Brooklyn-Style White Meat Chicken Salad
Inspired by the iconic chicken salad from Junior's in Brooklyn, this delightful dish captures the essence of fresh, flavorful ingredients that make it perfect for a leisurely lunch or a satisfying snack. The succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned, is elevated by crisp diced celery and a touch of lemon, bringing brightness to every bite. Blended with a creamy dressing that combines rich mayonnaise, smooth sour cream, and a hint of Dijon mustard, it creates a harmonious balance that is irresistible. Serve it on thick slices of soft white or Challah bread for a sandwich, or enjoy it on a bed of curly lettuce for a refreshing salad. Enjoy this recipe, and don’t forget to save room for Junior's legendary cheesecake afterwards!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Celery leaves
To taste (Optional)
Salt
2 teaspoons (Divided (1 tsp for cooking + 1 tsp for dressing))
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Divided (1/8 tsp for cooking + 1/4 tsp for dressing))
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (About 2 large whole breasts or 4 large halves)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Celery, diced
1 cup (Diced)
Fresh dill
1 tablespoon (Snipped)
Mayonnaise
3/4 cup (Use Hellman's Real Mayonnaise, not light variety)
Sour cream
1/3 cup (Regular)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (Regular)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (Regular)
Instructions
1
To prepare the chicken, fill a large saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. For added flavor, throw in a few celery leaves along with the salt and white pepper.
2
When the water reaches a boil, gently place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the chicken to simmer until it's fully cooked, which should take about 8 minutes. The chicken should be opaque and the juices clear.
3
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a colander. Rinse the chicken under cold running water to cool it down quickly, then pat it dry with paper towels.
4
Cut the cooled chicken into 3/4-inch chunks, making sure not to shred it for the best texture in the salad.
5
In a medium mixing bowl, add the chicken chunks and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to combine. Next, fold in the diced celery and snipped dill.
6
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients for the dressing: mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, additional salt, white pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
7
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until every piece is nicely coated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
8
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy on your choice of bread or as a salad on leafy greens.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brooklyn-Style White Meat Chicken Salad?
It is a dish inspired by the iconic chicken salad from Junior's in Brooklyn, featuring fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing.
What restaurant inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the famous Junior's restaurant in Brooklyn.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts, which is about 2 large whole breasts or 4 large halves.
How do I cook the chicken for this salad?
Simmer the chicken in a large saucepan of boiling water for about 8 minutes until it is opaque and the juices are clear.
What can I add to the poaching water for more flavor?
You can add a few celery leaves, salt, and white pepper to the boiling water.
How do I cool the chicken quickly?
Once cooked, rinse the chicken under cold running water in a colander and pat it dry with paper towels.
What size should the chicken be cut into?
The cooled chicken should be cut into 3/4-inch chunks.
Should I shred the chicken for this recipe?
No, the recipe recommends cutting the chicken into chunks rather than shredding it for the best texture.
When should I add the lemon juice?
Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the chicken chunks immediately after cutting them and toss gently to combine.
What kind of mayonnaise is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of Hellman's Real Mayonnaise rather than a light variety.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder.
How much celery is used in the salad?
The recipe requires 1 cup of diced celery.
Which fresh herb is included in the mix?
One tablespoon of fresh snipped dill is added to the chicken and celery mixture.
What type of mustard is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of regular Dijon mustard.
How much sour cream is added to the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of regular sour cream.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice in this recipe?
Lemon juice is used to bring brightness and balance to the flavor of the salad.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, white pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth.
How do I combine the dressing with the chicken?
Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until every piece is evenly coated.
What type of pepper is recommended for this dish?
The recipe specifically calls for white pepper for both cooking the chicken and seasoning the dressing.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Should the chicken salad be served immediately?
While you can serve it immediately, it is recommended to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why should the chicken salad be chilled?
Chilling the salad allows the various flavors to properly meld together.
What are the serving suggestions for a sandwich?
It is best served on thick slices of soft white bread or Challah bread.
How can I serve this as a lower-carb option?
You can enjoy the chicken salad on a bed of curly lettuce or leafy greens.
How is the salt divided in the recipe?
One teaspoon of salt is used for cooking the chicken and one teaspoon is used for the dressing.
How much total white pepper is used?
A total of 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper is used, divided between the cooking water and the dressing.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad features succulent chunks of chicken with a creamy dressing and crisp celery.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the recipe suggests adjusting the seasoning to taste after mixing the dressing with the chicken.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a comfort food classic.
What is the recommended dessert to follow this meal?
The recipe suggests saving room for Junior's legendary cheesecake after enjoying the salad.