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    Chicken Salad

    clock-icon380 minutes
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    Author
    Pixicook editorial team

    A classic chicken salad made with tender poached chicken, a creamy dressing, and fresh herbs.

    Ingredients for Chicken Salad

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
    USchevron
    serves
    4 peoplechevron
    serves
    4 peoplechevron

    Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breasts

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Scallions, cut into thirds

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Black Peppercorns

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon, halved

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Mayonnaise

    cups

    Sour Cream Or Crème Fraîche

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Dijon Mustard

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Celery Ribs, cut into medium (1/4-inch) dice

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Scallion

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Walnuts, broken into bite-size pieces

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chives, chopped

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Salt

    to taste

    Ground Black Pepper

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Chicken Salad

    1. Poach the Chicken

    Bring a Dutch oven or a heavy pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the scallions and black peppercorns. Cover the pot and ensure it returns to a rolling boil. Turn off the heat and carefully add the chicken breasts to the hot water. If needed, use boiling water from a teakettle to ensure the chicken is fully submerged. Cover the pot and let it rest undisturbed for 2 hours.

    2. Prepare the Chicken

    After two hours, lift the chicken out of the pot. Remove the bones, skin, and any excess fat, then pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Cut or shred the chicken into bite-size pieces and set aside.

    3. Make the Dressing

    In a bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard or pickle brine if you're using it. Adjust the seasonings and thickness to your preference.

    4. Combine Ingredients

    Pour the dressing over the shredded chicken. Add the diced celery, minced onion if desired, nuts, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Gently toss everything together until well combined.

    5. Refrigerate and Serve

    Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld. Before serving, taste the salad and add more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle some extra herbs on top for garnish. Enjoy your delicious chicken salad!

    Variations

    Add-In Variations

    Greek Chicken Salad with feta, cucumber, olives, and tomatoes; Waldorf Chicken Salad with apples, grapes, walnuts; Cobb Chicken Salad with eggs, bacon, blue cheese, avocado, and greens.

    Mediterranean Twist

    Use fresh basil, oregano, and a touch of mint. Add some chopped Kalamata olives and a sprinkle of feta cheese.

    Asian Influence

    Incorporate cilantro, Thai basil, and a bit of mint. Add a dash of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for garnish.

    Flavor Variations

    Curry Chicken Salad with curry powder, raisins, and almonds; Southwestern Chicken Salad with cumin, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños; Asian Chicken Salad with sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar dressing.

    Protein Swaps

    Tuna Salad with dill or chives; Chickpea Salad with mustard and lemon juice for a vegetarian option; Turkey or Ham Salad with cranberries or pickles for a twist.


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