Easy Chicken Salad

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chicken salad recipe

What’s up, Hungry People!

After the marathon of a holiday feast, we’re all a little spent, right? Even yours truly finds herself yearning for the simpler things in life. Let’s get into a recipe that lets us unwind without compromising on taste.

When You’re Over the Kitchen Frenzy

Let’s face it, post-holiday burnout is real. And the mountain of dishes? No thank you. I’m all about using what you’ve got hanging around in the kitchen to whip up no-fuss meals. It’s like a treasure hunt in your own home, minus the dirt-stained map and the pirate ship—although I wouldn’t say no to a parrot sidekick.

chicken salad on poppyseed bun

Making Chicken Salad with a Twist

Here’s the scoop on how a seemingly mundane pack of frozen chicken can become your week-long lunch obsession. It’s all about hitting those taste buds with the sweet ‘n’ salty one-two punch. For this high-flavor escapade, I enlist capers for their briny kick and golden raisins for a sweet note, both stowaways from the back of my pantry.

ingredients for chicken salad

Here’s What You Need

  • Chicken breast: The main protein, provides substance and texture.
  • Water or chicken broth: Used to cook and infuse the chicken with flavor.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the salad ingredients.
  • Onion: Offers a sharp, aromatic element.
  • Celery: Gives a crunchy texture and fresh taste.
  • Golden raisins: Introduce sweetness and a chewy texture.
  • Capers: Contribute a burst of salty, briny flavor.
  • Dill: Imparts a slightly sweet and grassy taste, typically used in pickles.
  • Lemon juice: Adds freshness and a zingy, tangy flavor.
  • Salt & pepper: Seasoning that enhances overall flavor.
  • Rolls or bread: Serve as the foundation or vessel for the salad.
  • Boston lettuce: Offers a crunchy, fresh wrap option that’s low-carb.
shredding chicken

Shred Like a Boss

Forget the tedium of fork-shredding; here’s a life pro tip: boil that bird. Whether it’s in water or chicken broth, it’s like giving your chicken a spa day—it’ll come out relaxed and juicier than a gossip blog. Then, let a stand mixer do the heavy lifting. A paddle attachment will turn your chicken into perfectly shredded goodness in no time.

shredding chicken in mixer

Mix It Up With Minimal Cleanup

Using a stand mixer isn’t just for shredding; it’s a one-bowl wonder for mixing in all those tasty morsels too. Think about it—your dishes are done faster than a mic drop. If you decide to go rogue with a hand mixer, drop a comment and share your wisdom!

mixing chicken salad

Craving Busters

I have been daydreaming about this salad since its inception. It’s got that zing, that crunch, that freshness that makes you forget about those decadent holiday spreads that have left you couch-ridden for days.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad

  • Choose the right chicken: Opt for skinless, boneless breasts for easy cooking and shredding.
  • Boiling chicken: Don’t wait for water to evaporate when boiling chicken; remove once it’s cooked through to avoid drying out.
  • Shredding with a mixer: A stand mixer with a paddle attachment shreds chicken quickly and efficiently.
  • Dressing balance: Adjust mayonnaise to taste for creaminess; too much can overpower other flavors.
  • Adding crunch: Celery’s texture is key—make sure it’s fresh and finely chopped for the best crunch.
  • Flavor with raisins and capers: Sweet raisins and salty capers add contrasting flavors that make the salad stand out.
  • Freshness with dill and lemon: Dill adds a fresh layer of flavor while lemon juice brightens the entire dish.
  • Seasoning is key: Salt and pepper are simple but essential; taste as you go and season carefully.
  • Bread or lettuce?: Use fresh, soft rolls or crisp lettuce depending on your preference or dietary needs.
chilled chicken salad

Serving Suggestions

Let’s talk vehicles for this chicken salad. Poppy seed rolls? Divine. But really, pick your carb chariot—any bread worth its crust will do, or ditch the dough and go for a crisp Boston lettuce wrap. It’s like a chicken salad burrito, only cooler because, let’s be real, everything is cooler in a lettuce wrap.

easy chicken salad

Wrap It Up

Try this chicken salad, and it might just make you say, “Seriously. So. Good.” without a trace of sarcasm. Well, maybe just a dash for good measure. Remember, it’s not just food; it’s the antidote to the post-fiesta blues.

chicken salad on lettuce boats

Alright, Hungry People, let’s wrap this up with a big ol’ bow of appreciation for this easy chicken salad. We’ve waded through the post-holiday kitchen slump and come out on the other side with a dish that’s easy on the effort and big on taste. You’ve got the sweet, the salty, the creamy, and the crunchy all playing together in a mix that turns leftover chicken into your week’s lunchtime hero.

Grab those rolls or go for the lettuce if you’re feeling virtuous. Either way, I’m pretty sure you’ll be patting yourself on the back with every delicious bite.

Enjoy, and remember, the best dishes aren’t the ones that keep you tied to the sink—they’re the ones that get you out of the kitchen and into your life.

pinterest chickensalad

Easy Chicken Salad

The Starving Chef
Whip up a batch of this flavorful easy chicken salad with sweet raisins, tangy capers, and fresh dill for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Lunch
Cuisine Quick & Easy, Sandwich
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz chicken breast
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup onion finely chopped
  • ¼ cup celery finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons golden raisins
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 2 tablespoons dill
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • rolls or bread for serving
  • Boston lettuce for serving

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water (or chicken broth, if using) to a rolling boil. Add the chicken breasts and boil until they are cooked through, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on the thickness of the breasts. There's no need to wait for the water to evaporate; just make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside.
  • Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and let them cool slightly before handling.
  • Place the cooled chicken breasts into the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the paddle attachment to shred the chicken finely, about 3-5 minutes on a low to medium setting. If you're doing this by hand, the two-fork method works just fine for pulling the chicken apart into shreds.
  • To the shredded chicken, add the mayonnaise, finely chopped onion, finely chopped celery, golden raisins, capers, dill (specify fresh or dried based on what was intended), and lemon juice. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
  • Allow the chicken salad to chill in the refrigerator for about one hour to let the flavors meld.
  • Serve the chilled chicken salad on fresh buns, rolls, or for a lighter option, atop a bed of Boston lettuce leaves.
Keyword chicken, sandwich
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