Here’s a detailed recipe for a classic and flavorful chicken salad with step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to make it perfect for any occasion.
Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth (for poaching)
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns
For the Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup seedless red or green grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, slivered or chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or substitute half with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Poach the Chicken
- In a medium pot, add the chicken breasts, water or chicken broth, smashed garlic, bay leaf, salt, and peppercorns.
- Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Do not let it boil, as this can make the chicken tough.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken poach for about 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the water and let it rest on a plate to cool. Once cool, dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Tip: You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken if you want to skip the poaching step.
2. Prepare the Salad Base
- While the chicken cools, finely chop your celery, red onion, parsley, and grapes.
- Toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- Place all the prepared ingredients into a large mixing bowl: diced chicken, celery, red onion, grapes, almonds, and parsley.
3. Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice for acidity, honey for sweetness, or salt for balance.
4. Assemble the Chicken Salad
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl.
- Gently mix everything together using a spatula or spoon until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning again, if needed.
5. Chill and Serve
- For the best flavor, cover the chicken salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve the chicken salad in a variety of ways:
- On toasted bread as a sandwich or open-faced toast.
- In a fresh lettuce wrap for a light, low-carb option.
- Over a bed of mixed greens with cucumber, tomatoes, and avocado.
- As a dip with crackers or pita chips.
Tips for Success
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of curry powder or a dash of smoked paprika for a unique twist.
- Nuts & Crunch: Substitute almonds with pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for different textures and flavors.
- Fruit Variations: Replace grapes with diced apples, dried cranberries, or pomegranate seeds for added sweetness.
- Lighter Dressing: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado mayo for a healthier version.
- Herbs: Fresh dill, tarragon, or basil can bring a fragrant, fresh touch to the salad.
Storage
- Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the mayonnaise-based dressing does not freeze well.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 15g
Serving Ideas
- Serve on croissants for an indulgent brunch.
- Pair with a cup of vegetable soup for a hearty meal.
- Add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for a creamy tang.
This detailed recipe will give you a restaurant-quality chicken salad that’s easy to prepare at home. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing party dish!
