Are you ready for this? I’m so excited to share my go-to, absolute favorite, favorite book with you.What is a good chicken salad recipeI’ve been making this for years, tweaked it a million times, and it disappears every time. Seriously, it’s gonna be worth it. What is chicken salad? Is it the one that my kids beg for, or that I bring to every potluck? countless busy weeknights. Is it creamy, flavorful, and so incredibly easy to make? Compared to some overly complicated recipes I’ve tried, this one is a breeze. What is your secret weapon? If you’re looking for a quick lunch or if you want something to impress at your next meeting, this is the place. If you have stumbled upon the right recipe for a good get-together, then you’ve found the
What is a good chicken salad recipe?
What is Chicken Salad? Think of it as a super delicious, upgraded version of your grandma’s classic chicken salad. What’s essentially a mix of cooked, shredded chicken, combined with creamy mayonnaise, crunchy celery, and feta cheese? Sweet grapes, and a touch of something special (you’ll see! What is the secret ingredient? The name comes from the fact that I’ve made this dish countless times, especially when I had a lot of leftovers. Can you serve leftover chicken from roasting? What are some of the best sandwiches to serve with this recipe? Straight from the bowl (my personal favorite, shhh!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to eat chicken salad? First off, the taste is incredible. The combination of savory chicken, the creamy mayo, and the sweetness of the grapes. Secret kick creates a symphony of tastes in every bite. What are some good ways to make this dish? Is there a recipe for everything you need to know about cooking? It’s all about simple steps and fresh ingredients. Can you cook your own rotisserie chicken? Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find at your local grocery store. What is the best thing about this recipe? What is the best crunch you’ve ever had? I also like that it’s similar to a recipe I use for ice cream.egg saladWhat are the best quick meals you’ve ever had?
What I love about this is that it’s perfect for almost any occasion. I’ve made it for picnics, packed lunches and even fancy dinner parties (yes, really!). Is it a crowd pleaser? What is the best way to make a big batch of this recipe and keep it in the fridge? Is this Chicken Salad worth it?
How do I make chicken salad?
Quick Overview
What are some easy recipes to follow? First, you’ll cook (or use pre-cooked) chicken and prep your ingredients. What are some good ways to make a creamy dressing? What is the best Chicken Salad you have ever had? What is the beauty of this recipe? It’s all about adjusting to your taste. Don’t be afraid to add more or less. What is chicken salad? What makes this method so special is its simplicity.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- I love using rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor!
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced – Adds that lovely crunch.
- 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved – Always aim for fresh, sweet grape.
- 1/4 cup red onion – Gives a subtle bite that’s irresistible.
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – I recommend using a good quality mayo. It makes sigh!
- What is the best Dijon mustard recipe?
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar – Adds a little zing!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
- What is the best way to ground Black Pepper?
- A pinch of garlic powder – A little more flavor.
For the Glaze:
- Optional garnish of fresh parsley or chives – For a pop of color and freshness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
If you’re starting with raw chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If using raw chicken, you can cook it in the oven or on the stovetop until fully cooked. Otherwise, you can use a rotisserie chicken from the store. While the chicken is cooking (or if you’re using pre-cooked), prep your other ingredients. This is really important, so everything is ready to go. Dice the celery and red onion very finely. Halve the grapes. Having everything prepped makes the whole process smoother.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, add your shredded chicken, diced celery, grapes, and red onion. This is where the magic starts to happen. Make sure to mix everything together. This step helps make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salad. It’s about creating a great texture base.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, APPLE CIDER vinegar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I usually whisk for about 30 seconds, or until everything is nice and combined. Make sure the dressing is not too thick or thin – it should coat the back of a spoon. Don’t worry if it seems a little tangy at first, it all balances out. I like to make sure everything is mixed well here to make sure flavors merge well.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients in the larger bowl. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or spoon until all the chicken and veggies are evenly coated in the dressing. Be careful not to overmix – you want to keep the chicken and veggies from turning into mush. Overmixing is my biggest problem, so I’m always cautious. Taste it at this point and adjust seasonings as needed. If you want it creamier, add a little more mayo. Too tangy? A pinch of sugar will help.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
If you are serving immediately, there is no need for additional filling. If you wish for additional filling, simply add more of your favorite items from the ingredients list into the finished product, such as additional diced celery or grapes. I love to customize this step based on my mood!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
This step doesn’t require layering or swirling, it’s really about taste testing. Make sure it tastes delicious and adjust if needed. I can’t tell you how many times I needed to add a little more salt, or sprinkling of pepper. Feel free to try different things, and even try to use different types of bread to see if you like them.
