Best-Ever Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and simple to make, let me introduce you to my Best-Ever Chicken Salad! This recipe has been a favorite in my family for years, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and sweet grapes makes it not just tasty but also satisfying. Whether you serve it on a croissant or over a bed of greens, this salad is sure to impress your loved ones.

What I adore most about this chicken salad is how versatile it is. You can whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making meal prep a breeze. Plus, using our Homemade Mayo recipe takes it to another level of deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delightful dish ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The mix of flavors and textures keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Just refrigerate and enjoy when you’re ready.
• Deliciously Versatile: Great in sandwiches, on salads, or even as a snack with crackers!
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with fresh ingredients that are good for you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Best-Ever Chicken Salad uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Each component adds its unique flavor and texture to create something truly special!

For the Chicken

• 4 lbs chicken parts (bone-in, skin-on thighs and breasts work well) (You’ll need about 4 cups)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Kosher salt (start with 1/2 teaspoon, then add more to taste)
• Freshly ground pepper

For the Salad

• 1 cup grapes (seedless, halved; red and green varieties are great)
• 1 cup almonds (thinly sliced)
• 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
• 3 scallions (thinly sliced; white and green parts)
• 2 tbsp dill (fresh, chopped)
• 1 tbsp parsley (fresh, chopped)

For the Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Variations

One of the best things about this Best-Ever Chicken Salad is how flexible it is! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using shredded rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken for a quicker option.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Go fruity: Experiment with different fruits like diced apples or dried cranberries for added sweetness.
• Change the herbs: If dill isn’t your thing, fresh basil or cilantro can give your salad a whole new twist!

How to Make Best-Ever Chicken Salad

Step 1: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper. This step ensures your chicken will be flavorful and juicy. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read thermometer.

Step 2: Cool Down and Shred

Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool. This cooling period allows you to handle the chicken without burning your fingers! Then remove the skin, pull the meat from the bones, and roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Mix Your Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken with grapes, almonds, celery, scallions, dill, and parsley. Mixing these ingredients creates a beautiful medley of flavors and textures that will shine through in every bite.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing brings everything together beautifully. It’s creamy with just a hint of tanginess from the lemon which brightens up the whole dish.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Gently fold the mayo mixture into your chicken mixture until well combined. This step requires some love; be gentle so that all those tasty ingredients stay intact.

Step 6: Chill Out

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Chilling allows all those yummy flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

Serve your Best-Ever Chicken Salad on a bed of greens topped with sliced tomatoes and avocado for freshness! Alternatively, pile it high on bread with crisp green leaf lettuce for an irresistible sandwich experience.

Enjoy this delightful recipe with friends and family—it’s bound to become their favorite too!

Pro Tips for Making Best-Ever Chicken Salad

Creating the perfect chicken salad is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh fruits, herbs, and veggies add vibrant flavors that enhance the overall taste of your salad. Opting for seasonal produce makes a noticeable difference!
• Chill before serving: Allowing your chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour helps the flavors meld together beautifully. This step is essential for a refreshing dish!
• Customize your crunch: Adding different types of nuts or seeds can provide varying textures and flavors. Experiment with walnuts or sunflower seeds for an exciting twist.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Start with less salt and pepper, then adjust according to your preference to make sure it’s just right for you.
• Prep ahead: Making this chicken salad a day in advance not only saves time but also allows the flavors to develop even further, making it even tastier when you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Best-Ever Chicken Salad

Serving this delightful chicken salad can be as creative as you like! Whether you choose a classic sandwich or a more elegant presentation, there are numerous ways to enjoy it.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of additional chopped parsley or dill on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens up the dish.
• Sliced avocado: Creamy avocado slices not only look beautiful but also complement the flavors of the chicken salad perfectly.
• Lemon wedges: Offering lemon wedges on the side allows guests to add a bit of extra zing if they desire!

Side Dishes

• Crispy veggie sticks: Carrot, cucumber, and bell pepper sticks served with hummus make for a crunchy, healthy pairing that balances out the richness of the salad.
• Quinoa salad: A light and nutritious quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette provides a filling yet refreshing side that complements your chicken salad wonderfully.
• Fruit platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits adds a sweet contrast to your savory chicken salad. Think berries, melon, and citrus slices!
• Whole grain crackers: Serving your chicken salad alongside whole grain crackers creates a satisfying crunch while keeping things healthy. Perfect for scooping up that creamy goodness!

Now that you have all these ideas in hand, it’s time to gather your ingredients and whip up this Best-Ever Chicken Salad! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best-Ever Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip it up in advance, making your weeknight dinners or lunch planning a breeze. Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy it later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container.
• Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• If possible, add additional greens or toppings just before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

• This chicken salad is not ideal for freezing due to the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients, but if you want to freeze the chicken separately:
• Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag.
• Seal tightly and label with the date. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before mixing with other ingredients.

Reheating

• If you’ve frozen cooked chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Avoid overheating as this can dry out the chicken.
• Remember that once mixed with mayo and other fresh ingredients, it’s best enjoyed cold!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

What makes this the Best-Ever Chicken Salad?

This Best-Ever Chicken Salad stands out due to its perfect blend of textures and flavors—from juicy grapes and crunchy almonds to fragrant herbs. Plus, using homemade mayo elevates it even more!

Can I adjust the ingredients in this Best-Ever Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts, different fruits like apples or cranberries, or swapping herbs based on your preference. It’s all about making it your own!

How long can I store leftovers of this chicken salad?

You can store leftovers of this chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to consume them within that time for optimal freshness.

Is there a vegetarian option for this Best-Ever Chicken Salad?

Yes! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version. Just follow the same dressing recipe and add your favorite veggies!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Best-Ever Chicken Salad as much as I do! With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table. Whether you serve it on croissants or over greens, it’s a versatile dish that caters to many tastes. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your results!