Are you craving a healthy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal? Look no further! This Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is the perfect solution for a quick dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a light supper. It's bursting with fresh flavors and textures, combining juicy chicken, crisp apples, crunchy pecans, and a creamy, tangy dressing. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is easily customizable to your taste preferences. Get ready to experience a delicious dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4 and can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended), cored and diced
- ½ cup pecan halves, toasted
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
Cooking the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it using two forks.
Assembling the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced apples, toasted pecans, celery, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Gently toss everything together until well coated.
Serving Suggestions:
This delicious chicken salad is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it in several ways:
- Classic Sandwich: Serve it on your favorite bread, croissants, or wraps.
- Salad: Place it over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.
- Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative to bread.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is great for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- Toasting the Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Apple Choices: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Granny Smith apples provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of the pecans and dressing.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little kick.
- Add-ins: Consider adding dried cranberries, raisins, or grapes for extra sweetness and texture. A handful of chopped walnuts or almonds would also be delicious.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can elevate the flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Around 30-35g
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Around 20-25g
This Apple Pecan Chicken Salad is a fantastic example of how easy and delicious healthy eating can be. It's a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors that are sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!