The Ultimate Homemade Chicken Salad
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for something comforting yet fresh? Honestly, that’s how I felt when I perfected my homemade chicken salad .
I was daydreaming about the perfect lunch and hey presto! I had it!. This easy chicken salad recipe is a game changer, think of it.
This recipe's a little bit British, inspired by the glorious Coronation chicken salad , but with my own twist. It's also not difficult to make.
A Taste of Home: The Ultimate Chicken Salad
This isn't just any creamy chicken salad recipe . It's a balanced blend of tender chicken, crunchy bits, and a tangy sweet dressing.
It is perfect for a chicken salad sandwich , a light lunch, or a posh picnic chicken salad . A great lunch chicken salad .
What's So Special About It?
One of the main benefits? It's packed with protein. Making it a super satisfying and nutritious meal. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a gingham blanket, and this delicious homemade chicken salads as the star of your picnic.
The Magic Ingredients
Ready to dive in? You'll need chicken, grapes, celery and walnuts. Plus, a killer dressing. Stick around, and I'll walk you through every step to the best chicken salad recipe you've ever tried.
Let's get cooking!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Alright, let's talk gear and grub! This easy chicken salad recipe is simple. You do not need fancy equipment. Here is all you need to know for your best homemade chicken salads creation.
Main Ingredients: Quality is Key, Mate
First, the chicken. You need 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They must be good quality! Grab 4 cups (950ml) of chicken broth.
Do not forget 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. A bay leaf is optional, but why not?
Next, the salad bits. Aim for 1 cup (150g) of red grapes, halved. Get 1 cup (115g) of finely diced celery.
Half a cup (50g) of walnuts, toasted, sounds great! Also, 1/4 cup (40g) finely diced red onion, if you fancy.
Finally, get 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
For the dressing, we need creamy goodness. Half a cup (115g) of mayonnaise is ideal. Grab 1/4 cup (60g) of Greek yogurt.
Use 2 tablespoons of mango chutney for sweetness! Squeeze 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. 1 teaspoon of curry powder is essential.
Add salt ( 1/4 teaspoon ) and pepper ( 1/8 teaspoon ), to taste. These are the essentials for our creamy chicken salad recipe .
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
Curry powder is vital. It adds a unique flavour. Mango chutney? A game changer! If you don't have it, apricot jam works.
Add a pinch of cayenne for extra zing. The best chicken salad with grapes needs these!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You'll need a medium saucepan. A cutting board and sharp knife are vital. A mixing bowl is essential too. Measuring cups and spoons are obvious! Finally, a colander to drain stuff.
You might need a toaster for the walnuts. Who'd have thought homemade chicken salads could be so easy?.
This should be enough for some banging lunch chicken salad , or even a picnic chicken salad ! Honestly , you'll find this is the best chicken salad recipe you've ever tried! You know?
Cooking Method: Poaching Chicken for Homemade Chicken Salads
So, you wanna make homemade chicken salads that'll knock everyone's socks off? The secret? Perfectly poached chicken. Seriously, this is the foundation for an easy chicken salad recipe and best chicken salad recipe you'll ever taste.
Forget dry, rubbery chicken we're going for juicy and tender! This isn't just for chicken salad sandwich but opens a world to gourmet delights.
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Okay, listen up. The first thing: get organized. It's all about that "mise en place," baby! Have your 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts ready.
Get 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth. Grab your salt, pepper, and bay leaf (1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1 bay leaf).
It feels so chef , doesn't it?. Having everything measured and ready before you start cooking is a game changer.
Trust me. Also, remember: wash your hands! Safety first, people.
step-by-step: Poaching Perfection
This is where the magic happens. Don't be scared!
- Place your chicken breasts in the medium saucepan.
- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is covered.
- Add the salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a gentle simmer (barely bubbling!) over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer gently for 25 minutes .
- Check the internal temperature with a thermometer. It should reach 165° F/ 74° C .
- Remove the chicken from the broth and let it cool slightly.
- Shred or dice the chicken into bite sized pieces. Chill in the fridge.
If the chicken reaches that temp quicker, yank it out! Overcooked chicken is a sin for homemade chicken salads and beyond.
Pro Tips: Chicken Salad Jedi Master
Honestly, the secret is to not boil the chicken. Low and slow is the way to go for maximum tenderness.
And here’s another thing, don't throw away that broth! It's liquid gold for soups. It's also an easy way to make coronation chicken salad more flavoursome, by adding the broth to the salad itself.
