Best Ever Chicken Salad

An Irresistible Chicken Salad Recipe You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect chicken salad, look no further. This Best Ever Chicken Salad recipe is the ultimate go-to for sandwiches or as a topping for a fresh green salad. Imagine the creamy texture, the delightful crunch, and a harmonious blend of flavors that will have you coming back for more. You can even customize it by adding crumbled bacon, raisins, cashews, or a hint of curry powder. While homemade mayo can elevate this dish, a high-quality store-bought version works just as well. This chicken salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, striking the perfect balance without being overly sweet or tangy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways: on a bed of lettuce, nestled in a sandwich, or wrapped in a tortilla for a quick meal on the go. The combination of seasoned chicken breast, creamy mayonnaise, lemon juice, and crunchy celery creates a classic dish ready in just minutes. It’s the best chicken salad I’ve ever tasted, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. The bone-in chicken breasts impart rich flavor, and you can remove the skin if you prefer.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Small and large mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven

Ingredients

• 3 – 4 lbs of chicken parts (bone-in, skin-on thighs and breasts work well)
• 2 tablespoons quality olive oil
• 1 cup of seedless grapes, sliced in half (red and green varieties are great)
• 1 cup almonds, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 celery stalk, sliced
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt (start with 1/2 teaspoon, then add more, to taste)
• Freshly ground pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Rub the chicken pieces with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove the chicken from the oven, let it cool, then pull the meat from the bones and roughly chop.
5. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, almonds, celery, scallions, dill, and parsley.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
7. Add the mayonnaise mixture to the chicken mixture and gently stir until well combined.
8. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
9. Serve on a bed of green leaves with sliced tomatoes and avocado, or on bread with green leaf lettuce. Feel free to add more toppings to your taste!

Tips for Success

• Ensure the chicken is fully cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients to prevent wilting and maintain texture.
• Adjust the seasoning to your preference; start with a small amount of salt and gradually add more if needed.
• For extra flavor, consider roasting the almonds before adding them to the salad.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Incorporate other fruits like apples or cranberries for a sweet twist.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works well in this salad.

How long will this chicken salad keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it should last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this chicken salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Conclusion

This Best Ever Chicken Salad is a must-try for any chicken salad enthusiast. Whether you’re enjoying it on a leisurely afternoon or packing it for a picnic, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and let us know how you enjoyed it! We’d love to hear your thoughts and any creative variations you come up with.