There’s nothing quite as satisfying as diving into a creamy, flavor-packed bite of my Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe. With tender poached chicken, juicy grapes, nutty almonds, and fresh herbs, this classic dish is bursting with color, crunch, and serious lunchbox appeal. It’s easy to make, delightfully customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Burst of Texture: Every forkful delivers a perfect contrast of tender chicken, crisp celery, juicy grapes, and crunchy almonds.
- Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: A medley of fresh herbs and a zesty squeeze of lemon brighten up this classic chicken salad.
- Great for Make-Ahead Meals: This chicken salad chills beautifully and only gets better as flavors meld, making it ideal for meal prep or gatherings.
- Totally Customizable: This recipe adapts to whatever you’ve got on hand or want to toss in—think leftover rotisserie chicken or your favorite salad mix-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe is simple, but every addition matters! Each ingredient plays a unique role in delivering flavor, crunch, or creaminess—and together, they create an irresistible salad you’ll find yourself making again and again.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The main event—poaching them keeps the chicken ultra moist and tender while soaking in the aromatics.
- Sliced Raw Almonds: For a satisfying crunch and toasty nuttiness in every bite.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything, choose a good mayo for the best flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy zip and depth that keeps the dressing lively, never bland.
- Red Grapes (quartered): The pop of sweetness that makes this salad extra refreshing and pretty.
- Celery (diced): For that signature crispness and a fresh, vegetal bite.
- Green Onions: Both green and white parts bring a gentle onion flavor that’s never harsh.
- Fresh Parsley and Tarragon: These herbs add vibrant color and a subtle “springy” earthiness.
- Lemon Juice: Wakes up all the flavors with a sunny citrus zing.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For perfect seasoning from top to bottom.
Variations
The beauty of the Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe is how effortlessly you can tweak it. Whether you’re out of an ingredient, catering to dietary needs, or just in the mood for something different, the ideas below will help you make it your own.
- Swap Grapes for Apples or Dried Cranberries: Try diced tart apples for crunch, or dried cranberries for a tangy, chewy contrast to the creamy base.
- Use Rotisserie or Leftover Chicken: Save time by using cooked chicken you have on hand—just shred or dice before mixing in.
- Make it Lighter: Swap half or all of the mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed twist.
- Add More Herbs: Experiment with fresh dill, basil, or a sprinkle of chives to switch up the flavor profile.
- Go Nut-Free: Omit the almonds or replace them with toasted sunflower seeds or pepitas for a similar crunch without the allergens.
How to Make Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Poach and Cool the Chicken
Start by laying the chicken breasts in a wide pot and covering them with water—don’t forget a generous sprinkle of salt, and feel free to toss in some bay leaves, peppercorns, or a wedge of onion for extra flavor. Heat gently, let the chicken simmer until perfectly cooked, then rest it briefly before chilling it in the fridge—cold chicken is easiest to dice and won’t make your salad watery.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
While your chicken cools, quarter the red grapes, finely dice the celery, and slice up the green onions. Chop up your fresh parsley and tarragon too—these herbs are the secret to incredible flavor. Have your almonds, mustard, lemon juice, and mayo ready to go for the mixing stage.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Dice your cooled chicken into chunky, bite-sized pieces and add them to a big mixing bowl. Top with all your chopped produce, the herbs, crunchy almonds, and seasonings. Pour in the mayo, Dijon, and lemon juice, then gently mix until everything is creamy and evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed—then pop the bowl in the fridge to let the flavors meld before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe
- Ultra-Tender Chicken Every Time: Always poach gently—overcooking leads to tough, rubbery bites; aim for 160-165ºF and let the chicken rest before dicing.
- Cool Ingredients Are Key: Make sure your chicken is fully chilled before mixing to keep the dressing luscious and thick rather than runny.
- Chop to Consistency: Keep all your mix-ins about the same size as the diced chicken for the ideal bite and best-looking salad presentation.
- Don’t Skimp on Fresh Herbs: Fresh tarragon and parsley bring the “wow” factor—dry herbs don’t deliver the same brightness here!
How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I love showering the finished salad with a handful of extra fresh parsley or tarragon and maybe a scattering of thinly sliced almonds or a squeeze of lemon. These simple finishing touches add extra freshness, color, and restaurant-worthy flair.
Side Dishes
The Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe goes beautifully with a crisp green salad, a bowl of soup, or some fresh fruit. For a heartier meal, serve with warm crusty bread, buttery croissants, or your favorite crackers—everything works!
Creative Ways to Present
Make this salad the star: pile it on toasted baguette slices for party-ready crostini, tuck it into lettuce wraps, stuff it inside a halved avocado, or serve in classic sandwich form. Little ramekins or cups also make for adorable single servings at brunches or showers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken salad keeps perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. In fact, it tends to get even more flavorful as it rests and the ingredients mingle, so don’t be afraid to prep ahead!
Freezing
While freezing mayo-based salads like this Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe isn’t recommended (the dressing can separate and turn watery when thawed), you can freeze the poached, diced chicken itself and whip up the rest of the salad fresh when you need it.
Reheating
This one’s meant to be served cool or at room temperature, so no reheating required! If the salad has been in the fridge for a while, gently stir to revive its creamy texture and freshen up flavors before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for the Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—just shred or dice the meat and continue with the recipe as written. The flavors will still be delicious, and you’ll save some time in the kitchen.
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What’s the best way to poach chicken for chicken salad?
The key is gently simmering the chicken breasts in salted water (add aromatics for deeper flavor) until they’re just cooked through, then resting and chilling them. This keeps the meat moist and tender, making for an unbeatable salad texture.
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Can I make the Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better after a few hours in the fridge, which lets all the flavors meld. Just keep it well covered and give it a gentle stir before serving to freshen it up.
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Is there a good substitute for tarragon?
If you don’t have fresh tarragon, you can use extra parsley or try finely chopped fresh basil or dill for a different but complimentary herbal note. While tarragon brings a distinct flavor, the salad will still be delicious with these swaps.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe a try soon—it’s the dish I make on repeat for lunches, picnics, and celebrations, and always gets rave reviews. Grab those fresh herbs and juicy grapes, and let delicious, creamy chicken salad brighten up your table today!
Print
Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Chicken Salad Recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Tender poached chicken is mixed with crunchy almonds, sweet grapes, and flavorful herbs, all brought together with a creamy dressing. Serve this chicken salad on its own, with bread, or over greens for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For Poaching the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
For the Chicken Salad:
- 1/2 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
- To Poach the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a wide pot or pan and cover by about an inch with cold water. Season with salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and let simmer for 8 to 12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F to 165°F. Chill in the fridge.
- Chicken Salad Recipe: Dice the cooled chicken and place in a mixing bowl. Add celery, green onion, grapes, parsley, tarragon, almonds, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
