Description
Looking for the perfect chicken salad recipe? Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a picnic staple, or a satisfying meal, this Ultimate Chicken Salad delivers on taste, texture, and nutrition. With tender chicken, crunchy almonds, fresh herbs, and a hint of sweetness from grapes, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup sliced raw almonds
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup red grapes, quartered
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 3 green onions (green and white parts), sliced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 tablespoons)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Poach the Chicken
Poaching is the secret to tender, juicy chicken:
- Place chicken breasts in a wide pot or pan.
- Cover them with cold water (about an inch above the chicken) and season with salt.
- Heat over medium until it reaches a gentle simmer, then reduce to low and cover.
- Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 160°F to 165°F.
- Remove chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before refrigerating to cool.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Once the chicken is completely cooled:
- Dice it into ½-inch pieces for the perfect bite-sized consistency.
3. Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, add the diced chicken, celery, green onions, grapes, parsley, and tarragon.
- Sprinkle in the almonds for crunch.
- Stir in the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix and Chill
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled for the best taste and texture.