Best 7 Classic Creamy Chicken Salad Recipes

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If you're looking for a classic recipe that is sure to please everyone, creamy chicken salad is the perfect choice. This dish is made with cooked chicken, mayonnaise, celery, onion, and seasonings, and can be served on sandwiches, crackers, or as a salad. It's a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it's also a delicious and easy meal to prepare. With so many variations on the classic recipe, you're sure to find a version that you'll love.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD



Classic Chicken Salad image

A classic chicken salad recipe is always a favorite at a picnic, a barbecue, or an office potluck! Just a few ingredients can be transformed into a cold, creamy salad or filling for a homemade chicken salad sandwich or wrap!

Provided by Holly Nilsson

Categories     Salad

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups cooked chicken (chopped)
½ cup mayonnaise
1 stalk celery (chopped)
1 green onion (diced (or chives or red onion))
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
pepper to taste
1 teaspoon fresh dill (optional)

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve as a sandwich or over salad.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 206 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Sodium 362 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving

THE CLASSIC 1953 CORONATION CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE



The Classic 1953 Coronation Chicken Salad Recipe image

This is my adaptation of the much loved and famous recipe created by Constance Spry for the Queen's Coronation lunch in 1953. I make this regularly for picnics and buffets; it is also amazing as a sandwich filler. In 1953, curry powder would have been used - but I find that curry paste works better. Use any type of poached or cooked chicken - I usually cook a couple of chicken breasts just for this recipe, however, a whole cooked chicken works very well; don't forget to remove the skin and check for bones first. This recipe is based on the Coronation Chicken recipe in: The Constance Spry Cookery Book by Constance Spry & Rosemary Hulme (1956).

Provided by French Tart

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 1/2-3 lbs cooked chicken breasts (chicken pieces or whole cooked chicken)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, peeled and diced finely
1 tablespoon curry paste
1 tablespoon tomato puree
2 fluid ounces red wine
1 bay leaf
1/2 lemon, juice of
4 canned apricot halves
1 tablespoon apricot jam
1/2 pint mayonnaise
4 fluid ounces whipping cream
salt & pepper
watercress (to garnish)

Steps:

  • Remove the skin and any bones from the chicken and cut into small pieces.
  • Heat up the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan and add the onion. Cook on a medium heat for about 3 minutes until the Onion is soft and translucent.
  • Add the curry paste, tomato puree, red wine, bay leaf and the lemon juice to the cooked onions.
  • Lower the heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until reduced. Remove the bay leaf and leave to onion sauce to cool.
  • Finely chop the apricot halves and puree them through a sieve or with a hand held blender.
  • Place the pureed apricots into a bowl and mix in the mayonnaise.
  • Add the onion sauce and apricot jam and mix well.
  • Whip the cream to stiff peaks and fold this also into the mixture. Mix well.
  • Season with salt & pepper and if necessary add a little extra Lemon Juice.
  • Finally, fold in the chicken pieces coating them with the mixture well.
  • Garnish with watercress and serve.
  • Serves 4 to 6 as a salad with additional salad ingredients, or makes 8 rounds of sandwiches. Also wonderful as a vol au vents or pie filling.

CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD



Classic Chicken Salad image

Try serving this Classic Chicken Salad on a bed of mixed greens or on whole-grain bread.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup diced chicken
1 heaping tablespoon minced red onion
1 heaping tablespoon minced celery
2 teaspoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Dash of hot sauce
Coarse salt and ground pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Place all ingredients in a bowl; stir to combine.
  • For a whole-grain sandwich, layer your favorite whole-grain bread with 1/4 cup baby greens (we used arugula) and chicken salad.
  • To serve on a bed of greens, place 2 cups mixed salad greens on a plate; spoon chicken salad over the top, and add 6 to 8 halved red seedless grapes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 293 g, Fat 16 g, Protein 33 g

CREAMY CHICKEN SALAD



Creamy Chicken Salad image

I modified the original recipe for this chicken salad to make it healthier. The ingredients are so flavorful that my changes didn't take away from the taste. This refreshing salad never lasts long at our house. Even if I double the recipe, my husband asks, "Why didn't you make more?" -Kristi Abernathy, Lewistown, Montana

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
1 cup cooked small ring pasta
1 cup halved seedless red grapes
1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
3 celery ribs, chopped
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 cup reduced-fat whipped topping
1/4 teaspoon salt
Lettuce leaves, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken, pasta, grapes, oranges, celery, almonds and onion. , In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, whipped topping and salt. Add to the chicken mixture; stir to coat. Serve in a lettuce-lined bowl if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Fat 13g fat (0 saturated fat), Cholesterol 38mg cholesterol, Sodium 307mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CRISPY CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE BY TASTY



Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken Salad Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, chicken breasts, all purpose flour, large eggs, olive oil, sour cream, buttermilk, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, freshly ground black pepper, mixed greens, mixed cherry tomato, red onion

Provided by Alix Traeger

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon salt, plus more for taste
1 teaspoon pepper, plus more for taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 chicken breasts
1 cup all purpose flour
3 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil
⅔ cup sour cream
⅓ cup buttermilk
¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 oz mixed greens
2 cups mixed cherry tomato, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 425˚F (220˚C).
  • In a medium bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix together with a fork.
  • Season the chicken breasts on both sides with pepper and salt to taste.
  • Add the flour and eggs to 2 separate medium bowls. Dip the chicken breasts in the flour and shake off the excess. Then, dip in the eggs. Finally, dip in the bread crumb mixture. Make sure the chicken is well-coated.
  • Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet and drizzle with the olive oil.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until deep golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted in the thick part of a breast registers at least 165˚F (75˚C).
  • While the chicken is cooking, make the dressing: In a liquid measuring cup or small bowl, combine the sour cream, buttermilk, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a few more splashes of buttermilk.
  • To assemble the salad, add the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to a large bowl. Drizzle about ½ the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  • Slice the chicken, then serve on top of the salad and drizzle with more dressing.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 709 calories, Carbohydrate 63 grams, Fat 30 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 45 grams, Sugar 11 grams

CLASSIC CHICKEN SALAD



Classic Chicken Salad image

This crowd-pleasing recipe for classic chicken salad is perfect for sandwiches, salads, and snacking. Bits of celery, relish, and fresh herbs add texture and flavor while Dijon mustard and lemon juice add a tangy bite. Enjoy it just as it is, or add nuts or fruits. My favorite way to eat this is on toasted wheat bread with lettuce and tomato alongside a healthy serving of potato chips!

Provided by NicoleMcmom

Time 3h55m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 14

cooking spray
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
¾ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
¾ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup mayonnaise, or more to taste
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup sweet relish
3 stalks green onions (white and light green parts only), minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
½ cup finely chopped celery

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Season chicken evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and onion powder. Place in the prepared baking dish and cover tightly with foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until juices run clear and chicken shreds easily, about 1 hour 20 minutes; don't overcook. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Remove from the oven, uncover, and let sit until cool enough to handle, about 15 minutes. Reserve any accumulated chicken broth.
  • Prepare dressing while chicken cools. Combine 1 cup mayonnaise, sour cream, relish, green onions, parsley, Dijon, lemon juice, dill, and remaining salt and pepper in a large bowl; mix until well combined.
  • Break chicken into large pieces and place in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 3 to 5 times to shred chicken to desired consistency.
  • Transfer chicken to a bowl. Add celery and pour dressing over top; toss to coat. If more moisture is desired, add reserved broth or more mayonnaise.
  • Cover and chill for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days) before serving. Stir well before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.7 calories, Carbohydrate 4.4 g, Cholesterol 65.1 mg, Fat 22.1 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 19.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 456.7 mg, Sugar 2.2 g

CLASSIC CREAMY CHICKEN SALAD RECIPE



Classic Creamy Chicken Salad Recipe image

Provided by tamalone

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 Large whole bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt & pepper
For Salad
2 medium ribs celery, cut into small dice
2 medium scallions, white and green parts, minced
3/4 - 1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice from 1 small lemon
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup pecan or walnut halves
1 cup red grapes, halved or dried cranberries
salt and ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Set breasts on small, foil-lined jelly roll pan. Brush with oil and sprinkle generously with salt. Roast until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of breast registers 160 degrees, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool to room temperature, remove skin and bones, and shred meat into bite-sized pieces (about 5 cups). (Can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for 2 days.) Mix all salad ingredients (including chicken, shredded) together in large bowl, including salt and pepper to taste. Serve. (Can be covered and refrigerated overnight.)

Tips:

  • Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have cooked chicken, you can easily poach or bake some chicken breasts.
  • Be sure to chop the chicken into small pieces so that it distributes evenly throughout the salad.
  • Use a variety of seasonings and herbs to give the salad flavor. Some good options include celery salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
  • If you like a creamy salad, use mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as the base. For a lighter salad, use a vinaigrette dressing.
  • Add some chopped celery and onion for crunch. You could also add other vegetables, such as chopped carrots, peas, or bell peppers.
  • Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed.
  • Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich.

Conclusion:

Chicken salad is a classic dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It's a great option for a light lunch or dinner, and it's also perfect for potlucks and picnics. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a chicken salad recipe that everyone will love.

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