Also, if you want a slightly more complex flavour, try brining the chicken for an hour before poaching. It'll add moisture and seasoning.
Finally, and this is a BIG one: Don't even think about adding warm chicken to your salad! Chill it completely first for chicken salad with grapes or chicken salad with celery .
No one wants a picnic chicken salad or lunch chicken salad disaster, do they?. We want a creamy chicken salad recipe that's refreshing.
So, give that a go and see what you think of it. It transforms every homemade chicken salad you make.
Recipe Notes for Next Level Homemade Chicken Salads
Right, so you're about to embark on your homemade chicken salads journey. Before you get stuck in, here are a few notes to make sure yours is the best chicken salad recipe ever.
I mean, seriously, even better than that shop bought stuff!
Serving Suggestions: Getting Your Plating On!
Okay, let's talk presentation. Forget just chucking it on a plate. A great way to serve this is on a buttery croissant for a proper chicken salad sandwich , or even piled high on a bed of crispy lettuce cups.
If you want to get fancy, try serving it with some colourful crudités. As for drinks, a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio or even a good old-fashioned iced tea works a treat.
Honestly, it's all about those vibes.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Right, let’s get storage sorted. If you've got any leftover picnic chicken salad (unlikely, but hey!), bung it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It'll keep happily for 3 days . I wouldn’t recommend freezing this. Mayonnaise doesn't really do well in the freezer, you know? When you're ready to tuck in again, give it a good stir, as the dressing may have separated slightly.
That’s what I do with my creamy chicken salad recipe .
Variations: Make it Your Own, Mate!
Fancy a bit of a twist? No problem! For a dairy-free version, just swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative, and make sure your mayonnaise is dairy-free too.
Easy peasy. Want something a bit seasonal? In the autumn, swap those grapes for some chunks of apple. You know what? It's completely up to you; this easy chicken salad recipe is super adaptable.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
So, each serving has roughly 450 calories, 35g of protein, and 25g of fat. Don’t freak out, it’s mostly good fats from the walnuts and chicken.
This lunch chicken salad is packed with protein to keep you full, and it's got vitamins and minerals from the celery and grapes.
Perfect for a healthy ish treat. Think about that coronation chicken salad , but better!
Now you’ve got all the insider knowledge, you’re all set to make the most banging homemade chicken salads the world has ever seen.
Go get 'em, tiger! Don't forget, feel free to add your own flair. Who knows, maybe you'll create the next best chicken salad recipe !
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade chicken salads last in the fridge? I'm trying to meal prep like a proper domestic goddess!
Homemade chicken salads will typically last for 3-4 days in the fridge, provided you store it properly in an airtight container. Make sure to refrigerate it promptly after making it to prevent any unwanted bacterial growth. If it starts to smell or look off, best to chuck it - better safe than sorry!
Can I freeze homemade chicken salads? I always seem to make too much!
Freezing chicken salad isn't ideal, as the mayonnaise can separate and become watery when thawed, changing the texture. The vegetables in chicken salad, like celery, may also become soggy after freezing. If you must freeze it, consider omitting the mayonnaise and adding it fresh after thawing.
Always store in airtight freezer safe containers.
What are some fun variations I can try to spice up my homemade chicken salads game, maybe something a bit more... adventurous?
Oh, loads! Try adding dried cranberries and chopped apple for a sweeter twist, or some chopped jalapeños for a bit of a kick. For a Mediterranean vibe, throw in some sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices too!
Is this homemade chicken salad recipe healthy? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you know how it is!
This recipe is relatively healthy, providing a good source of protein and some vitamins from the vegetables. To make it even lighter, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, and load up on the veggies! You can also swap the walnuts for pumpkin seeds to add healthy fats.
Portion control is key, of course even healthy food can contribute to weight gain if you overindulge.
Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this homemade chicken salad recipe even easier? I'm all about a good shortcut!
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time saver and adds great flavour. Just shred or dice the chicken, removing the skin if you prefer. It's a great way to cut down on the cooking time. It's like having Mary Berry whispering secrets in your ear about the best shortcut.
What's the best way to prevent my homemade chicken salad from becoming watery? Nobody likes a soggy sandwich!
A soggy sandwich is the worst, isn't it? To avoid a watery chicken salad, make sure your chicken is completely cooled and drained of any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. Also, avoid adding too much dressing at once; start with less and add more as needed.
Adding some toasted breadcrumbs can also help to absorb excess moisture, or you can serve it on lettuce wraps instead of bread.
The Ultimate Homemade Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |