Grandma Betty's Classic Chicken Salad
Love chicken salad? Grandma Betty's classic is one of the 10 best chicken salad recipes ever! Easy, comforting, and perfect for a quick lunch. Get the recipe! ... Quick & Easy Meals
Alright, let's get this chicken salad party started! ever find yourself staring into the fridge, thinking "what the heck am i gonna have for lunch?" well, look no further.
We're diving headfirst into 10 best chicken salad recipes that'll make your taste buds sing. trust me, you'll find one you love.
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Do you know why chicken salad recipes are awesome? they are so customisable! today, we are going to give you 10 best chicken salad recipes .
Get ready for a flavour explosion, with everything from classic comfort to zesty zing!
Brief Overview
Chicken salad. it's a true classic. its origins are steeped in american culinary history. think church potlucks and family picnics.
It’s surprisingly easy. most recipes are ready in under an hour, and this list can feed a crowd. this list is made for lunch, brunch, or a light supper.
Main Benefits
Best homemade chicken salad is packed with protein, perfect for a quick energy boost. plus, it’s amazing for an easy luncheon .
What makes these recipes special? variety! there’s a flavour profile for everyone.
Okay, enough chit-chat. let's get to the good stuff, starting with my grandma betty's classic chicken salad. honestly, this is what i think of when i dream about best chicken salad ever .
It's so simple, yet unbelievably good. the magic's in the creamy dressing and perfect chicken.
Grandma Betty's Classic Chicken Salad Recipe
It's comforting. really hits the spot. i used to watch her make this every sunday for lunch. the aroma of celery and onion filled the kitchen.
It makes a cold chicken salad sandwich so good. i’m drooling just thinking about it.
Alright, let's talk about what you need to make the 10 best chicken salad recipes ever. Don’t worry, it's not as complicated as it sounds. We're going to keep it simple, alright?
Grandma Betty's Classic Chicken Salad Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Honestly, i can’t stand recipes that list a load of fancy stuff. i mean, who has that kind of time or money? so, this is the bare minimum you need, plus a few cheeky additions.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Obviously!
Listen up, chicken is king! for most of these bad boys , you'll need about 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
You can also use a chicken salad rotisserie . cook it up, shred it and away you go! it’s great for chicken salad for one too, if you are just cooking for yourself!.
Quality, quality, quality! Make sure your chicken is pink and plump before cooking. The meat should bounce back when touched. No slimy chicken, okay? It's not worth the risk, trust me.
For the classic Best Homemade Chicken Salad , you will use some celery about 1/4 cup (60ml) , some mayo about 3/4 cup (170g) and some onion.
If you’re making Easy Luncheon , get yourself Chicken Salad Rotisserie . It will save you the hassle.
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
Now, here's where the magic happens. Salt and pepper? Essential. But for the Best Chicken Salad Ever , don’t be scared to experiment.
- For a classic vibe, try Dijon mustard ( 2 tablespoons/30ml ). It adds a lovely tang.
- Want something We Chicken Salad and a bit different? Add a pinch of curry powder or some smoked paprika.
- Feeling fancy? A squeeze of lemon juice always brightens things up.
For subs, Greek yogurt will be a good sub for Mayo.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, Stupid!
Seriously, you don't need a kitchen gadget for everything. A bowl and knife is more than enough.
- Mixing bowl.
- A good knife.
- A chopping board.
Don't have a fancy mixing bowl? Use any large bowl you have. You can prep some Cold Chicken Salad Sandwich in 5 Minute Chicken Salad .
Alright, that’s it for ingredients. Now go have fun! And remember, cooking should be fun. Don’t stress about being perfect, and always taste as you go. Enjoy!
Alright, let's dive into one of the 10 best chicken salad recipes ! i'm sharing my take on a total classic: grandma betty's chicken salad.
Honestly, it's the best chicken salad ever . it's proper comfort food. think of it as a warm hug in a sandwich.
Grandma Betty's Classic Chicken Salad: Sorted!
This isn't just any chicken salad; it's the best homemade chicken salad ever . it’s proper easy, perfect for a cold chicken salad sandwich , or a quick easy luncheon .
Even if you're just looking for chicken salad for one , this recipe can be scaled down no worries. i've been making this since i was knee-high to a grasshopper.
I swear, even my picky cousin barry loves it!
Prep Like a Pro: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Good prep is key. It's all about mise en place , innit? Get everything chopped and measured before you start. It's a total game changer.
- Essential mise en place : Chop celery, red onion and parsley. Measure out your mayo and mustard. Shred your cooked chicken.
- Time-saving organization tips : If using pre-cooked chicken like chicken salad rotisserie , you're laughing! Slice the rotisserie chicken to speed it up. Honestly, saves loads of time.
- Safety reminders : Mind your fingers when chopping! Sharp knives are safer than dull ones. Who knew?
Step-by-Step to Chicken Salad Bliss
This 5 minute chicken salad ain't gonna make itself! Well, almost.
- Cook the Chicken (if necessary): Pop 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts in a pot. Cover with water. Add 1 tsp of salt and 0.5 tsp pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20- 25 minutes , until the internal temp reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of mayo and 2 tbsp of Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Everything: Add the chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley to the dressing. Gently stir.
