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Welcome to your new go-to chicken salad recipe! This classic dish is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any meal. It’s a simple, delicious classic that comes together quickly, promising a satisfying result every time. You can easily adapt this homemade chicken salad for light lunches, hearty dinners, or last-minute potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Salad
This chicken salad will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: Prepare this dish in just minutes with minimal fuss.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adjust flavors with your favorite add-ins.
- Versatile Meals: It’s fantastic in sandwiches, wraps, or as a light meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Everyone loves the comforting taste of homemade chicken salad.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious chicken salad recipe:
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or chopped. Use white or dark meat.
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup, opt for a good quality brand for best flavor.
- Celery: 1 rib, finely diced for a pleasant crunch.
- Green Onion: 1, thinly sliced to add a mild oniony bite.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon, provides a subtle tang and depth.
- Seasoned Salt: ¼ teaspoon, adjust to your taste preference.
- Black Pepper: ⅛ teaspoon, or more to taste.
- Fresh Dill: 1 teaspoon, optional, finely chopped for brightness.
Notes & Substitutions
You have many options to customize your chicken salad. For the chicken, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, offering tender, pre-cooked meat. Leftover baked or poached chicken works wonderfully too. If you are in a pinch, canned chicken is a viable alternative; just ensure it is well-drained.
Looking for alternatives to mayonnaise? Greek yogurt offers a lighter, tangier profile, while avocado mayo provides healthy fats and a rich texture. For herbaceous variations, swap fresh dill with chopped parsley, chives, or a blend of your favorite fresh herbs. You can also boost the veggie content; try adding finely diced red onion, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra color and nutrition in your creamy chicken salad.
Equipment
You won’t need much specialized gear for this easy chicken salad.
- A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients.
- A sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board for preparing chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure precise ingredient quantities.
- A rubber spatula or large spoon for mixing.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your classic chicken salad recipe. This straightforward process ensures a delicious outcome every time.
- Prepare Ingredients: Start by ensuring your chicken is cooked and cooled. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, according to your preference. Next, finely dice the celery and thinly slice the green onion. These small cuts ensure a consistent texture throughout your homemade chicken salad.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise. Measure and add the Dijon mustard directly into the bowl with the mayonnaise. This creates the creamy base for your savory chicken salad.
- Add Dry Seasonings: Sprinkle the seasoned salt and black pepper over the mayonnaise and mustard mixture. These seasonings are crucial for bringing out the flavors of your chicken salad recipe.
- Introduce Chicken & Veggies: Add the prepared shredded or chopped chicken, finely diced celery, and thinly sliced green onion to the bowl. Make sure all components are ready before this step.
- Add Dill (Optional): If using fresh dill, add the chopped dill to the bowl now. Its bright, herbaceous notes perfectly complement the other ingredients in this classic chicken salad.
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a rubber spatula or a large spoon, gently fold all the ingredients together. Mix until everything is well coated with the creamy dressing and evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, which can break down the chicken.
- Taste and Adjust: Take a small taste of your chicken salad. Now is the time to adjust the seasonings. Add more seasoned salt, black pepper, or even a touch more Dijon mustard if you desire. Achieving the perfect balance of flavors is key.
- Chill (Optional): For best results and for the flavors to fully meld, cover the bowl and refrigerate your chicken salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time truly enhances the taste.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve your delicious chicken salad using your preferred method. Enjoy your freshly made, classic chicken salad!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the best chicken salad, aim for perfectly cooked and cooled chicken. Poaching chicken breasts gently yields tender, moist results. Avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry, stringy chicken. When shredding, use two forks for an effortless texture.
Balancing flavors is crucial for an exceptional chicken salad recipe. Start with the suggested seasoning amounts and taste as you go. You can always add more salt, pepper, or mustard, but you cannot remove them. A touch of lemon juice can brighten flavors if it feels flat. To avoid watery chicken salad, ensure your vegetables are very dry before adding them. Excess moisture from celery can dilute the dressing. Making this salad ahead allows flavors to meld beautifully. Prepare it a few hours or even a day in advance for optimal taste. Keep all ingredients cold during preparation for food safety and best results.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken salad offers endless possibilities for enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a classic chicken salad sandwich on your favorite bread or toast.
- Wrap it in a tortilla or pita bread for a quick, portable lunch.
- Serve it on crisp lettuce cups for a light, low-carb meal option.
- Pair with crunchy crackers, sturdy vegetable sticks, or toasted pita chips.
- Use it as a side dish alongside a green salad or fresh fruit.
Storage Instructions
According to the USDA, safe storage guidelines for chicken salad recommend keeping it at 40° F or below. Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It remains fresh and delicious for 3 to 5 days when properly stored.
Due to the mayonnaise base, freezing chicken salad is generally not recommended, as it can cause the dressing to separate and become watery upon thawing.
Variations
- Curry Chicken Salad: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the dressing. Stir in a handful of golden raisins and chopped cashews for texture and sweetness.
- Fruity Chicken Salad: Incorporate ½ cup of halved red grapes, diced apples, or chopped dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Kick up the heat by mixing in a dash of sriracha, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or finely minced jalapeño.
- Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Introduce diced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a Greek-inspired twist. This variation offers a unique flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. A typical serving of this chicken salad recipe is high in protein, making it a satisfying and energy-boosting meal. The fat content primarily comes from the mayonnaise, which can be adjusted with alternatives like Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Customizing ingredients allows you to tailor the health aspects to your dietary needs.
| Nutrients | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbs | 3g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
FAQ
Can I use canned chicken for this chicken salad recipe?
Yes, canned chicken works perfectly! Just ensure you drain it thoroughly and flake it well before mixing.
How long does chicken salad last in the refrigerator?
When stored in an airtight container, your homemade chicken salad will remain fresh for 3 to 5 days. Always ensure it is refrigerated promptly.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
It’s not recommended. The mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery after thawing, affecting the texture.
What kind of chicken is best for chicken salad?
Cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh meat works well. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice for convenience and flavor.
How can I make this chicken salad healthier?
Swap some mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, add more finely chopped vegetables, or serve it in lettuce wraps instead of bread.
Conclusion
This easy and classic chicken salad recipe is a true kitchen hero, delivering comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy parents and beginners looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. With its versatile nature, you can effortlessly adapt this dish to fit any occasion or taste preference. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful chicken salad. Share your favorite variations or serving ideas in the comments below!
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula or spoon For folding ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 1 rib celery, finely diced
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.25 tsp seasoned salt
- 0.125 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Shred or chop cooked chicken. Dice celery and slice green onion.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in seasoned salt and black pepper.
- Introduce Chicken & Veggies: Add chicken, celery, and green onion to the bowl.
- Add Dill (Optional): Stir in chopped dill for added freshness.
- Mix Thoroughly: Gently fold ingredients until evenly coated.
- Taste and Adjust: Add more seasoning or mustard to taste.
- Chill (Optional): Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy in sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or with crackers.
