Are you craving a mouthwatering chicken salad that's bursting with flavor and takes just minutes to prepare? Look no further! This classic American-style deli chicken salad is about to become your new go-to recipe that will impress family and friends with its perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and tangy goodness. Whether you're planning a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, this recipe is your ticket to culinary satisfaction that's both simple and sensationally delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grapes, halved (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Make sure you have 2 cups of cooked chicken that has been shredded. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of mayonnaise. This will serve as the creamy base for your chicken salad.
- Add 1/4 cup of diced celery to the bowl. The celery will add a nice crunch and freshness to the salad.
- Next, incorporate 1/4 cup of diced red onion. This will provide a sharp flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This will add a tangy depth to the flavor profile of your chicken salad.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.
- If you like, fold in 1/4 cup of halved grapes for a touch of sweetness and additional texture. This is optional but highly recommended for a delightful contrast.
- Mix all the ingredients together gently until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some texture in the chicken.
- Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Once satisfied with the flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- After chilling, serve the deli-style chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing chicken salad!
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the most tender and flavorful results, use freshly shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Always let your chicken salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to experiment with additional mix-ins like chopped almonds, diced apple, or fresh herbs to add your personal touch.
- Keep it Creamy: Adjust mayonnaise quantity to achieve your desired consistency - some prefer it lighter, others more rich and creamy.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This chicken salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve on fresh bread, crisp lettuce leaves, with crackers, or as a protein-packed filling for wraps.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
