Best-Ever Chicken Salad Recipe
This Best-Ever Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful and versatile dish perfect for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner. Combining tender chicken, fresh grapes, crunchy almonds, and a creamy dressing, this chicken salad is both flavorful and satisfying. In this blog post, we will walk you through the ingredients, instructions, and tips for making the perfect chicken salad. Additionally, we’ll provide variations and address frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the best results.
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Ingredients
For the Chicken Salad:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken parts (bone-in, skin-on thighs and breasts) | 3 – 4 lbs |
| Quality olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Seedless grapes, sliced in half (red and green varieties) | 1 cup |
| Almonds, thinly sliced (optional) | 1 cup |
| Celery stalk, sliced | 1 |
| Scallions, thinly sliced, white and green parts | 4 |
| Fresh dill, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
For the Dressing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Juice of 1 lemon | |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon (start with 1/2 teaspoon, then add more, to taste) |
| Freshly ground pepper | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken parts with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Roast Chicken: Place the chicken parts on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
- Cool and Shred: Allow the chicken to cool slightly. Remove the skin and bones, and shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- Mix Dressing Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced grapes, sliced almonds (if using), sliced celery, thinly sliced scallions, chopped dill, and chopped parsley.
- Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Chill Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the chicken salad chilled, on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Enjoy!
