Are you craving that creamy, dreamy chicken salad you love from Panera Bread, but don't want to pay the price? Then you're in the right place! This recipe is your ticket to recreating that delicious Panera chicken salad right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, and the result is a healthy and satisfying meal – perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a tasty addition to your favorite sandwiches. This easy recipe is a winner for homemade cooking enthusiasts seeking delicious dishes and best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1-1.5 lbs raw)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended for best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (for a healthier twist)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup grapes, halved (for a sweeter version)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for added crunch)
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook your chicken breasts. Grilling, baking, or poaching all work well. Once cooked, let it cool completely before shredding. Shredding the chicken by hand ensures a better texture than using a food processor.
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Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, celery, and red onion.
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Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, tarragon, salt, and pepper.
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Mix everything together: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.
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Add optional ingredients: If desired, stir in the halved grapes and/or chopped nuts at this stage.
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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 crucial for achieving that perfect Panera taste. Serve chilled on bread, crackers, lettuce cups, or enjoy it as is!
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your chicken salad will taste. Opt for fresh, flavorful chicken and high-quality mayonnaise.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the chicken salad mushy. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
- Taste and adjust: Adjust the seasonings to your liking. You might want to add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or Dijon mustard depending on your preferences.
- Make it ahead: This chicken salad tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a kick.
- Curry Chicken Salad: Stir in 1 teaspoon of curry powder for an exotic twist.
- Avocado Chicken Salad: Add 1/2 a ripe avocado, mashed, for a creamy and healthy addition.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This Panera Bread copycat chicken salad recipe offers a quick, easy, and healthy meal option. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create with simple homemade cooking. Enjoy!