Are you craving a creamy, dreamy chicken salad that's as comforting as a warm hug? Look no further! This Dolly Parton Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, offering a burst of fresh flavors and textures that will transport you straight to the heart of Southern hospitality. It's perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or a delightful addition to your next picnic. This easy recipe is so simple, even beginners can master it, resulting in a delicious dish that's sure to impress. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 1-1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand!)
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended!)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Crackers, bread, lettuce, or croissants for serving
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breasts. Boiling, baking, or grilling all work well. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding. This ensures your chicken salad isn't watery.
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Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, pecans (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, and garlic powder.
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Season to perfection: Gently stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
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Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is key for a truly delicious chicken salad! Serve on crackers, bread, lettuce cups, or croissants.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the chicken salad will taste. Freshly ground pepper and good mayonnaise make all the difference.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the chicken salad tough. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, or garlic powder to suit your preferences.
Variations:
- Add grapes: A handful of halved green grapes adds a burst of sweetness and juiciness.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce adds a kick.
- Make it creamy: For extra creaminess, add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Add some crunch: Chopped apples or jicama offer a delightful crunch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used. However, a typical serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Dolly Parton Chicken Salad recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a healthy meal option, packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe, and don't forget to share it with your friends and family! Let us know how your version turned out in the comments below!