Craving that creamy, dreamy chicken salad you adore from Mcalister's Deli? Forget the drive-through; today, we're making a healthier, homemade version that’s just as satisfying! This copycat Mcalister's chicken salad recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a sophisticated appetizer. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal made entirely from scratch! This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (about 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless breasts)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand; we recommend a good quality one for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons grapes, halved (or chopped dried cranberries for a sweeter twist)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken: If you haven't already, cook your chicken breasts. Grilling, baking, or boiling all work well. Once cooked, let them cool completely before shredding. This ensures a better texture in your final salad.
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Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, grapes (or cranberries), parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Mix gently: Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is well coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the chicken salad mushy.
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Add crunch (optional): Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts if you're adding them.
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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 also helps the chicken salad firm up nicely. Serve on croissants, crackers, bread, lettuce cups – your choice!
Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Salad:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the taste! Opt for fresh, flavorful chicken and mayonnaise.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough, gummy chicken salad. Gentle folding is key.
- Taste and adjust: Before chilling, taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or Dijon mustard.
- Get creative with add-ins: Feel free to experiment with different additions, such as apples, almonds, curry powder, or even a dash of lemon juice.
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: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of curry powder for an aromatic and flavorful twist.
- Cranberry Chicken Salad: Swap the grapes for dried cranberries for a tart and festive flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used. This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 5-10g
This easy recipe provides a delicious and healthy alternative to takeout. It’s perfect for meal prepping and makes a fantastic addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal!