The Best Chicken Salad Recipe

The Best Chicken Salad Recipe

My favourite The Best Chicken Salad Recipe recipe

Ingredients

  • cooked chicken
    3 c
  • mayonnaise

    use full fat for best creaminess

    ¾ c
  • plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

    optional but makes it tangy

    ¼ c
  • celery
    ½ c
  • red onion
    ⅓ c
  • seedless grapes halved or 1/2 cup dried cranberries

    your call

    ½ c
  • almonds or pecans
    ½ c
  • Dijon mustard
    1 tbsp
  • lemon juice
    1 tbsp
  • fresh parsley
    2 tbsp
  • kosher salt

    adjust

    1 tsp
  • ground black pepper
    ½ tsp
  • garlic powder

    optional but nice

    ¼ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Shred or chop 3 cups cooked chicken into bite sized pieces and put them in a large bowl; if using rotisserie chicken, pull off the skin and any big bits of fat.

  2. 2

    Toast 1/2 cup chopped almonds or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and just browned, about 3 to 5 minutes, then let them cool and roughly chop again if needed.

  3. 3

    Finely chop 1/2 cup celery and 1/3 cup red onion (or slice 2 green onions); halve 1/2 cup seedless grapes or measure 1/2 cup dried cranberries, whichever you prefer.

  4. 4

    In a smaller bowl whisk together 3/4 to 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream if using, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy; use the lower mayo amount for a lighter mix and the full cup for max creaminess.

  5. 5

    Stir 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley into the dressing, then taste and adjust lemon, salt or pepper now because once mixed into the chicken it’s harder to fix.

  6. 6

    Pour the dressing over the chicken, then gently fold in the chopped celery, onion, grapes or cranberries, and the toasted nuts; fold don’t stir aggressively or you’ll mash the grapes and make it mushy.

  7. 7

    Cover and chill the chicken salad at least 30 minutes so flavors meld; if you’re short on time, 10 minutes will do but it tastes noticeably better after chilling.

  8. 8

    Before serving, give it one last taste and tweak seasoning with more salt, pepper or lemon juice as needed; if it seems dry add a little extra mayo or yogurt.

  9. 9

    Serve over crisp lettuce, on croissants, in a sandwich, or stuffed into avocados; leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for 3 to 4 days but don’t freeze.

  10. 10

    Quick hacks: shred warm chicken for easier shredding, use rotisserie chicken to save time, and toast nuts in the oven on a sheet at 350 degrees F for 6 to 8 minutes if you prefer hands off.

The Best Chicken Salad Recipe

The Best Chicken Salad Recipe

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About this Recipe

Discover The Best Chicken Salad Recipe

Craving a classic that's anything but ordinary? Look no further than The Best Chicken Salad Recipe! This isn't just any chicken salad; it's a perfectly balanced symphony of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet, designed to be your go-to recipe for lunches, picnics, and easy dinners. Forget dry, bland versions – this recipe delivers on flavor and texture every single time.

What makes this chicken salad truly shine is its thoughtful combination of ingredients. We start with tender, cooked chicken, then fold it into a rich, creamy dressing made with full-fat mayonnaise for luxuriousness, and a touch of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a delightful tangy lift. The crispness of finely chopped celery and the gentle bite of red onion provide essential texture, while sweet seedless grapes or tart dried cranberries add a burst of fruitiness. Toasted almonds or pecans bring a wonderful nutty crunch, completing this masterpiece. A hint of Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic parsley tie all the vibrant flavors together.

Tips for Success

  • Chicken Choice: For the best results, use a mix of white and dark meat, or convenient rotisserie chicken for a quick start. Ensure it's cooled completely before shredding or chopping.
  • Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to adjust the amount of celery, nuts, or even add a different element like chopped apples for extra crispness.
  • Balance is Key: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your preference for that perfect savory-sweet-tangy balance.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This versatile chicken salad is fantastic in so many ways:

  • Classic Sandwich: Pile it high on your favorite bread or croissant.
  • Light & Healthy: Serve it in lettuce cups or on a bed of fresh greens.
  • Appetizer: Scoop it onto crackers or cucumber slices for a delightful bite.
  • Add-ins: Experiment with fresh dill, chives, or a pinch of curry powder for an interesting twist. Diced avocado can also add extra creaminess and healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions