Classic Chicken Salad Delight
This Classic Chicken Salad Delight is a timeless recipe that brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts, crisp celery, and zesty lemon juice, all enveloped in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Perfectly seasoned with fresh parsley and dill seed, this chicken salad is ideal for hearty sandwiches or as a delightful stuffing for ripe tomatoes. Whether you're using leftover roast chicken or freshly boiled chicken, this simple yet satisfying dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it chilled for a refreshing lunch or snack packed with flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chicken breasts
2 whole (cooked and chopped)
Celery stalk
1 (for boiling)
Onion
1 (quartered for boiling)
Chopped celery
1 cup (freshly chopped)
Mayonnaise
1.5-2 cups (based on preference)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Dill seed
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a saucepan, place the boneless chicken breasts, a celery stalk, and a quartered onion, covering them with water.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer, cooking for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3
Drain the pan, discarding the onion and celery stalk, and allow the chicken to cool completely.
4
Once cooled, use a food processor to finely chop the chicken. Be careful not to overprocess; you want a nice, chunky texture.
5
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken with mayonnaise, adjusting the amount according to your desired creaminess.
6
Add the chopped celery, fresh parsley, dill seed, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
7
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8
Serve chilled, either in sandwiches or as a tasty filling for tomatoes.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Chicken Salad Delight?
It is a timeless recipe featuring tender chicken breasts, crisp celery, and zesty lemon juice in a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this chicken salad?
The main ingredients include boneless chicken breasts, celery, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, and dill seed.
How should I cook the chicken for this recipe?
Place chicken breasts, a celery stalk, and a quartered onion in a saucepan, cover with water, boil, and then simmer for about 20 minutes.
Can I use leftover chicken for this salad?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for using leftover roast chicken or freshly boiled chicken.
What is the secret to the texture of the chicken?
Using a food processor to finely chop the cooled chicken while being careful not to overprocess ensures a perfect chunky texture.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe suggests using 1.5 to 2 cups of mayonnaise, which can be adjusted according to your desired creaminess.
Why is lemon juice added to the recipe?
Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice are added to provide a zesty flavor that balances the creamy dressing.
What seasonings are used in Classic Chicken Salad Delight?
The salad is seasoned with fresh parsley, dill seed, and salt and pepper to taste.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
It is recommended to cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What is the best way to serve this chicken salad?
Serve it chilled as a hearty sandwich filling or as a tasty stuffing for ripe tomatoes.
Do I include the onion used for boiling in the final salad?
No, you should discard the onion and the boiling celery stalk after the chicken has finished cooking.
How many chicken breasts do I need?
The recipe requires 2 whole boneless chicken breasts.
What type of celery is added directly to the salad mixture?
One cup of freshly chopped celery is added to the mixture for a crisp texture.
Is this chicken salad suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for a lunch or a quick snack.
Can I use dill weed instead of dill seed?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of dill seed to provide its characteristic flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients listed in the recipe, including seasonings.
What does 'to taste' mean for the salt and pepper?
It means you should add as much or as little salt and pepper as you prefer for your personal seasoning preference.
Should the chicken be warm when I mix it with the mayonnaise?
No, the chicken should be allowed to cool completely before being processed and mixed with the mayonnaise.
Is the parsley fresh or dried?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead and letting it chill in the refrigerator actually helps the flavors develop.
Is this a simple recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple boiling and mixing steps.
What is the recommended size for the chopped chicken?
The chicken should be chopped into a nice, chunky texture using a food processor.
How much lemon juice is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Does the recipe contain any sugar?
No, the ingredient list does not include sugar.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken salad, lunch, snacks, sandwiches, classic recipe, easy recipes, hearty meals, and leftover chicken.
Can I serve this at room temperature?
It is best served chilled for the most refreshing taste and food safety.
How much dill seed is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dill seed.
Is this a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty meal especially when served in sandwiches.
What equipment is needed for chopping the chicken?
A food processor is recommended to achieve the desired finely chopped but chunky texture.
Can I use this recipe as a tomato filler?
Absolutely, it is specifically mentioned as a delightful stuffing for ripe tomatoes.