Classic Chicken Salad Recipe with Eggs | Perfect Lunch
The warm summer sun shines brightly in the kitchen. It lights up the counter where a colorful bowl of chicken salad sits. This Southern-style recipe is a true delight, mixing tender chicken, crisp veggies, and rich eggs. Scoop it onto greens or between bread slices for a comforting lunch.
Key Takeaways
- Versatile and perfect for picnics, potlucks, and casual gatherings
- Offers options for cooking the chicken, including using leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Enriched with flavor-boosting ingredients like dill pickle relish and hard-boiled eggs
- Creamy and rich texture from the mayonnaise-based dressing
- Can be customized with a variety of herbs, spices, and crunchy add-ins
Why This Southern-Style Chicken Salad Makes the Perfect Lunch
Chicken salad is a favorite for lunch, and this Southern-style version is no different. The recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy celery, and a creamy dressing. A delightful dish that you can enjoy in many ways exists.
Benefits of Making Chicken Salad at Home
When you make chicken salad at home, you can tailor it to your taste. You can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your liking. Also, it is cheaper than buying from the store. Plus, you can choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for a healthier meal.
Time-Saving Tips and Meal Prep Options
This chicken salad recipe is quick, taking about 15 minutes to make. To save time, use a pre-cooked rotisserie black pepper chicken. You can also use a food chopper to chop the ingredients evenly. You can make it ahead and store it for up to 4 days, which is perfect for busy days.
Nutritional Benefits
Chicken salad is packed with nutrients. The rotisserie chicken is a great source of lean protein. Adding hard-boiled eggs increases the protein even more. The celery and other veggies add fiber and vitamins. Using a bit of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt keeps it creamy without losing nutritional value.
Essential Ingredients for Your Classic Chicken Salad
Creating a delicious classic chicken salad starts with fresh, high-quality ingredients. A few key components come together to offer the perfect mix of flavors and textures.
First, you need cooked and shredded chicken breasts. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts that you poach or roast well. The amount you need depends on how many you want to serve, but 2-3 breasts are usually enough.
Next, add some crunch and flavor with finely chopped red onion or yellow onion. The onion adds a subtle background flavor that enhances the dish.
- Celery, chopped into small pieces, adds a refreshing, crunchy element to the salad.
- Hard-boiled eggs add protein and a creamy texture.
To hold everything together, use a lot of mayonnaise. Choose a high-quality brand like Duke’s for a rich, creamy base. You can also add dill pickle relish and a bit of pickle juice for a tangy twist.
Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Feel free to add fresh herbs like chives, thyme, dill, or parsley to boost the flavors.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a classic chicken salad. Great for sandwiches, wraps, or just enjoying on its own. The secret to a fantastic chicken salad is finding the right balance of flavors and textures.
Chicken Salad Recipe with Eggs – Step-by-Step Instructions
Making a tasty chicken salad with eggs is simple. Just follow these easy steps to make a great lunch.
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by baking or poaching chicken breasts until they hit 160°F. Let them cool down completely. Then, chop them into small pieces for the salad.
Boiling and Preparing the Eggs
Hard-boil eggs for about 12 minutes. Then, put them in an ice bath to stop cooking. Peel and chop them into small pieces for the salad.
Mixing the Dressing
In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth. This dressing will tie the salad together.
In a large mixing bowl, mix the chicken, eggs, chopped dill pickles, green onions, celery, grapes, nuts, and herbs. Add the dressing and mix well. Chill for an hour to let flavors mix.
Chill your chicken salad with eggs before serving. You can put it on lettuce or with crackers or bread. A tasty and filling lunch awaits!
Secret Tips for Creating the Perfect Creamy Texture
Getting the right creamy texture in your egg salad recipe makes chicken salad truly special. Here are some insider tips to make your salad stand out:
- Mayonnaise is your best friend. Use it generously for a moist salad. For a lighter taste, try Greek yogurt or mashed avocado instead.
- Include chopped hard-boiled eggs in your mix. They add a creamy touch that blends well with other ingredients.
- Make sure everything is well-coated in the dressing. Mix the chicken and eggs well with the mayonnaise for even creaminess.
With these easy tips, you can make a chicken salad that looks great and tastes amazing. Serve it on a fresh bed of lettuce or on crackers for a tasty lunch.
“The secret to the perfect chicken salad lies in the balance of creamy and crunchy textures. With the right blend of mayonnaise and hard-boiled eggs, you can achieve a mouthwatering result every time.”
Flavor-Boosting Ingredients That Make This Recipe Special
Make your Southern-style cooked chicken salad even better with some tasty additions. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley add a fresh taste. A bit of garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper can add a kick. For crunch, try diced celery, slivered almonds, or chopped pecans.
Pickles are a game-changer! A spoonful of dill pickle relish or finely chopped pickles adds a tangy flavor. Halved grapes can also add a sweet touch, contrasting with the savory parts.
