Are you craving a chicken salad that's far from boring? Then get ready to meet your new favorite lunch or light dinner: Butterfingers Chicken Salad! This recipe takes the classic chicken salad and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness with the surprising addition of crushed Butterfingers candy bars. The sweet, salty, and crunchy contrast creates a truly unforgettable flavor explosion. It's a perfect blend of creamy chicken, crisp veggies, and that irresistible chocolate-peanut butter crunch. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick, satisfying lunch. It's one of those healthy meals that tastes incredibly indulgent, so let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed Butterfingers candy bars (roughly 1 1/2 bars)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: If you're not using rotisserie chicken, cook your chicken breast until fully cooked. Let it cool completely before shredding.
- Crush the Candy: Place Butterfingers candy bars in a zip-top bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or meat mallet. Aim for a mix of chunky and fine pieces for optimal texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Add the Crunch: Gently fold in the crushed Butterfingers candy bars. If using, add your nuts now as well. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to preserve some of the candy's crunch.
- Chill & Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps the salad firm up slightly. Serve on bread, crackers, lettuce cups, or enjoy it straight from the bowl!
Tips for the Best Butterfingers Chicken Salad:
- Chicken Choice: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, but you can easily poach, bake, or grill your chicken breast.
- Mayonnaise Matters: Full-fat mayonnaise creates a richer, creamier texture. Feel free to experiment with different types of mayonnaise for varied flavor profiles.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet chicken salad, reduce the amount of crushed Butterfingers.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Variations:
- Cranberry Butterfingers Chicken Salad: Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for a burst of tartness.
- Spicy Butterfingers Chicken Salad: Incorporate a diced jalapeño or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Apple Butterfingers Chicken Salad: Add 1/2 cup of diced crisp apple for a delightful sweet and tart element.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. However, a typical serving of this chicken salad provides a moderate source of protein and healthy fats. It's best to use a nutritional calculator to determine precise values based on your exact recipe modifications.
This Butterfingers Chicken Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, and easily fits into your weekly rotation of quick dinner ideas or delicious dishes. Enjoy!