Description
A timeless classic chicken salad that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for picnics or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken for convenience)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups water
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried herbs (thyme or tarragon work well)
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken in a large pot. Cover it with water, and add the bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the temperature and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it cool before shredding it.
- Create the Dressing Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and your choice of dried herbs.
- Combine Vegetables and Add-ins: To the dressing, add the diced celery, minced red onion, and fresh parsley. If you’re using any optional ingredients like chopped hard-boiled eggs, nuts, or dried cranberries, mix those in as well.
- Fold in the Chicken: Gently add the cooled, shredded chicken to your salad mixture and fold everything together until well combined.
- Season and Chill: Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Cover with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Notes
For optimal flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken. Taste test and adjust the seasoning before chilling to enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken salad, quick meals, picnic food, summer recipes, easy dinner