Best-Ever Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a recipe that brings joy to the table, you’ve come to the right place! This Best-Ever Chicken Salad is a beloved dish that never fails to impress. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying, or for family gatherings where everyone can dig in together. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy almonds, and sweet grapes creates a delightful balance that you’ll want to enjoy time and again.

What makes this chicken salad truly special is not just its flavor but also its versatility. Whether you’re serving it on flaky croissants or atop a fresh bed of greens, every bite is packed with goodness. And the best part? Using our Homemade Mayo recipe takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this flavorful chicken salad in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: The combination of flavors and textures makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld together in the fridge for an even tastier experience.
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this salad is a nutritious option for any meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Best-Ever Chicken Salad, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll gather:

For the Chicken

• 4 lbs chicken parts (bone-in, skin-on thighs and breasts work well) (You’ll need about 4 cups)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Kosher salt (start with 1/2 teaspoon, then add more, to taste)
• Freshly ground pepper

For the Salad

• 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)

For the Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Variations

One of the best things about this Best-Ever Chicken Salad is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to fit your preferences or whatever you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken instead of baking your own.
• Add more crunch: Toss in some chopped apples or walnuts for an extra layer of texture.
• Go green: Mix in some baby spinach or arugula for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños for a little kick!

How to Make Best-Ever Chicken Salad

Step 1: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by rubbing olive oil all over your chicken pieces. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper—this will help create a flavorful crust as they bake. Place them on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F using an instant-read thermometer. This step ensures that your chicken is cooked perfectly and juicy!

Step 2: Cool and Chop

Once your chicken is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool down a bit. It’s important not to rush this step! Once it’s cool enough to handle, remove the skin and pull the meat from the bones before roughly chopping it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together your chopped chicken with grapes, almonds, celery, scallions, dill, and parsley. This blend brings together all those wonderful textures and flavors that make this salad so delightful.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Add the mayo mixture to your chicken mixture and gently stir until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix—just enough so that every bite will be creamy deliciousness!

Step 6: Chill Out

Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Serve Your Salad

Finally, serve your Best-Ever Chicken Salad on a bed of greens topped with sliced tomatoes and avocado for freshness. Alternatively, pile it high on bread with crisp leaf lettuce for an amazing sandwich experience. Feel free to add more toppings based on your taste!

Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Best-Ever Chicken Salad

Creating the perfect chicken salad is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some helpful tips to ensure your dish is a total hit!

• Choose high-quality chicken: Using fresh, organic chicken not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a tender, juicy texture that elevates your salad.

• Mix in fresh herbs: Adding fresh dill and parsley brightens up the dish and adds a lovely aroma. Fresh herbs can really take your salad from ordinary to extraordinary!

• Customize your mix-ins: Feel free to swap out or add your favorite ingredients like apples, walnuts, or even cranberries. This way, you can tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

• Let it chill: Allowing the chicken salad to sit in the fridge for at least an hour lets the flavors meld beautifully. Trust me, this step is key for deliciousness!

• Use a variety of textures: Incorporating crunchy almonds alongside soft grapes creates an enjoyable eating experience. Mixing textures keeps each bite interesting!

How to Serve Best-Ever Chicken Salad

This Best-Ever Chicken Salad is versatile and can be served in numerous delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family meal, these serving suggestions will impress everyone at the table.

Garnishes

• Fresh herb sprigs: A sprinkle of extra dill or parsley on top adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges alongside allows guests to add a splash of citrus just before digging in, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These naturally sweet and crispy fries are an excellent contrast to the creamy chicken salad, making them a fun side that everyone will love.

• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad filled with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes provides a light and refreshing accompaniment that complements the richness of the chicken salad.

• Quinoa Salad: Packed with protein and fiber, a quinoa salad mixed with roasted vegetables adds heartiness to your meal while remaining nutritious.

• Fruit Platter: A colorful platter of seasonal fruits like berries, melon, and pineapple offers a sweet finish to your meal that balances the savory flavors of the chicken salad perfectly.

Enjoy crafting your Best-Ever Chicken Salad! Each bite promises comfort and satisfaction.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best-Ever Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! It’s easy to make in advance, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Be sure to mix it gently before serving, as some ingredients may settle.

Freezing

• This chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze it.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• For best results, serve cold directly from the fridge or after thawing.
• Avoid reheating as this dish is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I use leftover chicken for the Best-Ever Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just chop it up and mix it with the other ingredients.

Is the Best-Ever Chicken Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This chicken salad is fantastic for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the Best-Ever Chicken Salad?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or avocado instead of mayonnaise. Both will add creaminess without losing flavor!

How can I customize my Best-Ever Chicken Salad?

Feel free to add your favorite ingredients! Chopped apples, dried cranberries, or even diced bell peppers can add extra flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Best-Ever Chicken Salad as much as I do! Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a delightful dish for any occasion, whether it’s lunch or a picnic. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite toppings and sides. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe—happy cooking!