Complete Guide to Easy Chicken Salad Recipe

Chicken salad is a classic dish that is simple to prepare, packed with protein, and highly customizable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making an Easy Chicken Salad, including ingredient variations, preparation tips, serving suggestions, and storage recommendations.

Ingredients

To prepare a flavorful and healthy chicken salad, you will need:

• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 1 1/2 cups red grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/3 cup green onions, diced
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Cook and Shred Chicken

1. Cooking Methods: You can boil, roast, grill, or pan-sear the chicken breasts. If boiling, cook them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.
2. Shredding Trick: Instead of manually shredding with forks, place cooked chicken in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment and mix on high for 45 seconds.

How to Make Chicken Salad

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and shred the chicken, halve the grapes, chop the pecans, and dice the green onions.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sage, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, grapes, pecans, and green onions. Pour the dressing over and stir until fully combined.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy on sandwiches, in lettuce cups, or as a topping for salads.

Customization Ideas

• Add Crunch: Include chopped celery, bell peppers, or diced pickles.
• Sweet Variations: Swap grapes for diced apples, dried cranberries, or dried cherries.
• Nutty Options: Substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews.
• Extra Protein: Add diced hard-boiled eggs or mix in mashed avocado.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Sandwich: Serve between two slices of whole-grain bread or on a croissant.
• Low-Carb Option: Spoon into lettuce cups or serve over a bed of greens.
• Wraps & Pitas: Fill tortillas or pita pockets for an easy-to-go meal.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store chicken salad in an airtight container for 5-7 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as thawing can cause separation and make it watery. If freezing, add fresh mayonnaise before serving to restore texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or family gatherings. It’s simple, nutritious, and can be customized to suit any taste preference. Enjoy experimenting with different mix-ins and serving styles to make it your own!