chunky chicken salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chunky chicken salad recipe

I’m so excited to share my favorite chunky chicken salad recipe with you all today! This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I just can’t get enough of it. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch, a family gathering, or even a potluck dinner. And the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and customize to your liking. The chunky chicken salad is a classic recipe that originated in the Southern United States, where it was traditionally served at picnics and barbecues. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet onions is simply irresistible. And let’s not forget the creamy mayonnaise that holds everything together – it’s the perfect binder for this delicious mixture.

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it on its own as a sandwich filling, or use it as a topping for a bed of greens or a crunchy cracker. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even add some diced bell peppers or chopped fresh herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor. As for me, I’ve been making this chunky chicken salad for years, and it’s always been a hit with my family.

My kids love helping me mix everything together, and they’re always excited to taste the finished product. And let me tell you – this recipe never fails to impress. Whether we’re having a family dinner or just need a quick snack, this chunky chicken salad is always the answer. In terms of technique, the key to making this chunky chicken salad is all about getting the right balance of flavors.

You want to make sure that each bite has just the right amount of sweetness from the onions, creaminess from the mayonnaise, and crunch from the celery. It’s all about finding that perfect harmony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. So if you’re looking for a new recipe to try out in your kitchen, look no further than this delicious chunky chicken salad! It’s easy to make, customizable to your liking, and perfect for any occasion.

Chunky Chicken Salad

4.5 from 1309 votes

A hearty chicken salad with a mix of vegetables, nuts and a creamy dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and can be served on a bed of greens or as a sandwich filling.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

500g boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Salad

1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced red onion
1 cup grapes halved
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
3Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before dicing.
7In a large mixing bowl, combine diced celery, red onion, grapes, and almonds.
8In a separate small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
9Add the diced chicken to the mixing bowl with the vegetables and pour the dressing over the top.
10Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
11Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
12Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.
13Serve chilled on a bed of greens or as a sandwich filling.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 3g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 15g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn to the salad. For a creamier dressing, you can add a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Watch Video Of How Chunky Chicken Salad Works

This chunky chicken salad is truly one of my go-to recipes when it comes to feeding my family or guests. Not only is it ridiculously easy to make, but it’s also packed with healthy ingredients like protein-rich chicken and crunchy veggies.

Plus, it’s just so versatile – you can serve it on its own as a sandwich filling or use it as a topping for a bed of greens or crackers. And let me tell you – once you’ve made this chunky chicken salad once, you’ll be hooked!

So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chunky Chicken Salad

What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

Cooked and shredded boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs work well for this recipe.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken from the store?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken from the store as long as it has been cooked without any added preservatives.

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

This salad will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can make this salad up to 24 hours in advance but be sure to refrigerate it until serving.

What if I don’t like mayonnaise?

You can substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for mayonnaise in this recipe.

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