Are you tired of boring, bland salads that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering Curried Chicken and Rice Salad - a culinary adventure that combines the exotic warmth of curry with the comforting textures of tender chicken and fluffy rice. This quick and easy recipe is about to become your new go-to dish for lunch, dinner, or meal prep that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions and allow to cool completely. You can use white or brown rice, ensuring it's fluffy and not sticky.
- If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or roast chicken breasts until fully cooked, then dice into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- Prepare vegetables by finely dicing carrots into small, even cubes and measuring out frozen or fresh peas.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled rice, diced chicken, peas, and carrots.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and curry powder until well blended, creating a smooth and fragrant dressing.
- Pour curry-mayonnaise mixture over the rice and chicken blend, gently folding to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting curry powder if additional flavor is desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions before serving chilled.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Always use completely cooled rice to prevent clumping and ensure each grain remains separate and fluffy.
- Chicken Prep Hack: For extra flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or seasoning your chicken with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper before cooking.
- Curry Powder Magic: Toast your curry powder in a dry pan for 30 seconds before mixing with mayonnaise to enhance its depth and aroma.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add additional mix-ins like sliced almonds, raisins, or diced apple for extra texture and flavor complexity.
- Serving Suggestion: For a complete meal, serve over a bed of fresh greens or with a side of warm naan bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
