One of my favorite memories growing up was gathering around the kitchen table for a light lunch with my family, especially during the dog days of summer. My mom, a wizard in the kitchen, would whip up this fabulous chicken salad that was both refreshing and filling. I remember coming home from a morning of playing outside, sweaty and sun-kissed, and being greeted by the cool, tangy aroma of mom’s chicken salad chilling in the fridge. It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports me back to those carefree days. Now, many years later, I’ve made it a staple in my own household, and I want to share it with you.
The beauty of this chicken salad lies in its simplicity and the harmony of flavors. The tender chicken, simmered to perfection in low-salt, fat-free chicken broth, absorbs the subtle flavors while staying juicy and moist. Adding Granny Smith apples and seedless red grapes brings a delightful crunch and sweetness, perfectly complementing the creamy texture of the coleslaw dressing and mayonnaise. The hint of curry powder gives this dish an unexpected twist, while the celery and onions add a fresh crunch with every bite.
What I love most about this dish, apart from its deliciously fresh taste, is its versatility. It’s perfect for packed lunches, a quick snack, or even as a party appetizer. And, let’s be honest, it’s a fantastic way to use up those chicken breasts you have sitting in the fridge. If you’re like me, always looking for ways to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor, this chicken salad will quickly become your go-to recipe.
So, let’s bring a bit of nostalgia into your kitchen. I encourage you to make this fabulous chicken salad and see why it has been a beloved favorite in my family. You might find it brings a little bit of sunshine to your day, just like it does for me. After all, food is more than just nourishment—it’s a way to share love and create memories. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!
How to Make Fabulous Chicken Salad
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Ingredients:
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 32 ounces low-salt, fat-free chicken broth
- 3 stalks celery, minced
- 1 small white onion, minced
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, quartered
- 1/2 Granny Smith apple, diced
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup Kraft 1-step coleslaw maker
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Place the chicken breasts in a pot and cover with chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken cools, prepare the celery, onion, grapes, and apple by mincing, quartering, and dicing as needed.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and coleslaw dressing.
- Fold the chicken into the dressing mixture, followed by the celery, onion, grapes, apple, and curry powder. Mix thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper if desired, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Don’t Have All Ingredients? Here’s What to Use Instead
If you’re missing some ingredients, don’t worry! You can substitute turkey breast for chicken, or use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter option. If you don’t have red grapes, feel free to use green grapes or even raisins. Swap out Granny Smith apples with any other crisp apple variety you have on hand. Experiment with different curry powders to tweak the flavor to your liking.
Best Ways to Store Leftover Chicken Salad
Store your chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To prevent the salad from drying out, place a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the container. If you wish to make it in advance, prepare the components separately and combine them the day of serving to keep everything fresh.
Perfect Pairings for Fabulous Chicken Salad
Serve this chicken salad on crisp lettuce leaves or in a sandwich with whole-grain bread for a delightful meal. Round it out with a side of crunchy kettle chips or a fresh fruit salad. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or a sparkling water infused with lemon would pair beautifully with this dish.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Salad
Use a fork to shred the chicken for a texture that holds onto the dressing better. When simmering the chicken, try adding a bay leaf or some fresh herbs to the broth for an extra layer of flavor. Be sure to let the salad chill for at least two hours; this step is crucial for the flavors to develop fully.
Seasonal Twists for Fabulous Chicken Salad
In the spring, consider adding fresh peas or asparagus for a touch of green. Summer calls for ripe cherry tomatoes or sweet corn. When fall arrives, toss in toasted pecans or walnuts for a warm nutty flavor. In winter, incorporate bits of dried cranberries for a festive spin.
FAQs:
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a richer flavor to the salad. Simply remove the skin and shred the meat before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute vegetable broth or water seasoned with herbs and spices. This substitution won’t significantly alter the flavor of the chicken salad.
How long does the salad need to chill?
Allowing the chicken salad to chill for at least two hours is essential. This period lets the flavors meld together, ensuring a more cohesive taste. For best results, you can prepare it a day ahead and let it refrigerate overnight.
Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
Yes, you can make this salad healthier by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and coleslaw dressing. This swap reduces the fat content while maintaining creaminess. Adding more vegetables and reducing the amount of dressing can also contribute to a more balanced dish.
What spices can enhance the flavor?
Besides curry powder, you can experiment with adding smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness or a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a refreshing touch to the salad as well.
Can I freeze chicken salad?
Freezing chicken salad is not recommended as the mayonnaise and grapes may not retain their texture after thawing. If you must freeze, do so without the dressing and add it fresh after defrosting the chicken mixture.
Fabulous Chicken Salad
Equipment
- large pot
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 6 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 32 ounces low-salt, fat-free chicken broth
- 3 stalks celery minced
- 1 small white onion minced
- 1 cup seedless red grapes quartered
- 1/2 cup Granny Smith apple diced
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup Kraft 1-step coleslaw maker
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Begin by placing the chicken breasts in a large pot and covering them with chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
- Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then shred or chop it into small pieces.
- While the chicken cools, prepare the vegetables: mince the celery and onion, quarter the grapes, and dice the apple.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and coleslaw dressing, stirring until blended.
- Carefully mix in the chicken along with the celery, onion, grapes, apple, and curry powder. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Keep it chilled until ready to enjoy.
