The Best Darn Classic Chicken Salad

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a super easy, utterly delicious lunch? honestly, who doesn't? this easy chicken salad recipe is about to become your new go-to.

It's creamy, tangy, and has the perfect crunch – basically, everything you want in a best chicken salad ever .

Brief Overview

Chicken salad has its roots in classic american cuisine. it's evolved from fancy tea rooms to our modern kitchens. this easy chicken salad recipe is perfect for beginners, taking only an hour, and yields 4-6 servings.

Main Benefits

This classic chicken salad sandwich isn't just delicious; it's packed with protein! Making it a perfect easy luncheon option. What makes this recipe special is its balance of creamy texture and fresh flavors, the Best Homemade Chicken Salad you will ever have!

The Best Darn Classic Chicken Salad Recipe Card

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Preparation time:45 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) water or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (for poaching)
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns (optional, for poaching flavor)
• 1 bay leaf (optional, for poaching flavor)
• ½ cup (115g) mayonnaise (full-fat or light)
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) celery, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt (for dressing)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• ¼ cup (30g) halved grapes (optional)

Instructions:

• Add chicken breasts, water/broth, salt, peppercorns (if using), and bay leaf (if using) to a large pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
• Add the shredded chicken, parsley (if using), and grapes (if using) to the dressing. Gently stir to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve on your favorite bread, crackers, or lettuce cups.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:350-450

Fat:20-30g

Fiber:1-2g

Recipe Info

Category:Lunch, Salad

Cuisine:American

Crafting the Perfect Chicken Salad

We're diving into the world of chicken salad. It's a simple dish. Yet, it’s surprisingly easy to mess up. This recipe gives you the best darn classic chicken salad ever, and trust me, I've made a lot of chicken salad in my time!

Let me tell you a story. i once made chicken salad for a picnic. i forgot to chill it. big mistake! don’t be like me.

The 30 minute chilling time is a must !.

The Key: Simple Chicken Salad Ingredients

Alright, let's gather our bits and bobs. you'll need about 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts. then, half a cup of mayonnaise, and two tablespoons each of celery and red onion.

Don't forget lemon juice, dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. you might also want some parsley and chicken salad with grapes if you're feeling fancy.

From Basic to Brilliant: Chicken Prep

First, you'll need to cook the chicken. my go-to is poaching. you want to gently simmer the chicken until it reaches 165° f/ 74° c.

This keeps it tender. a chicken salad rotisserie saves a lot of time! it is the way to go!

Now you know the secret for getting a quick chicken salad recipe .

Alright, let's talk chicken salad. but not just any chicken salad. we're diving into the best darn classic chicken salad – easy as pie! seriously, this easy chicken salad recipe is a game-changer.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Down-Low

First things first, you gotta get your bits and bobs sorted. Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward.

Main Ingredients: The Starters

Okay, so for the chicken, you'll need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Go for good quality chicken. You know, the stuff that actually tastes like chicken.
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) water or chicken broth. Broth adds a bit more flavour.
• 1 teaspoon salt.
• ½ teaspoon black peppercorns (optional, for poaching flavour).
• 1 bay leaf (optional, for poaching flavour).

And for the creamy chicken salad recipe dressing and salad:

• ½ cup (115g) mayonnaise (full-fat or light). Honestly, full-fat mayo makes it the best chicken salad ever , in my humble opinion.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) celery, finely chopped.
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) red onion, finely chopped.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
• ½ teaspoon salt.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
• ¼ cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley (optional).
• Optional: ¼ cup (30g) halved grapes. Chicken salad with grapes is surprisingly delish!

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

Spice-wise, keep it simple. salt, pepper, and a touch of dijon are key. lemon juice is a must! it brightens everything up.

Celery salt can also be a nice touch if you're feeling fancy. a little bit of dijon really elevates this classic chicken salad sandwich .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid

You don't need a whole load of fancy equipment. You'll want:

• A large pot or saucepan.
• A mixing bowl.
• A cutting board.
• A sharp knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• A colander.

That's it! a regular bowl and knife. nothing too crazy needed for this quick chicken salad recipe . if you haven't got a colander, a large sieve will do the trick.

Now, let's get cooking! this easy luncheon recipe is about to become your new favourite.

The Best Darn Classic Chicken Salad (Easy as Pie!)

Honestly, who doesn't love a good easy chicken salad recipe ? it’s the easy luncheon option that's always a crowd-pleaser.

This ain't your average, run-of-the-mill chicken salad. this is the best chicken salad ever , promise. it’s quick, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Prep Like a Pro, Even If You’re Not

First things first, get everything chopped and measured. it's called mise en place – makes you sound like a proper chef, right? i always chop the celery and red onion super fine.

Nobody wants a massive onion bite, you know?

Safety-wise, just be mindful of your knife skills. We don't want any kitchen mishaps, yeah?

From Clueless to Chicken Salad Master in 5 Steps

1. Poach that Chicken: Pop 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken breasts in a pot with 6 cups (1.4 liters) water or broth. Add 1 teaspoon salt, plus peppercorns and a bay leaf if you're feeling fancy. Simmer gently until the chicken hits 165° F/ 74° C . This takes about 25- 30 minutes .
2. Cool and Shred: Let the chicken cool slightly. Shred or dice it. I prefer shredding because it soaks up more of that yummy dressing.
3. Whip Up the Magic Dressing: Mix ½ cup (115g) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons (30ml) chopped celery, 2 tablespoons (30ml) red onion, 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a bowl.
4. Mix It All Together: Add the chicken, ¼ cup (30g) parsley (if using), and ¼ cup (30g) halved grapes (if using) to the dressing. Stir gently.
5. Chill Out: Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes . This is crucial. It lets the flavors get to know each other.

Pro Tips for Quick Chicken Salad Recipe Success

Want to elevate your chicken salad sandwich recipe game? Here's how:

Don't overcook the chicken, it will be dry. make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° f/ 74° c and no more than that.

For that creamy chicken salad recipe , use high quality mayo. you can use chicken salad rotisserie to save time with precooked.

This simple chicken salad ingredients is just what you need.

A common mistake? Not chilling it long enough. Honestly, the chilling time is where the magic happens. The Best Homemade Chicken Salad is always chilled.

Final Thoughts

Honestly? this classic chicken salad sandwich is a lifesaver. it's perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or even just a cheeky midnight snack.

Plus, you can totally customize it to your taste. add some hot sauce for a kick or swap the grapes for cranberries.

The possibilities are endless, mate!

Right, so you've made the best darn classic chicken salad , easy as pie, and now you’re probably thinking "what's next?".

Let's chat about some extra bits to make it even more brill!

Recipe Notes

This easy chicken salad recipe is super versatile. honestly, it's more of a guideline, not a strict rulebook. feel free to tweak it to your liking.

I love it just as it is. but if you want to mix things up, go for it!

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation

Okay, so you've got your creamy chicken salad recipe . how do you make it look fancy? for a posh lunch, think mini croissants.

They look super cute piled high with the chicken salad. or, for a healthier vibe, stuff it into lettuce cups.

Don't forget the sides! a handful of crisps (kettle chips!), some baby tomatoes, or a simple green salad make it a proper meal.

And to drink? iced tea is perfect for lunch. if it's a special occasion a glass of sauvignon blanc won't be amiss!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Right then, you've probably made a bit too much, haven't you? no worries! this quick chicken salad recipe keeps well.

Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. it will last for about 3 days, so it is a very easy luncheon option.

Just give it a good stir before serving.

Freezing? not so much, mate. the mayo tends to separate, and it just doesn't taste the same. best to make a fresh batch, especially since it is a simple chicken salad ingredients .

Variations: Get Creative!

Want to jazz things up? how about adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat? you could try curry powder.

Curry powder makes a chicken salad with grapes , with a lovely warm flavor.

For a healthier twist, swap half the mayo for mashed avocado. I've tried it, and it's surprisingly good! Or how about trying greek yogurt? Just add more lemon to compensate.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

This classic chicken salad sandwich gives you a good hit of protein. you’re looking at about 35-45 grams per serving.

It has healthy fats from the mayo, and some carbs depending on what you serve it with. remember, these are just estimates!

Honestly, this best homemade chicken salad is a winner. It's quick, easy, and tastes amazing. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Enjoy, and let me know how it goes! This might even be the best chicken salad ever !