Chicken salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, whether as a sandwich filling, a topping for crackers, or simply on its own. This version of chicken salad is elevated with a few key ingredients that enhance its flavor and make it truly unforgettable. The recipe is simple, yet the result is a rich, creamy, and flavorful chicken salad that will quickly become a favorite at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 to 6 thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups of water
- 2 heaping tablespoons of chicken bouillon + 1 teaspoon (divided) *or to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 1 small to medium-sized yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1.5 cups of Hellmann’s Mayo (approximately) *or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of celery seed
- Black pepper and salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Boil the Chicken:
- Start by boiling the chicken breasts in a large pot. Pour 4 cups of water into the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Add the chicken breasts to the boiling water along with 2 heaping tablespoons of chicken bouillon. The bouillon will infuse the chicken with rich, savory flavors, making it the perfect base for your salad.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer until it is fully cooked. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pot and let it cool. Reserve about a cup of the cooking liquid (broth) for later use.
- Shred the Chicken:
- After the chicken has cooled enough to handle, shred it into small pieces. You can use two forks to pull the chicken apart or use your hands for a finer shred. The goal is to create bite-sized pieces that will easily blend with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
- Chop the Vegetables:
- Finely chop the celery stalks and the yellow onion. The crunch of the celery and the mild, sweet flavor of the onion will add texture and depth to the salad.
- Mix the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, and onion.
- Add approximately 1.5 cups of Hellmann’s Mayo to the mixture. The amount of mayo can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with less and add more if needed.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of celery seed. These spices will add a subtle kick and enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
- Season the mixture with black pepper and salt to taste. Be mindful of the salt, as the chicken was already cooked in bouillon, which is salty.
- Adjust the Consistency:
- If the chicken salad seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved cooking liquid (broth) to loosen it up. This step ensures that your chicken salad is moist and flavorful without being overly rich.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
- Taste the Salad:
- Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more mayo for creaminess, more cayenne for spice, or a little more celery seed for that aromatic punch.
- Refrigerate:
- Once you’re satisfied with the taste, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Sandwich: Serve the chicken salad on a bed of lettuce between two slices of your favorite bread for a classic sandwich.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, scoop the chicken salad into large lettuce leaves and roll them up.
- On Crackers: Spoon the salad onto crackers for an easy appetizer or snack.
- Stuffed Tomatoes: Hollow out large tomatoes and fill them with chicken salad for a fresh and vibrant presentation.
Tips for the Best Chicken Salad
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality chicken and Hellmann’s mayo for the best results. The flavors of these ingredients are key to making a delicious chicken salad.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Chicken salad needs a good amount of salt, pepper, and spices to really bring out the flavors.
- Let it Rest: Letting the salad rest in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together, making it taste even better the next day.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to customize the salad with additional ingredients like chopped apples, grapes, nuts, or herbs.
This chicken salad is a versatile dish that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or as a light dinner. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy!