Adding Dijon mustard to the dressing can truly bring everything together. It ties the flavors in a smooth way.
The Role of Fresh Herbs
- Dill and parsley add a bright, herbal note to the southern chicken salad.
- These fresh herbs can elevate the dish, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy base.
Seasoning Combinations
- Garlic powder and onion powder add savory depth.
- A pinch of cayenne pepper introduces a subtle heat for those who enjoy a little kick.
- Experiment with different spice blends to find your perfect flavor profile.
Adding Crunch Elements
Textural contrast is key in a great cooked chicken salad. Try incorporating:
- Diced celery for a satisfying crunch
- Slivered almonds or chopped pecans for nutty, crunchy bites
- Dill pickle relish or finely chopped pickles for a tangy burst of flavor
By adding these ingredients to your southern chicken salad, you’ll make a dish that will impress anyone.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas
Your classic chicken salad recipe can be served in many ways to make your meal better. For a tasty sandwich, put the chicken salad on lettuce-lined buns, plain bread, croissants, or flaky biscuits. Or, for a low-carb choice, serve it on fresh lettuce or mixed greens.
Be creative and make a charcuterie board with the chicken salad. Add fruit spreads, granola, nut butters, pickles, artisanal crackers, and different cheeses. This makes a great mix of flavors and textures.
To complete your meal, try serving the chicken salad with sliced tomatoes, crispy chips, or a warm bowl of soup. For a family-style meal, pair it with french fries and a refreshing coleslaw or a tossed salad. No matter how you serve it, this dish will surely please your taste buds and fill your belly.
Serving Suggestion Accompaniment Lettuce-lined buns, bread, croissants, or biscuits – Bed of lettuce or mixed greens – Charcuterie board Fruit spreads, granola, nut butters, pickles, crackers, cheeses Alongside sliced tomatoes Chips, soup Family-style spread French fries, coleslaw, tossed salad
Your chicken salad sandwich recipe can look great on a bed of lettuce. Add fresh herbs or serve it in a bell pepper or radicchio cup. Get creative with your plating and enjoy the delicious results!
Proper storage is crucial for keeping chicken salad fresh and tasty. This dish works perfectly for busy days or picnics because you can make it ahead of time.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep your leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. Freezing is not the best option as it can change the salad’s texture.
How Long It Lasts
The classic chicken salad recipe has a 4.89 out of 5 rating from 26 reviews. It serves 7 people and takes only 15 minutes to prepare. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For make-ahead, mix all ingredients except the dressing and store them separately. Then, when you’re ready, combine everything for a delicious classic chicken salad.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Want a new twist on chicken salad? You’re in the right place! This dish is perfect for trying out different ingredients and flavors. Whether you want something lighter or more exciting, our recipe has you covered.
Need a quick fix? Use rotisserie or canned chicken instead of fresh. For a creamier salad, swap mayo for Greek yogurt or mashed avocado. Add thyme or tarragon for a fresh herbal taste.
Want it sweeter? Try adding chopped apples or dried cranberries. For a spicy touch, add sriracha or cayenne pepper. If you love mustard, try whole grain or honey mustard.
Ingredient Substitution Chicken Rotisserie chicken, canned chicken Mayonnaise Greek yogurt, mashed avocado Herbs Thyme, tarragon Sweetness Chopped apples, dried cranberries Spice Sriracha, cayenne pepper Mustard Whole grain, honey mustard
The magic of this creamy chicken salad is how it can change to fit your taste. Try these ideas to make a salad that’s all your own. Enjoy making this classic recipe your own!
Conclusion
This classic chicken salad with eggs is a great, protein-rich meal for many occasions. It has a creamy texture and balanced flavors. You can also make it your own by adding different ingredients.
Perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or casual get-togethers. By following the tips and variations, you can make a chicken salad that you’ll love. Great for meal prep, serving a crowd, or just a healthy lunch.
With tender chicken, crunchy pecans, and fresh veggies, it’s a treat for your taste buds. A mix of textures and flavors will make you feel good.
So, get your ingredients ready and make this classic chicken salad. A dish you’ll love makes it the best lunch choice any day.
FAQ
What is the key ingredient in classic chicken salad?
Cooked chicken serves as the main ingredient in classic chicken salad. You can bake, poach, or use leftover rotisserie chicken.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the recipe?
Yes, you can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or mashed avocado. This makes the chicken salad lighter.
What types of herbs can I add to the chicken salad?
Try adding fresh herbs like dill, parsley, thyme, or chives. They add bright flavors to the salad.
How long can I store the chicken salad?
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps for 3-5 days. Experts do not recommend freezing because it changes the texture.
What are some serving suggestions for the chicken salad?
Serve the chicken salad on lettuce-lined buns, bread, croissants, or wraps. It also goes well with sliced tomatoes, chips, or soup for a full meal.
