Are you ready to whip up a delicious meal that will have your family asking for seconds? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for the Best-Ever Chicken Salad. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need quick family dinners. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for a light lunch or a delightful Chicken Salad Sandwich!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
- Loaded with fresh ingredients that burst with flavor.
- Versatile enough to serve on a bed of greens or as a sandwich.
- Perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time.
- Great for summer picnics or potlucks!
Ingredients
To make this scrumptious chicken salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 lbs chicken parts (bone-in, skin-on thighs and breasts work well) (you’ll need about 4 cups)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 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)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp kosher salt (start with 1/2 teaspoon, then add more, to taste)
- Freshly ground pepper
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Rub the olive oil all over the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F using an instant-read thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool. Remove the skin, then pull the meat from the bones and roughly chop.
- In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, grapes, almonds, celery, scallions, dill, and parsley.
- In a small-medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add the mayo/mustard mixture to the chicken mixture and gently stir until well mixed.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Serve on a bed of greens with sliced tomatoes and avocado, or on bread with green leaf lettuce. Add more toppings to your taste!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your chicken salad turns out perfectly:
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices before baking.
- Feel free to swap out the grapes for apples or dried cranberries for a different twist.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Make sure to let the chicken cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients to avoid wilting the greens.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep; make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
How to Serve
There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this chicken salad! Here are a few serving suggestions:
- On a bed of mixed greens with sliced tomatoes and avocado for a refreshing salad.
- As a hearty sandwich on your favorite bread, topped with crisp lettuce.
- With crackers or pita chips for a fun appetizer.
- As a filling for wraps or lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
- Pair it with a side of Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Chinese Takeout for a complete meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
This chicken salad is a fantastic make-ahead option! Here are some storage tips:
- Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best flavor, make it a day in advance and let the flavors meld together in the fridge.
- If you want to freeze it, I recommend freezing the chicken separately and mixing it with the other ingredients when you’re ready to serve.
- Serve it chilled for the best taste, especially during those warm summer months!
So there you have it! A delightful, easy-to-make chicken salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for quick family dinners or a light lunch, this Best-Ever Chicken Salad is sure to please. Don’t forget to check out my other recipes like Cabbage Soup Diet for more healthy options. Happy cooking!
Best-Ever Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Rub chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake for 45-55 minutes until cooked through. Cool, remove skin, and chop.
- Mix chopped chicken, grapes, almonds, celery, scallions, dill, and parsley in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Add to chicken mixture and stir gently.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve on greens or bread with toppings of choice.