Are you craving a taste of the South? This Chicken Salad Recipe, inspired by the queen of Southern comfort food herself, Paula Deen, is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a delightful addition to your next picnic, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Forget complicated cooking; this is homemade comfort food at its finest. Let's get started on this delicious journey!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Duke's is a Southern favorite, but any good quality mayonnaise will do)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
If you're using a rotisserie chicken, simply shred the meat. If you've cooked your own chicken breast, let it cool completely before shredding. This prevents the chicken salad from becoming watery.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Season and Adjust
Add salt and pepper to taste. You can always add more later, but it's harder to take it away! Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like a tangier flavor, add a little more lemon juice. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more relish.
Step 4: Add Crunch (Optional)
Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired. This adds a lovely textural contrast to the creamy chicken salad.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing the best flavor profile. Serve chilled on bread, crackers, croissants, lettuce cups, or enjoy it straight from the bowl!
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the chicken salad will taste.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the chicken salad tough. Gently fold the ingredients together.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Everyone has different preferences, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Make it ahead: This chicken salad tastes even better the next day!
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Stir in 1 tablespoon of curry powder for an exotic twist.
- Cranberry Chicken Salad: Add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries for a sweet and tart flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a serving size of approximately 1/2 cup and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 20-25g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This easy chicken salad recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It’s a delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this taste of Southern comfort!