Deli-Style Chicken Salad

Deli-Style Chicken Salad is a classic dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy celery, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a side dish. This recipe is simple to prepare and makes a delicious and versatile meal. Let’s dive into the detailed instructions for making this flavorful chicken salad.

Ingredients

• 500 grams of boneless, diced chicken breast
• 300 grams of boneless, diced chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
• 2/3 cup mayonnaise
• 3 stalks of celery, diced
• Additional sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Dice the chicken breast and thighs into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Season and Cook:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the diced chicken to the skillet.
   • Season the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of granulated onion.
   • Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Cool the Chicken:
   • Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad

1. Dice the Celery:
   • While the chicken is cooling, dice the celery stalks into small pieces.
2. Mix the Dressing:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the cooled chicken. Stir until the chicken is well coated.
3. Add the Celery:
   • Fold the diced celery into the chicken mixture.
4. Season to Taste:
   • Taste the chicken salad and add additional sea salt and black pepper as needed to suit your preference.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

1. Chill:
   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Serve:
   • Serve the chicken salad chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Chicken Options: You can use all chicken breast or all chicken thighs if you prefer one over the other. Thighs add more moisture and flavor, while breasts are leaner.
• Mayonnaise: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Additional Ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients like grapes, apples, nuts, or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture.

Variations

Low-Calorie Version

• Substitute the mayonnaise with a light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
• Add more vegetables like chopped bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers.

Spicy Chicken Salad

• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Include diced jalapeños or green chilies for added heat.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: Yes, this chicken salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop and improve.

Q: How long does this chicken salad last? A: Store the chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken? A: Absolutely! Leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe. Just dice it and follow the rest of the instructions.

Q: Can I add fruits or nuts to this salad? A: Yes, adding fruits like grapes or apples and nuts like almonds or walnuts can add great texture and flavor to the chicken salad.

Q: What are good serving suggestions for this chicken salad? A: This chicken salad is versatile and can be served on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, wrap, or as a dip with crackers and veggies.

Deli-Style Chicken Salad is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, and light dinners. With its creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crunchy celery, it’s sure to be a hit. Try this classic recipe and enjoy it as a versatile and flavorful meal. Feel free to experiment with variations and additional ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!