Every festive gathering deserves a dish that’s both a conversation starter and a palate pleaser, right? This Easy Apple Chicken Salad is like that unexpected guest who steals the spotlight with charming yet simple charisma. Picture this: crispy apples mingling with tender chicken, all dressed up for the party—it’s a delightful twist you didn’t know you needed.
Steps
- Cook chicken breasts by slicing them in half for even cooking and sauté them in a skillet with oil until golden brown and reaching an internal temperature of 165ºF. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes before chopping into small pieces.
- Chop an apple into small cubes, aiming for about 1.5 cups, and finely dice ¼ cup of red onion. Choose a sweet or sweet-tart apple variety like Fuji or Gala for best flavor.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, apple pieces, diced red onion, and ¼ cup of dried cranberries.
- Prepare the dressing by mixing ? cup mayonnaise, ? cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken, apple, onion, and cranberry mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve the chicken salad immediately or store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to eat.
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 1 apple, chopped (approximately 1.5 cups)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1468kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 136g | Fat: 76g | Sodium: 1580mg | Fiber: 8g
FAQ
- What type of chicken is best for chicken salad?
- You can use freshly cooked chicken breasts, poached chicken, baked chicken, or rotisserie chicken. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones before chopping. Canned chicken breast is also an option but may not offer the best texture or flavor.
- Can I modify the chicken salad recipe by adding other ingredients?
- Absolutely! You can enhance the salad by adding nuts like almonds or pecans, finely chopped celery, or fresh herbs such as basil, tarragon, or chives. If you don’t have dried cranberries, golden raisins or red grapes are excellent alternatives.
- How long will the chicken salad stay fresh?
- The chicken salad typically remains fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Its longevity depends on the freshness of your ingredients and your refrigerator’s conditions. It’s not recommended to freeze this salad.
- What are some serving suggestions for chicken salad?
- Chicken salad can be served in various ways. It makes a delightful sandwich on your preferred bread or a croissant, works well in a wrap, serves as a topping for a green salad, or pairs nicely with crackers as a dip. If using as a dip, consider chopping the chicken and apples into smaller pieces.
Tips
- For a more flavorful chicken salad, consider adding some nuts like almonds or chopped pecans, which pair well with the sweet and tart ingredients.
- Enhance the salad’s freshness by incorporating finely diced celery or fresh herbs like basil, tarragon, or chives.
- If you’re out of dried cranberries, you can substitute them with golden raisins or red grapes for a similar burst of sweetness.
- When serving as a dip with crackers, chop the chicken and apples into smaller pieces for easier scooping and a more uniform texture.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife – A high-quality knife is essential for chopping ingredients efficiently.
- White Cutting Boards – A set of durable cutting boards for food preparation.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Precise measuring tools for ingredients are important for accuracy in recipes.
