Are you dreaming of a delightful afternoon tea party, or perhaps a light yet satisfying lunch? Look no further! This creamy, flavorful chicken salad recipe is perfect for crafting elegant tea sandwiches, but also delicious on its own with crackers or crusty bread. It's one of those easy recipes that's both impressive and surprisingly simple to make – a true win-win for homemade cooking! This healthy meal option is also perfect for a quick dinner idea. Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite: plain, light, or even a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken: If you haven't already, cook a boneless, skinless chicken breast until fully cooked. You can boil, bake, or grill it – whatever method you prefer! Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding or dicing.
-
Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, gently combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. If using nuts, add them now.
-
Mix Well: Stir everything together until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
-
Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is especially helpful if you’re making the chicken salad ahead of time.
-
Assemble Tea Sandwiches: Once chilled (or immediately if you're short on time), spoon the chicken salad onto your favorite bread, such as white bread, whole wheat bread, or even croissants, and create your tea sandwiches. Cut the sandwiches into triangles, squares, or rounds, depending on your preference.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- High-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly impact the overall taste.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can result in a pasty texture. Gentle mixing is key.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You might want more lemon juice, salt, or pepper.
- Get Creative with Add-ins: Experiment with different additions like grapes, apples, cranberries, or curry powder for a unique twist.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of curry powder for an exotic flavor profile.
- Avocado Chicken Salad: Mash in half an avocado for a creamier, richer texture and healthy fats.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
- Protein: Around 20-25g
- Fat: Around 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 10-15g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This chicken salad recipe is a versatile and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you're hosting a sophisticated tea party or simply looking for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, this recipe will surely impress! Enjoy!