Chicken Salad: Summer Party Perfection

Crafting the Perfect Chicken Salad: A Guide to Flavor and Technique

Chicken salad is a classic dish, but the definition of "perfect" varies from person to person. While ingredients matter, the key to a truly exceptional chicken salad lies in the technique. This recipe focuses on combining well-seasoned chicken, a balanced dressing, fresh celery, and a touch of acidity, all brought together through proper chilling. The result is a refreshing, creamy, and satisfying meal or snack. Feel free to use this as a base and customize it to your personal preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Salad Success

Here's a breakdown of the ingredients and why they matter:

• Chicken: The star of the show! Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. While some recipes incorporate dark meat, using only breast meat prevents the salad from becoming too soft or fatty.
• Chicken Broth: While water can be used, poaching the chicken in chicken broth infuses it with a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Seasoned Salt: Similar to the chicken broth, seasoned salt adds another layer of flavor compared to regular salt.
• Dressing: Mayonnaise provides the creamy base, but it needs balance. Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard add acidity and brightness, preventing the salad from feeling heavy.
• Mix-Ins: This is where you can get creative! Celery is a must for crunch, and red onion adds a pop of color and flavor. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley contribute freshness. Consider adding toasted nuts for extra texture, fruit for sweetness, or chopped pickles for a briny kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Salad Perfection

Follow these steps to create a chicken salad that's bursting with flavor and texture:

1. Poach the Chicken: Combine the chicken breasts, chicken broth, and seasoned salt in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 10 minutes). Using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked through without being overdone.
2. Cool and Cube the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken. Once cooled, cut the chicken into uniform cubes. Chopping the chicken ensures an even distribution of ingredients in every bite.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Combine Chicken and Dressing: Add the cubed chicken to the dressing and stir to coat.
5. Add Mix-Ins: Incorporate your desired mix-ins, such as celery, red onion, and pickles. Stir to combine.
6. Season to Taste: Taste the chicken salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Salt is often required, so don't be afraid to add more to enhance the flavors.
7. Chill (Optional): While you can enjoy the chicken salad immediately, chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Sandwiches: The classic choice! Use your favorite bread, croissants, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
• Salads: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for a refreshing and healthy meal.
• Crackers or Crostini: Spread the chicken salad on crackers or toasted baguette slices for an easy appetizer.
• Stuffed Vegetables: Fill tomatoes, avocados, or bell peppers with chicken salad for a creative and flavorful presentation.

Complementary Side Dishes

Enhance your chicken salad meal with these delicious side dishes:

• Pasta Salad: An Italian-inspired pasta salad with vinaigrette is a simple and reliable option that complements the creamy chicken salad.
• Potato Salad: A classic potato salad, slightly tangy and not overly sweet, is a perfect addition to any summer cookout.
• Corn Salad: A simple corn salad offers a fresh and vibrant contrast to the richness of the chicken salad.

Storage Tips for Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is an excellent make-ahead dish as the flavors deepen over time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping lunches or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Recipe for Perfect Chicken Salad

Yields: 5 servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3 to 4)
• 6 c. low-sodium chicken broth or water
• 2 tbsp. seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s) or kosher salt, divided
• 1/3 c. full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/3 c. mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 tbsp. grainy or smooth Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 celery ribs, finely chopped
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 c. finely chopped dill pickles (from about 2 spears)
• 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine chicken, broth, and 1 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover pot, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Let rest 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, dill, mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Cut chicken into 1/4" cubes and add to yogurt mixture, tossing to coat. Add celery, onion, pickles, pepper, and remaining 1 1/2 tsp. salt and mix until well combined.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.