Introduction
This delicious chicken salad is perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing snack. Using a rotisserie chicken makes it quick and easy to prepare, and the combination of crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and creamy mayonnaise creates an irresistible flavor profile. Whether served on bread, in a croissant, or in lettuce wraps, this salad is sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup seedless grapes, sliced
1/2 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: Serves approximately 4-6
Enjoy creating this delightful chicken salad that is both satisfying and refreshing!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Shred the Chicken
Begin by taking the rotisserie chicken and shredding it into bite-sized pieces. You should aim for approximately 2 1/2 cups of shredded chicken for your salad.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a medium-sized bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream using a hand mixer or whisk until it reaches soft peaks. This should take a few minutes of vigorous mixing.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped celery, sliced grapes, sliced almonds, chopped parsley, salt, and mayonnaise. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
Step 4: Fold in Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chicken mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much; you want to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Cover the chicken salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This time allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
Step 6: Serve
Once chilled, serve the chicken salad on your choice of bread, croissants, lettuce wraps, or alongside crackers for a delightful meal or snack.
Notes
Storage
The chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations
Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as diced apples, walnuts, or different herbs according to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This salad can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling, a stand-alone salad, or as a dip for vegetables and crackers. Adjust the serving portions based on your needs.
Cook techniques
Shredding Chicken
Shred the rotisserie chicken using two forks or your hands, ensuring you create bite-sized pieces for easier mixing with other ingredients.
Whipping Cream
In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the heavy whipping cream until it forms soft peaks. This adds a light and airy texture to the chicken salad.
Mixing Ingredients
Combine the shredded chicken, chopped celery, sliced grapes, sliced almonds, chopped parsley, salt, and mayonnaise in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula to blend these ingredients thoroughly.
Folding in Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chicken mixture. This technique helps maintain the lightness of the whipped cream while ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Chilling the Salad
Cover the mixed chicken salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, leftover or any cooked chicken works well, as long as it is shredded into bite-sized pieces.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise can be used as a healthier or dairy-free alternative to mayonnaise in this recipe.
How should I store the chicken salad?
Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly.
Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Absolutely! You can customize your chicken salad with additional ingredients like diced apples, cranberries, or different nuts based on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this chicken salad is perfect for meal prep. Just prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
Conclusion
This delicious rotisserie chicken salad is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, blending the juicy chicken with the crunch of celery and almonds, the sweetness of grapes, and the freshness of parsley. The addition of mayonnaise and whipped cream creates a creamy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Serve it chilled for a refreshing meal or snack that can easily be enjoyed in various ways.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Salad Wraps
Use the chicken salad as a filling for wraps made with lettuce, spinach, or whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
Grilled Chicken Salad
Substitute rotisserie chicken with grilled chicken breast, and add cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a fresh twist.
Fruit and Nut Chicken Salad
Incorporate diced apples and walnuts into the existing recipe for a different flavor profile and added crunch.
Curried Chicken Salad
Add curry powder to the mixture along with raisins for a unique and aromatic version that’s perfect for sandwiches.
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Serve the chicken salad between slices of whole grain bread or on croissants for a delightful lunchtime treat.
