.

Main Benefits

This chicken salad isn't just delicious; it's packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the mayo and greek yogurt.

It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic in the park. What makes it special is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet.

Okay, right then! Let's put our chef's hat on and get to it.

Fancy making the Absolutely Brilliant, No-Compromises Chicken Salad ?

Based on the best chicken salad recipe I have perfected over the years, this version of classic chicken salad is far superior to the chicken salad sandwich you normally get. Trust me.

What You'll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5g) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) water or chicken broth (for poaching option)

For the Salad:

• 1 cup (150g) red grapes, halved or quartered
• 1 cup (100g) celery, finely diced
• 1/2 cup (50g) red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup (30g) toasted slivered almonds (optional)
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley or chives

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise (full fat or light, your choice)
• 2 tbsp (30ml) plain Greek yogurt (for tang and lightness)
• 1 tbsp (15ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed, please!)
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper (or to taste)
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)

Time to get cooking some yummy homemade chicken salad , I'll show you how to do it! If you're looking for easy chicken salad recipe ? you've got it!

Making Creamy Chicken Salad

Here's the secret to my chicken salad success. There's no need to be afraid of chicken salad with grapes in it, that just adds sweetness to the whole dish.

Ingredients & Equipment: Nail the Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Okay, right then! Let's put our chef's hat on and get to it. Honestly, crafting the best chicken salad recipe isn't rocket science.

But using good ingredients is key. Let's dive into what you'll need! It's easier than you think, I promise.

Main Ingredients - The Good Stuff!

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless breasts. high-quality chicken makes all the difference. Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale and sad-looking. The freshness impacts flavor, you know?
• Red Grapes: 1 cup (150g) , halved or quartered. Adds a touch of sweetness.
• Celery: 1 cup (100g) , finely diced. Celery provides that essential crunch.
• Red Onion: 1/2 cup (50g) , finely diced. Red onion is tangy!
• Almonds: 1/4 cup (30g) toasted slivered almonds (optional). Adds a delightful nutty crunch.
• Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley or chives. Never underestimate fresh herbs!
• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml) . This forms the creamy base of our dressing.
• Greek Yogurt: 2 tbsp (30ml) plain Greek yogurt. Adds tang and lightens things up a bit.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tbsp (15ml) . For that je ne sais quoi .
• Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (15ml) freshly squeezed. Brightens the whole thing up.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp (2.5g) or to taste. Crucial for flavour.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25g) or to taste. Adds warmth.
• Cayenne Pepper: Pinch (optional). For a little bit of zing.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) . Used to cook the chicken.
• Water or Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml) (for poaching option). Adds flavour to chicken.

Seasoning Notes - Spice it Up!

Essential spice combos? Salt and pepper are your base. Don't skimp! But Dijon mustard is the unsung hero. It adds so much depth.

For aromatics, fresh parsley or chives are a must! Don't use dried. Seriously, don't.

If you haven't got Dijon, a bit of yellow mustard works in a pinch. But it's not the same, is it?

Equipment Needed - Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You only need a few basics for this easy chicken salad recipe .

• A large skillet or pot (for the chicken).
• A cutting board.
• A good chef's knife.
• Mixing bowls.
• A whisk or fork.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do! See? Super simple. You can even use the back of a spoon in the absence of a whisk.

It just requires a little more elbow grease. Remember that time I tried to make a fancy chicken salad with all sorts of gadgets? What a disaster!.

Keep it simple.

I once saw someone try to use a blender for this, never use it!. Based on the "best chicken salad recipe", and the right equipment, you'll be ready for some picnic lunch ideas .

Enjoy!

Cooking Method: The Absolutely Brilliant Chicken Salad

Okay, right then! Let's put our chef's hat on and get to it. We are diving deep into creating the best chicken salad recipe you've ever tasted.

Seriously, this isn't your average, gloopy mess. This is classic chicken salad elevated. Honestly, I've seen some questionable chicken salads in my time, but this one? It's a game changer.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , darling! It’s French for "everything in its place." Basically, chop your celery, halve your grapes, dice your red onion.

Get those herbs chopped. Having all your ingredients prepped saves you so much time.

Next, to save you precious minutes, get your bowls and spoons ready! The little things make all the difference. Lastly, remember basic kitchen hygiene.

Wash your hands and clean your surfaces. We don't want any unwanted bacteria gatecrashing our homemade chicken salad party.

step-by-step Process: From Chicken to Culinary Masterpiece

1. Cook the Chicken: Poach or pan-sear 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts. Poach them in water or broth until they reach an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) . If you pan-sear, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until cooked through at 165° F ( 74° C) .
2. Cool and Shred: Let the chicken cool completely. This is essential . Then, shred or dice it into bite sized pieces.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the chicken with 1 cup of halved grapes, 1 cup of diced celery, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of toasted almonds. Also, add 1/4 cup of fresh parsley or chives.
4. Whip Up the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (if you're feeling brave).
5. Dress and Chill: Gently fold the dressing into the chicken salad. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours mingle and befriend each other.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game

Want to take your creamy chicken salad to the next level? Here’s a little secret: toast your almonds! It brings out the nutty flavour.

Don't overdress the salad. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

A common mistake? Overcooking the chicken. Dry chicken equals sad salad. Use a meat thermometer.

You know? If you’re planning a picnic, this is perfect. You can easily make it the night before. It makes for perfect picnic lunch ideas .

The best chicken salad recipe is a sure bet.

Recipe Notes That'll Make You Say "Ooh, That's Good!"

Okay, right then! Let's talk about making this best chicken salad recipe truly yours . Honestly, a recipe is just a starting point.

It's all about the little tweaks and tricks that make it sing.

Serving It Up in Style

Forget boring plating! For presentation ideas, think about how you want people to feel when they see this salad. I reckon, spoon it onto a bed of crisp lettuce for a fancy touch.

Try serving this creamy chicken salad as a chicken salad sandwich on toasted sourdough. Add a handful of crisps on the side - ready salted, naturally.

Or, for a posh picnic, pack it in mason jars with some homemade chicken salad to show off the layers.

Pair it with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio. It's like, sunshine in a glass.

Storing Like a Pro

So, you've made a batch of this best chicken salad recipe , and you've got leftovers? No worries, fam. It keeps well, but refrigeration guidelines are key.

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it's good for about 3-4 days. Freezing this classic chicken salad ain't recommended.

The mayo can get a bit weird and separate. To reheat this best chicken salad recipe , just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving.

This lets it come to room temperature a bit. Give it a good stir, and you're golden.

Mix It Up, Baby!

Fancy a change? Okay. For chicken salad variations , try this: add a teaspoon or two of curry powder for a curry chicken salad .

It gives it a lovely warm depth. For a healthier twist, swap out half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. Bam! Healthy chicken salad , and you won't even notice the difference.

Or, seasonally. Instead of grapes in the chicken salad with grapes , use diced apple in the autumn. It gives a crisp tartness to the creamy salad.

Easy peasy!

Nutrition Nuggets

Let’s be real, healthy chicken salad isn't health food, but it can be part of a balanced diet. One serving has about 450 calories, 40g of protein, 25g of fat, and 15g of carbs.

The protein keeps you feeling full, and the fats are important for overall health. But, you know, everything in moderation! You can swap some mayo for avocado, turning your recipe into the chicken salad with greek yogurt .

There you have it! With these notes, you're well on your way to chicken salad greatness. Now go forth and make the best easy chicken salad recipe ever! It is perfect for picnic lunch ideas .

You got this!