Step 7: Bake
In this recipe there is no need to bake. So you can skip this one. You’ve created your finished product, it’s time to consume!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Again, there is no need for cooling or glazing, you’re done with the recipe! Now is the time to taste test and see if it is up to your standards. If so, then you’re ready to move on to the last step!
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Now it’s time to serve! You can serve it in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, with crackers or vegetables, or straight from the bowl. You can also add additional touches, like a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives.
What should I serve it with?
The beauty of chicken salad is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for serving it, depending on the occasion:
For Breakfast: I love making mini chicken salad croissants. The combination of savory and sweet is a delicious way to start the day. Pair it with a cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice. It’s a fun, unexpected breakfast that everyone loves. I’m not gonna lie, this is what I usually do when I have leftovers!
For Brunch: Serve your chicken salad on a platter with some crackers, crudités (like carrots, celery, and bell peppers), and some crusty bread. Add a side of fruit salad and mimosas, and you’ve got an elegant brunch spread. I also like to get fancy and garnish it with some microgreens.
As Dessert: Okay, so chicken salad isn’t *technically* dessert, but I have added a little bit of whipped cream and some fresh berries to make it feel like a sweet treat. Serve it in a small bowl as an alternative to something heavy and you have a nice little light snack. It’s a great way to end the meal!
For Cozy Snacks: Sometimes, I just want a quick and easy snack. I love making chicken salad lettuce wraps for a light and healthy option. Or, if I’m feeling indulgent, I’ll serve it with some potato chips. This is my go-to for a late-night snack when I don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
These are just some suggestions; feel free to get creative and experiment! The best part about this recipe is that it’s easy to adapt to your tastes and the occasion.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Salad Recipe
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this chicken salad truly shine. Here are some tips to help you perfect yours:
Zucchini Prep: While there is no zucchini, I can give you some tips on how to make sure that the vegetables stay crispy, and don’t make the dish too soggy. For the celery and red onion, make sure you dice them very finely. If you want to add other vegetables, make sure you do the same. Freshness is key. I always use the freshest ingredients I can find. Look for crisp celery and sweet, plump grapes.
Mixing Advice: When mixing, be gentle. You want to combine everything without mashing the chicken or over-mixing the dressing. Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. If you find that the chicken salad is too thick, add a little bit of milk or water to thin it out. Be sure to be patient when mixing.
Swirl Customization: To create visual appeal, consider how you plate. Make sure you put the ingredients in your serving item of choice. If you’re making sandwiches, make sure to put the filling on the bread! This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s often overlooked.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. If you’re not a fan of grapes, try dried cranberries. If you don’t like red onion, use shallots or omit them altogether. For a different flavor profile, try adding a teaspoon of curry powder or a dash of sriracha. It’s your chicken salad – make it your own!
Baking Tips: I would give you tips on baking, but we are not baking anything in this recipe. But be sure to follow the steps carefully. Also, make sure you keep a clean kitchen! Sometimes, it’s easy to make a mess.
Glaze Variations: This recipe has no glaze, but if you choose to add a little bit of additional ingredients to make it tastier, then feel free to experiment. But make sure you don’t add anything that will make it too messy!
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and make it your own! That’s what really sets this dish apart from others.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and taste of your chicken salad. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: Chicken salad shouldn’t be left at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s essential to refrigerate it as soon as possible. I always try to refrigerate mine immediately after serving.
Refrigerator Storage: Store your chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help it stay fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods. Chicken salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to use a high-quality container, for storage. Also, make sure to clean the container, or get a new one.
Freezer Instructions: I personally don’t recommend freezing chicken salad, as the texture of the mayonnaise can change after thawing. If you must freeze it, do so in an airtight container. Then, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Glaze Timing Advice: There is no glaze, so there is no need for tips on the glaze. But If you choose to make any adjustments to the chicken salad, then I recommend adding them right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it—my beloved, never-fail chicken salad recipe! I really hope you try this, and I think you’ll love it as much as my family and I do. What’s not to love? It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for almost any occasion. If you give this recipe a try, please let me know what you think in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your variations and any tips you have! If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my Tuna Salad recipe! Happy cooking, everyone, and I can’t wait to see what you think!
Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked chicken shredded
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup Celery diced
- 0.25 cup Red onion diced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later. Enjoy on sandwiches, crackers, or over a bed of lettuce.
