This Classic Chicken Salad is a versatile and satisfying dish made with cooked and shredded or diced chicken mixed with a creamy dressing, typically mayonnaise. It often includes other flavorful additions like celery for crunch, onion for a bit of bite, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and sometimes herbs or spices. Chicken salad is a popular choice for sandwiches, wraps, salads served over lettuce, or as a topping for crackers. It’s a simple yet delicious way to use leftover chicken or can be made with freshly cooked chicken. The creamy dressing binds the ingredients together, creating a flavorful and easy-to-eat dish that can be customized to individual tastes with various additions.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken, boiled, or baked chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (adjust to your preferred creaminess)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion or yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional additions:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1/4 cup halved or quartered grapes
- 1/4 cup chopped apple
- A pinch of paprika or curry powder for flavor
- A dash of hot sauce for a little heat
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or spoon for mixing
- Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables and chicken
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Ensure the cooked chicken is cooled. Shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks, or dice it into small cubes with a knife. Place the prepared chicken in a large mixing bowl.
- Chop Vegetables (and optional additions): Finely chop the celery and red onion (or yellow onion). If using, chop the fresh parsley, nuts, grapes, or apple into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped celery, onion, and any other optional additions (nuts, grapes, apple, etc.) to the bowl with the shredded or diced chicken.
- Add Dressing and Seasonings: In the same bowl, add the mayonnaise and lemon juice (if using). Season with salt and black pepper. If desired, add other seasonings like paprika or curry powder at this stage.
- Mix Well: Gently stir all the ingredients together until the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the mayonnaise dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad too mushy.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasonings (salt, pepper, lemon juice) to your preference. You can also add more mayonnaise if you like a creamier consistency.
- Chill (Recommended): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Chilling also makes it more refreshing.
- Serve: Serve the classic chicken salad in your preferred way:
- In sandwiches or wraps with lettuce and tomato.
- Over a bed of crisp lettuce for a light salad.
- As a topping for crackers or cucumber slices for an appetizer.
- Stuffed in hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers.
Enjoy your delicious Classic Chicken Salad!