- Chill Out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . I reckon longer is better, honestly! Flavour town.
- Serve it Up : Serve it on bread, crackers, or even in lettuce cups.
Pro Tips for Cracking Chicken Salad
These bits of advice take it from alright to absolutely cracking.
- Don't drown the chicken : Too much dressing is a no-no. You want it creamy, not swimming.
- Common mistake to avoid : Forgetting to chill! It makes a world of difference. Honestly, I always do.
- Make-ahead options : You can cook the chicken the day before. Saves bags of time.
This recipe is honestly a winner. Hope you enjoy this chicken salad recipe rotisserie as much as I do. Cheerio for now!
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits about our 10 best chicken salad recipes . honestly, these little things can make a huge difference.
So, grab your cuppa, and let's get to it!
Recipe Notes: Make It Your Chicken Salad
These aren't just recipes; they're starting points. You know? You can totally tweak them to your liking. Let's talk about making them truly yours.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Okay, so you've got your best homemade chicken salad . now, let's make it look good! for grandma betty's classic, think rustic.
Pile it high on a croissant with some lettuce. you could also serve a cold chicken salad sandwich with a side of crisps.
Feeling fancy? spoon it into endive leaves. for the buffalo chicken salad, serve it with celery sticks and a blue cheese dip.
It's all about the presentation, love!
Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh
Nobody wants soggy chicken salad. so, here's the lowdown: pop your chicken salad in an airtight container. it will be good in the fridge for 3-4 days.
I've tried freezing it, but honestly, the mayo gets a bit weird. not my fave. if you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and eat it within a month.
Reheating? just let it thaw in the fridge.
Variations: Mix It Up, Buttercup
Want a healthier version? swap some of the mayo for greek yogurt. for a chicken salad for one just halve or quarter all the ingredients.
Easy peasy! into spice? add a pinch of cayenne. need it dairy-free? use avocado mayo. this chicken salad rotisserie recipe is super versatile so don’t limit yourself!.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside
Let's be real: chicken salad isn't exactly a health food. but it can be part of a balanced diet. it provides protein and some vitamins, depending on what you add.
If you are looking for a 5 minute chicken salad , you can use pre-cooked chicken, or purchase a chicken from rotisserie.
Just keep an eye on the fat content, especially if you're using full-fat mayo. think of it as a treat.
The best chicken salad ever is not that bad, it has 350 calories, 30g of protein, 25g of fat, and 5g of carbohydrates, per serving!
Honestly, these easy luncheon recipes are proper lifesavers. you can create a chicken salad recipe rotisserie in a flash. so get in the kitchen and start experimenting.
You might just discover your best chicken salad ever ! go on, give it a go! you know, it really is so easy to make we chicken salad .
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to cook chicken for these 10 best chicken salad recipes? I'm a bit of a novice, you see.
No worries, cooking chicken is easier than you think! Poaching chicken breasts in water with a bit of salt and pepper is a classic method, ensuring they stay nice and moist. Alternatively, if you're short on time, rotisserie chicken from the supermarket is a brilliant shortcut. Just be sure to let the chicken cool completely before shredding or dicing it for the salad. No one likes a warm chicken salad, unless you're going for something particularly rogue.
How long will chicken salad last in the fridge, and how should I store it? I don't want to end up with a dodgy tummy!
Safety first, always! Chicken salad, if stored properly, should last for 3-5 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or picking up any rogue fridge odours. It's a good practice to label the container with the date you made it, so there's no guessing involved. If in doubt, chuck it out!
Can I make chicken salad ahead of time? My dinner parties start late and I don't fancy spending the whole afternoon in the kitchen!
Absolutely! Chicken salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish, perfect for those late-night dinner parties. In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavours to meld together beautifully, resulting in an even tastier salad. Just remember to store it properly in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Leave out ingredients like avocados until just before serving to prevent browning.
What are some good variations I can make to these 10 best chicken salad recipes to make them my own? I'm feeling a bit experimental!
Fancy getting creative, eh? The possibilities are endless! Try adding different herbs and spices like dill, tarragon, or curry powder. You could also experiment with fruits like grapes, apples, or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness. Different nuts and seeds can also add a delightful crunch and flavour - think toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds. Don't be afraid to think outside the box – it's your chicken salad adventure!
I'm watching my waistline - are there any healthy substitutions I can make in these 10 best chicken salad recipes?
Definitely! You can lighten things up by swapping out some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamier, healthier base. Load up on veggies like celery, cucumber, and bell peppers for added crunch and nutrients. Consider using whole-wheat bread or lettuce wraps instead of regular bread. Little swaps can make a big difference!
Can I freeze chicken salad? I like to batch cook on the weekends, you see.
Freezing chicken salad isn't generally recommended because the mayonnaise can separate and become watery when thawed, affecting the texture. However, if you're determined to freeze it, consider making a batch with a mayonnaise substitute like avocado or Greek yogurt, which tend to hold up better. For best results, use it within a month or two.
